Posts

Physical therapy is commonly pursued after an elbow fracture. This can help speed healing and restore the range of motion of the elbow joint. It also improves the strength and mobility of not only your elbow but your arm, shoulder, or wrist as well. Physical therapy can go a long way toward preventing the loss of joint mobility that can affect your work and ability to perform daily tasks. This article discusses the goals of physical therapy for a broken elbow and which types of exercises you can expect to do during your recovery....

When it comes to describing the symptoms of psoriasis, most people think about the red, scaly rash associated with plaque psoriasis, the most common form of the disease. But there are other types of psoriasis, each with its own characteristic signs and symptoms. In addition, certain forms of the autoimmune disease can easily be mistaken for other conditions and, as such, require expert evaluation to reach the correct diagnosis. Frequent Symptoms The symptoms of psoriasis are directly linked to the type of disease involved....

Moving can affect many aspects of a person’s life: their style of housing, the park their kids frequent, their favorite neighborhood restaurant, and even the way they file taxes. Now, scientists say this move can affect their likelihood of developing a chronic health condition too. Key Takeaways A person’s risk of an uncontrolled chronic condition increases when they move to a place where that condition is more prevalent.Where a person lives significantly impacts their likelihood of developing poor blood pressure or experiencing depressive symptoms....

Smegma is a natural secretion from the oil glands around the genitals. It is found under the foreskin of a penis or under the folds of the vagina. It has a thick consistency and may appear white in color. It is also associated with an unpleasant odor. Smegma is, however, normal and not a sign of a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Smegma is a natural lubricant that keeps the skin around the genitals moist....

Migraines can be painful and even debilitating. Many people with migraines have become interested in tea as a possible relief from migraine symptoms. Though research is limited, drinking certain teas has been shown to help with migraine pain. This article will discuss the best teas for migraines and soothing recipes to try. What Does Headache Pain Feel Like? Migraines are recurring headaches causing intense pain that can feel like throbbing or pulsing....

Since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has become an increasingly popular way to seek medical care, including eye care. Although doctors’ offices take precautions to see patients safely in person, telehealth can work almost as well in many circumstances. This includes if you are seeking help for dry eye syndrome, a condition experienced by an estimated 16 million Americans who find they don’t have enough tears or lack good-quality tears....

Discovering blood in your urine, also known as hematuria, can be very unsettling. It may be the result of an abnormality within the urinary tract. Blood in the urine can be a red flag for an internal problem. Therefore, anytime you see blood in the urine, it should get you to seek medical attention. Any blood found in the urine is most likely linked to the urinary tract. The urinary tract is the system comprised of the kidneys, the ureters (thin tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), the bladder (which holds urine), and the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body)....

For the first time, regulators permitted a company to label its condoms for use during anal sex. Advocates said the move could encourage condom use and help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Key Takeaways The FDA green-lit a condom to be used for anal sex, the first authorization of its kind.When coupled with a condom-compatible lubricant, the condoms have a 1% failure rate when used for anal sex....

What Is Tyrvaya? Tyrvaya (varenicline) is a prescription nasal spray used to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease in adults. It belongs to the drug class called cholinergic agonists. Varenicline works by strongly binding to specific receptors that activate a pathway within the nose, resulting in increased tear production. What Is Tyrvaya Used For? Tyrvaya (varenicline) is used to treat dry eye disease, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide....

We often use the term “night owl” to describe someone who stays up late into the evening (and early morning) hours. But what explains the natural desire to stay up late and sleep in, especially in teenagers? Discover the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and testing, and treatments for delayed sleep phase syndrome. Consider the consequences, which include insomnia and sleep deprivation, and what can be done to keep the condition in check....

Tardive dyskinesia is a condition characterized by involuntary repetitive movements that usually involve the tongue and face. It can develop as an adverse effect of certain prescription medications, many of which are described as neuroleptics. The movements of tardive dyskinesia may go away after neuroleptic medications are discontinued or reduced. Sometimes, however, the condition persists even after the causative medication is stopped. In these situations, prescription medication or interventional procedures can usually alleviate the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia....

Medication-related stomach pain or upset is a common complaint. For some people, certain prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications may have this side effect. If you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), avoiding medications that could lead to these types of stomach problems is important. This is especially true if you already have a history of medications causing gastrointestinal irritation. This article discusses some of the prescription and over-the-counter drugs that are most likely to cause stomach pain and upset....

Many people who decide to use the gluten-free diet to lose weight do so because they’re encouraged by how well it seems to work for others. But how can you make sure the diet will work for you? The truth is, the results you’ve seen some celebrities get may seem magical, but they’re actually not. Instead, those results are the result of careful eating, plenty of exercise—and yes, a diet devoid of wheat and gluten....

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that usually requires lifetime treatment for control of its effects. Along with medical treatment, many people with lupus use complementary and alternative treatment (CAM), such as acupuncture. When you have lupus, a disordered immune system attacks certain tissues in your body. It most often affects one or more of the following: JointsSkinHeartLungsBlood cellsKidneysNervous system Pain and fatigue are among the most common symptoms of lupus, and the condition can also cause hair loss, a facial rash, sensitivity to light, and more....

Acute renal (kidney) failure can be caused by a variety of medical conditions that damage the kidneys. The kidneys may rapidly fail if they are directly damaged by drugs or other toxins, if they are deprived of blood and oxygen, or if they are severely harmed by an illness. Common Causes Usually, the kidneys can continue to function well, even when you become sick. Acute kidney failure is a consequence of severe and rapid damage to the kidneys....

What Is Alli? Alli (orlistat) is an orally administered over-the-counter (OTC) weight loss aid that is sometimes given through a prescription under a different brand name, Xenical. Alli is used along with a reduced-calorie and low-fat diet in medically overweight adults. Orlistat (the primary ingredient) is used with an individualized low-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise program to help people lose weight. In comparison, prescription Xenical is used in overweight people who may also have hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease....

Scientists are still trying to fully understand the cause or causes of Alzheimer’s disease. While genetics are known to play a role, smoking, poor cardiovascular health, and other risk factors can too. Though research is still ongoing, it’s helpful to at least understand the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s—plaques and tangles—and what’s known about increased likelihood of developing the disease. Common Causes A distinct cause of Alzheimer’s disease hasn’t been identified. The current thinking is that it develops due to a combination of risk factors over time....

A bone spur—or osteophyte—is an abnormal growth of bone that develops when the body tries to repair a problem. Bone spurs can occur in any bone but happen most frequently in high-impact areas like the feet. As the cartilage wears down, the bone is remodeled to compensate for the growing amounts of physiological stress placed on the area. The initial bone remodeling reduces the concentration of stress in the area and makes the stress transfer from one tissue to the other as smooth as possible....

Bronchospasms occur when your airways constrict, or narrow, causing you to have difficulty breathing. Bronchospasms can have a number of different causes, but some of the most common are asthma, allergies, and environmental irritants. They are often managed with an inhaled medication called a bronchodilator. Bronchospasms make your chest feel tight and are usually accompanied by coughing. If your airways constrict too much, you will be unable to breathe in deep enough and will face a medical emergency from oxygen levels being too low....

Throat pain can be caused by a number of ailments. Some causes, like strep throat and acute laryngitis, are transient and often resolve on their own. Other causes, like acid reflux, can be chronic and require treatment from a healthcare professional. Throat pain and painful swallowing can make it difficult to eat and drink. If severe enough, swallowing problems can lead to weight loss or other problems. This article will cover the different causes of throat pain and explain when you should see a doctor....