Monday 22 February 2016

Elbow Dislocation: Symptoms, Causes And Treatment


An elbow dislocation refers to when the bones of the forearm move out of place, either the radius or the ulna in comparison to the humerus. When either of these two bones move out of place, a dislocation is said to have occurred. This is a very painful joint pain and it requires urgent and immediate attention to help the affected individual get back to health. If not attended to fast, swelling may occur as nerves may not be working well or blood vessels may be impeded from transporting blood.

In most cases, the causes of an elbow dislocation is an awkward fall where one falls on the arm in an improper way and thus, one bone of the arm tends to be dislocated. In other cases, traumatic injury such as a car crash may cause and elbow dislocation. This can also be as a result of sport where one may be injured in sport such as football or even rugby.

An elbow dislocation is manifested by severe pain in the elbow and an accompanied swelling at the dislocation point. This makes the elbow tough to bend or even move at all. The feeling sensation may be lost in the hand if the dislocated bone tends to press on nerves serving the arm. In some cases, some patients report not to feel a pulse in their wrists. This may be an indication that the veins and arteries were hurt by the dislocation.

The elbow dislocation causes severe pain and ought to be attended to as soon as it happens. It is for that reason that one needs to go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital so as to have it sorted out. It is especially dire if one is unable to move the arm, not have a feeling in the arm or even when one cannot feel a pulse in the arm.

You should go to the doctor's office or hospital's emergency department immediately if you are unable to move your elbow, have severe pain, cannot feel your hand, or have no pulse in your wrist for timely joint pain treatments to be administered.

When one arrives at the hospital, the doctor will fast of all check the joint pain facts before going to the administration of joint pain treatments. First off, the doctor checks for a pulse so as to know whether or not the arteries and veins are affected. Next, they check if one still has the sensation of feeling and can move the fingers so as to rule out damage to the nerves in the arm. This in most cases is a good sign when one has nerve sensation as all that the doctor has to worry about is setting the bone back in place.

To set the bone back in place, the doctor relies on x-rays to show where the dislocation occurred and how to set the bone back in place. In case damage to an artery or vein is suspected, further tests are ordered in the form of an arteriogram.

In as much as an elbow dislocation is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention, there are some simple self-care tips that one can use if medical attention is not close to them. The first thing to do in the joint pain treatments is to look for an icepack and place on the dislocated region. In most cases, a dislocation causes swelling and the ice pack may help control the swelling. It is also a good way to reduce the pain caused by the dislocation as the ice numbs the nerves serving that specific area.

If you desire to check if the arteries are still in place after a dislocation and that an artery has not raptured internally, one should place a thumb at the base of the wrist so as to feel for a pulse. IF a pulse is not noticed, then, you ought to seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

One can also check on the function of the nerve function by trying to open up the palm and closing it. Another thing to try is to see if they can spread their fingers apart. If all this tests are positive, there is a high chance that the nerves serving the arm are working well. If any of the above is problematic, then, it is highly recommended that one seeks immediate medical attention as nerve damage could have happened with the dislocation. After the joints have been restored back in place, the arm is set in a cast which may take anywhere from 8 – 12 weeks to resolve.

References:

https://www.jointhealthmagazine.com/jointrelief

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/arlington-heights/community/chi-ugc-article-4-nutrition-and-exercise-tips-for-people-with-2016-02-18-story.html

Saturday 20 February 2016

Most Common Locations: Rheumatoid Arthritis


Rheumatoid arthritis, also known as RA, is an autoimmune condition type of arthritis that can affect five or more joints altogether. This means that the immune system mainly attacks certain parts of the body, especially in the joints.

If not properly treated, this can lead to inflammation, which will cause severe joint damage. Studies show that every 1 out of 5 people who have rheumatoid arthritis have experienced lumps on their skin. That is called rheumatoid nodules, which often joint over joint areas that tend to receive the most pressure, such as the elbows, heels, and knuckles.

During the early course of dealing with rheumatoid arthritis, the most common joints that are usually involved include:
  • Your wrists
  • The joints that connects your fingers to your hands
  • The middle joints of your fingers
  • The joints that attach your toes to your feet
  • Your ankles

The larger joints are often affected later in the process of its course – which includes parts such as your shoulders, knees, and elbows. Rheumatoid arthritis usually tends to develop in the same joints on both sides of the body as symptoms and signs include pain, noticeable warmth, swelling of the affected joint area, and morning stiffness that may last over an hour.

When not treated during the early stages, rheumatoid arthritis can cause a hefty amount of damage that will become worse over periods of time. This disease has a strong potential to completely damage the joint’s tissues as well as the bones itself. Through continuous inflammation in between the spaces of the joint, this will gradually increase the damage of the fibrous connective tissue that is used to hold the skeleton together at the cartilage – ultimately narrowing down the space of the joints and eventually eroding the bones.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

As symptoms can slowly appear or start very suddenly, they are most often more severe than symptoms of osteoarthritis. As Rheumatoid arthritis often affects multiple joints, you may feel sudden pain and stiffness as well as swelling in your wrists, hands, elbows, knees, shoulders, ankles, neck, feet and jaw. There is usually a symmetrical pattern in symptoms.

For example: When the ankles on the left foot start to become inflamed, the ankles on the right will also become inflamed. After a short period of time, more of your joints will gradually get involved and become painful and swollen as well as feel warm to the touch.

Joint Swelling

This often persists and definitely interferes while you are driving, walking, working, and other daily activities. The stiffness often starts in the morning when you wake up and may even continue to last for hours, and even throughout the day. Your body may also start to feel fatigue and a sudden loss of appetite.

When multiple joints become affected, synovitis can lead to a cause of tissue tethering along with the loss of movement and joint erosion – with ultimately leads to loss of function and deformation.

Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

This chronic autoimmune disorder is not well understand as well as no proper evidence of what the physical and emotional effects really are to cause a trigger for the disease. Various negative findings suggest the many causes of what could trigger it, yet most of the risk is believed to be considered genetic.

Risk Factors of RA

Studies show that although the actual cause of RA is still undetermined, many cases result from an interaction between environmental exposures and genetic factors. Smoking is considered as one of the most significant non-genetic risks as patients who smoke are about three times more common with positive RA than those who don’t smoke.

A deficiency in Vitamin D is also found to be more common in people dealing with rheumatoid arthritis when compared to the general population. Although a vitamin D deficiency remains unclear whether to be considered as a cause or a consequence of the disease.

Treatment and Management for Rheumatoid Arthritis

While there is no given cure for RA, management and treatments can also improve the given symptoms and help to slow down the progress of the disease.
The main goal of the treatments are used to minimize pain and swelling while also preventing such bone deformity and being able to maintain a steady daily lifestyle. Treatment is often carried by two forms of medications including NSAIDS and Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS).

Lifestyle Habits

In order to maintain a properly overall physical function, regular daily exercise is highly recommended to protect muscle strength. As beneficial as physical activity may be, those who are struggling with Rheumatoid arthritis might find daily exercise to cause certain amounts of fatigue. Therefore, occupational therapy has proven to be a positive role in improving functional ability. In regards to diet, it is still uncertain as to what foods are proper and which are harmful.

Surgery

During the early course of RA, doctors recommend an open synovectomy or an arthroscopic to be performed as it includes the removing of the inflamed synovia to prevent any quick damage of the joints being affected. Those who suffer from most highly affected joints may require replacement surgery, as most often a knee replacement.

Alternative Medicine
 

Although there is not enough thorough evidence to thoroughly support such health approach for Rheumatoid Arthritis, there are some mindful as well as physical practices along with dietary supplements that many have found to help with RA symptoms.

Helpful Dietary Supplements for RA

Herbal

There is no support in health claims of herbal medicines; therefore the American College of Rheumatology does not recommend their use.

Omega-3

Evidence shows that omega-3 fatty acids appears to claim modest benefits in RA, though there is not enough evidence to conclude that omega-3 supplementation is a powerful and effective treatment.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is said to affect around 1% of Adults in developed countries. Recently, research showed that in 2010, there was a resulted 49,000 deaths from RA globally. Rheumatoid Arthritis most commonly started much earlier for women in the 40-50s years of age and a somewhat later for men.

References:

https://www.jointhealthmagazine.com/jointrelief

http://community.healthywomen.org/profiles/blogs/know-these-joint-pain-triggers-that-make-rheumatoid-arthritis

Wednesday 3 February 2016

4 Exercises That Will Help Reduce Your Lower-Back Pain


Every year, millions of Americans are affected with chronic low back pain. This is often caused by frequent heavy lifting or a sedentary lifestyle. While some are left with very little choice, there are several treatments that range from surgery to medication to help those who suffer from lower back pains. Though the prices of these treatments come at a hefty price!

We’ve got one of the most effective and sustainable solutions to getting rid of chronic lower back pain. Regular back-strengthening exercises are extremely effective, and free too!

When practiced daily, these simple moves can reduce and even eliminate lower back pains by preventing weakness and building up back strength to help improve the body’s ability as you grow older. The back extensors, deep core stabilizers, glutes, and abdominals are the most important muscle groups to target the back area. It is also important to keep your leg muscles strong and flexible to avoid muscle strains that support the back structures.

These strength movements target the muscles must focus on building endurance and core stability. You can follow these specific exercises anywhere to help strengthen your core while supporting your lower back. It is recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine to follow these exercises at least 2-3 times a week for 20-30 minutes a session. Pay close attention to your form and movement to ensure full benefits.

Here are 4 exercises that will help you reduce your lower-back pain.

1. Decompression Breathing

Breathing exercising is great for your body, especially as you lengthen your body at the same time. This movement teaches you how to breathe deeply as you keep your spine long and strong.

Begin by standing with your toes touching with your heels slightly apart. Slowly shift your weight to your heels as you unlock your knees and gently pull the heels towards each other. Remember to stand tall with your arms reaching over your head and press the fingertips together. As you inhale, lift your ribcage away from the hips.

During the exhale, support the spine by tightening the core. Make sure to repeat this step until you feel supported and tall.

2. Forward Fold

This move is great for building back and core strength that will help you in the long run. This modified version of the founder works by placing your hands behind your back and lean forward, bringing your chest closer to the ground. It is ok to use props such as a chair to modify the full movements to help you keep a stable and neutral spine.

Begin by reaching out your arms towards your heart as you inhale and keep your hips back and press your fingertips together. Start to life the arms all the way up slowly and keep the core in to maintain a neutral spine. Hold your position for about 15-20 seconds and repeat.

To stand up, keep your weight on your heels as you slide your hands towards your shins and bring your spine into a neutral position. Slowly sweep the arms back and press the heels into the ground, then move your hips forward and you being to stand up.

3. Back Assisted adductor Extension

This is a popular exercise and for a good reason. It works by isolating the deeper muscles of the lower back with extra support from the inner thighs. This helps to activate the hamstrings and build strong back muscles.

Begin by lying on your stomach and flex your feet as you keep your legs together. Slightly bend at the knees and press your hips into the ground as you lift the elbows up as the hands begin to “float” slightly above the ground. Make sure to keep your neck long as you hold this pose for 20-30 seconds and repeat.

4. 8-Point Plank
 

Sure, a regular plank with both your knees and elbows on the floor but this special plank will focus on your abs to gain extra support for your back and spine.

Start by lying down with your stomach down and your feet extended. Keep your knees together and elbows apart towards the shoulders. Stretch your shoulders away from the ears and you gently tighten the elbows and needs into the mat. Raise your hips towards the same level as the shoulders and tighten the core to achieve a neutral, long spine.

Pull the knees and elbows towards each other as if you are bringing both sides together and hold the position for 20-30 seconds.

Research shows that strengthening your core and back muscles regularly can be more effective in treating chronic pains. Next time you find your sitting down for a long period of time, make sure to stand up and get some exercise as explained above. This practice requires very minimal time commitment and will help you gain a strong back ready for the long haul.

References:

https://www.jointhealthmagazine.com/treat-upper-and-middle-back-pain.html

http://beforeitsnews.com/health/2016/01/7-stretches-in-7-minutes-for-complete-lower-back-pain-relief-2-2610450.html

Thursday 21 January 2016

Repairing Neck and Chest Damage with Solvaderm


Do you take the time to treat the skin on your neck and chest? No? You are not alone. This area is often neglected a part of people’s skin care regimen. It shouldn’t be however as the skin on your neck and chest are exposed to the sun and to the elements just as much. Folks tent to worry about the skin on their faces so much that they forget about the delicate skin on the neck and chest.

You want healthy looking skin all over and it’s important to start treating your neck and chest with quality products like Solvaderm’s complete line of skin care products.

The reason you may be reading this right now is because you have noticed wrinkles and sagging skin around your neck and chest. Unfortunately, it is part of aging but the ones you are noticing are likely due to years of neglect and sun damage. As we age, the skin produces less and less collagen and the skin then loses its elasticity. That combined with the skin becoming thinner with age can lead to wrinkles and sagging. This is accelerated by the sun. You likely have been neglecting to apply your daily moisturizer containing SPF to your neck and skin so essentially you walk around with skin that is naked and exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays. This will accelerate the aging process and leave your chest and neck looking much older than you really are.

When you are not taking care of the skin on your neck and chest, you are leaving it vulnerable. Our skin repairs itself each and every night and it looks for help through the right nighttime products. If you aren’t applying anything to your neck and chest, then you aren’t helping that process along. It is important to treat your neck and chest the same way you treat the skin on your face.

To help repair the skin around your neck and chest, choose a product that has been formulated specifically for the delicate and neglected skin around the neck and chest. Solvaderm’s Revivatone is an advanced repair solution specifically formulated to correct multiple signs of aging in the neck and chest area. Revivatone is designed to help transform the skin in the neck and chest area by rejuvenating the tissue and promote collagen synthesis1. Revivatone will help nourish, hydrate, and plump the skin while also evening out skin tone and texture leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth.

You may be wondering about Solvaderm and why you should trust the brand. Solvaderm’s products were developed by scientists and dermatologists and they have been conducting their research for years. Their complete line of products are scientifically proven and they are trusted by skin care professionals all over the world. So whether you are looking to treat the skin on your neck and chest that you have neglected for years (like many others) or you are looking for a treatment for the wrinkles on your face, trust Solvaderm to become your skin care partner.

References

http://www.webhealthanswers.com/anti-aging-skin-care.html

https://www.thebeautyinsiders.com/neck-wrinkles-treatment.html

Saturday 16 January 2016

Understanding of Joint Inflammation and how you can treat it?


Can you remember the last time you woke up in the morning and felt fresh and renewed? Or has it been weeks or even months since you emerged from sleep pain-free? Millions of people suffer from the pain of joint inflammation or related illnesses like arthritis, but a large portion of this population simply doesn’t understand why they’re experiencing this joint inflammation and how they can treat it effectively. If you thought that stiffness, swelling, and pain were all just signs of advanced age, it’s time for you to develop a more comprehensive understanding of Joint Inflammation and how you can treat it.

Joint inflammation is the body’s natural way of protecting damages in elbows, knees, wrists, and other parts of the body that serve as the hinges which let us bend, stretch, and pick up things on a daily basis. It’s true that over time joints can become damaged and worn down, just like the parts in a car that might be old, but still running. Unlike the car, however, the human body is a regenerative machine, meaning that given the right nutrients and building blocks, it can actually start to heal joint inflammation and rebuild the cartilage damage that has been sustained.

One of the best things you can do if you are experiencing Joint Inflammation related to an injury or a chronic condition like arthritis is to adopt a diet that is rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients. Most people today are trying to eat better because it will help them to remain fit and trim, but few people realize that the choices they make in the grocery store can actually help them to tackle medical conditions like joint inflammation. Not only will healthy choices at the table help you to lose weight, which removes stress from Joint Inflammation, it can actually provide your body with the tools it needs to start repairing the damage caused by a life on the go.

Wednesday 6 January 2016

Arthritis of Hands - Getting to the Facts of the Causes and Treatments of Arthritis of Hands


With arthritis, hand movements can become stiff and painful at times. Arthritis  is a name that covers many diseases. The criteria that these diseases share are that they bring pain and inflammation to joints throughout the body. Hands are a common place for arthritis to set in. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage and other protective tissues between joints begin to wear down. It is a big reason for arthritis hand problems. Rheumatoid Arthritis is another form. In that case, the autoimmune system in the body is turning on the linings of the joints. You see this in arthritis hand problems that include gnarled joints and painful swelling.

What are common symptoms of arthritis hand? Pain has to be the leading arthritis hand symptom. Other common ones include stiffness, swelling, crepitation and cysts. Stiffness happens as the swelling increases around joints in the hand. The swelling causes the muscles to overcompensate. Swelling happens in response to the pain. Crepitation is the popping noise that you might be here in the joints of a hand crippled with arthritis. Loose joints are another symptom of Arthritis Hand. Cysts can occur at the joints when the different sections of the fingers are going in different directions.

What causes arthritis hand? There are over 100 forms of arthritis. Moreover, many of them will give you arthritis hand symptoms. One of the most common is osteoarthritis. This form of arthritis happens when the natural cushioning between joints begins to wear down. People find that the bones begin grinding against each other. That causes the pain you feel in the joints. Another common cause of arthritis hand is rheumatoid arthritis. This form of the disease happens when the autoimmune system begins to attack the lining of the joints. This causes the swelling and pain you feel can be reduced using Osteojuv.

How do you treat arthritis hand? Doctors want to take the least invasive approach in most cases. With arthritis hand, that usually begins with exercising the hands regularly. Regular, gentle movements can actually help the hands retain their flexibility and help keep swelling and pain at a minimum. Painkillers are another treatment option with arthritis hand. They usually begin with OTC painkillers and progress to prescription medications later. Orthopedic devices and surgery are other treatment options your doctor may recommend. These are the facts you need to know about arthritis in the hand. You need to find out if you have it and treat it quickly if you do.

Monday 4 January 2016

11 Health Conditions You Can Develop If You Have Psoriatic Arthritis



There are many types of arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis is one of them. This form of arthritis develops when you suffer a skin disorder known as psoriasis. Psoriatic disorder causes inflammation in the joints causing joint pains and stiffness. Inflammation mostly affects body limbs like hand and feet. At more severe cases arthritis causes destruction of the joint which can lead to irreversible disfigurement. Psoriatic arthritis has no known cure. Its treatment can involve mitigating the symptoms. Psoriasis brings about other comorbidities that can be managed. Here are some of the conditions associated with psoriatic arthritis:

1. Bone disease

The study shows that psoriatic patients have a high risk of suffering the bone disease, osteoporosis. Psoriatic arthritis is an irreversible condition. As the patients grow the bone diseases gets worse. People suffering this kind of arthritis should always do a bone screening with their physician. Going the natural way might also aid. Including foods in your diet that will enrich the bone mass can help improve the symptoms

2. Inflammation disease of the eye, uveitis

Ever looked in a mirror and found your eyes swollen? Suffering from psoriatic arthritis disease makes you prone to inflammation disease of the eye. The inflammation can make your eyes swell. Uveitis is a condition which is manageable and can be easily treated.

3. Low metabolic rate

The low metabolic rate can bring you problems like too much abdominal weight and it can also heighten your blood pressure. The study pointed out that women affected by psoriasis suffered the effects of low metabolism than men. Psoriatic arthritis is linked with reduced metabolism. As a result, your energy levels may drop drastically. Screening can help point out the problem and correct it.

4. Dreadful inflammatory bowel disease

Psoriasis is highly linked to inflammatory bowel disease like the Crohn's disease. Patients with psoriatic arthritis are always at a great risk for inflammatory bowel disease. If you experience stools with blood, diarrhea and abdominal pains you should see your doctor, these are symptoms of Crohn's disease. Your doctor might give you non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce aching and inflammation.

5. Depression

Psoriasis greatly cost emotional health. This brings about moodiness, feeling embarrassed all the time and low self- esteem which are basically signs of depression. Diagnosing depression at an early stage can help down play the effects of psoriasis. Depression affects the mental and emotional health. It can result in loss of social life. Support from family friends and psychologist can be of great significance in addressing symptoms linked to depression.

6. Type 2 diabetes

The study shows that people with psoriatic arthritis are more likely to get diabetes. Type 2 diabetes come with the following symptoms: suddenly feeling dehydrated and fatigues. Psoriatic arthritis treatment involves treating the comorbidities associated with the disorder. Early treatment of diabetes can help lessen the harm caused on the body.

7. High risk for cardiovascular disease

This is a heart disease. Psoriatic arthritis poses high risk for cardiovascular disease in its patients. The risk gets higher with severe of the psoriasis condition. The patients get exposed to strokes and heart attacks. Regular checks with your GP will help avoid onset of detrimental stroke and heart attacks.

8. Obesity or being overweight


Some psoriatic arthritis conditions are inevitable. The disease can increase the chances of obesity condition. Losing some extra pounds in a healthy way may involve using natural remedies like alkaline diet. Losing weight will make the psoriatic arthritis treatment work better.

9. Sick liver, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Study shows that psoriatic arthritis can get you a liver disease. Liver has a significant function in the human body. Liver disease can complicate things. Treatment can help reduce impacts of Psoriatic arthritis.

10. Cancer development

Once at a developed stage cancers are hard to manage. Psoriatic arthritis exposes people to some types of cancers. Some people can get cancers like that of the skin. Keeping in mind that they have very high risk for cancer patients should consider getting cancer screens according to your doctors instructions. This will help manage cancer if any at early stages.

11. Going dumb

Psoriatic arthritis cause harm on the delicate inner ears. Damaged ears, as a result, lead to loss of the ability to hear. Only a few patients might be exposed to the condition. Discussions with your GP will assist.

Conclusion

Regular screening for conditions that come with psoriatic arthritis will help lessen its symptoms and make the treatment more effective. Regular checkups with your rheumatologist and your GP will help make life easier living with psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis is a permanent disease; it comes with much comorbidity which is manageable decreasing the effects of your symptoms. Severity of the symptoms is different on people. Healthy lifestyle choices and regular exercising can be done to relieve the symptoms at personal level.