Why do elephants with medical conditions like arthritis in joints are kept in water .Howdoes staying in water relieves them of joint pain?

Elephants with medical conditions like arthritis are often kept in water for several reasons:

1. Buoyancy: The buoyancy of water reduces the weight placed on the joints, which can alleviate pain and make movement easier for the elephant. This is similar to why humans with joint pain often find relief through swimming or water aerobics.

2. Resistance: Water provides a gentle resistance that can help strengthen the muscles around the joints without putting too much strain on them. This can help improve the elephant's overall mobility and reduce the impact of arthritis over time.

3. Temperature: Warm water can help soothe stiff, aching joints and muscles. This is why hot baths and hot tubs are often recommended for people with arthritis.

4. Hydrostatic Pressure: The pressure exerted by water can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the joints, which are common symptoms of arthritis.

5. Relaxation: Just like humans, elephants can find water soothing and relaxing, which can help reduce pain and discomfort.

So, keeping elephants with arthritis in water can provide them with physical relief from their symptoms, while also offering a soothing and relaxing environment.