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Gel-One (cross-linked hyaluronate) is a treatment option for osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. It is an injection that helps manage the associated pain. It’s derived from a protein (hyaluronan) extracted from the combs, or crests, of chickens, which the human body naturally produces to lubricate joints. It works by restoring levels of this protein. First approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2001, Gel-One was only evaluated in a single clinical trial and was shown to be effective for up to 13 weeks in reducing pain scores, but other endpoints, including stiffness and physical function, were not found to be statistically different than placebo....

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a condition that affects approximately 3.1% of Americans. It is characterized by excessive worry about a variety of subjects, rather than one specific area of concern. GAD is primarily diagnosed through a discussion of symptoms but can involve physical exams and diagnostic tools. Learn more about how GAD is diagnosed. Professional Screenings The first point of contact for GAD is usually a primary healthcare provider. This often involves doing an examination, which can include:...

Fibroids are growths that develop in the uterus. They do not necessarily cause symptoms but, in some cases, can cause pain. Treatment depends on symptoms, the location of the fibroids, their size, and whether a person wants to get pregnant in the future. If you have severe pain or bleeding, your doctor may recommend making some lifestyle changes to better manage your symptoms. If these changes do not help, your doctor may suggest prescription medication or surgery....

The treatment of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) depends on the severity of symptoms and the degree to which blood sugar levels have fallen. In mild cases, hypoglycemia can be treated with high-sugar foods or beverages or with over-the-counter (OTC) glucose tablets or gels. For severe hypoglycemia due to diabetes, a prescription medication containing the hormone glucagon can be delivered by injection or nasal inhalation. Hypoglycemic emergencies, in which blood sugar levels cannot be restored even with appropriate treatment, require 911 medical assistance....

Roughly half of the renal cell carcinoma cases are now discovered incidentally, in imaging scans for other conditions before symptoms develop. If renal cell carcinoma is suspected, diagnosis usually begins with a physical examination and lab work that may reveal blood in the urine and other signs. Imaging studies and a biopsy will also be done to confirm the diagnosis and help guide treatment. This article will explain the diagnostic process for renal cell carcinoma as well as how the cancer is staged....

For many families this year, Thanksgiving will not—and should not—be the intimate intergenerational family gathering it usually is. Key Takeaways This year, Thanksgiving is also National Family Health History Day—a day for gathering health information from your immediate and extended family.When you document the health history of your core and extended family, you can proactively lower your risks for diseases you might be predisposed to.Update family health history record regularly and take it with you to medical appointments to ensure the care you receive meets your needs....

Splenda has become one of the most popular artificial sweeteners, having sold more than 100 billion yellow packets since its launch in 1992. The company claims that using Splenda instead of sugar can help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. But what does the science say? This article discusses the pros and cons of using Splenda, particularly for people who have diabetes. Read on for answers to commonly asked questions about Splenda and how the sweetener may affect your health....

What Is Keppra? Keppra (levetiracetam) is a prescription antiepilepsy drug (AED) used for preventing seizures due to epilepsy. It can be prescribed for adults and for children who are aged 1 month or older. This medication binds to a protein in the brain called the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A. This protein is thought to be involved in regulating the release of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. It is not fully known how this action plays a role in seizure prevention....

A low vision specialist is a licensed doctor of optometry or ophthalmology who is trained to improve the quality of life for people with low vision—20/70 vision or worse that can’t be fully corrected with medical treatment, surgery, or glasses. If you have low vision, you may struggle with everyday tasks—reading, cooking, or things that require you to differentiate colors, for example. A low vision specialist does not treat whatever is causing your vision issues, but can exam your eyes and provide advice on how to better navigate these challenges and maintain your independence over time....

Lung inflammation (pneumonitis) is caused by exposure to airborne toxins, infections, and diseases like asthma or bronchitis. Symptoms of inflamed lungs include wheezing, breathing problems, and chest pain and tightness. Lung inflammation can be a short-lived response or a long-term condition. It is diagnosed through a physical exam, imaging tests, lung function tests, and other tests. It is treated with medication and sometimes surgery is needed. This article explains some common symptoms and causes of lung inflammation....

Mammograms are an important screening test. They can sometimes detect breast cancer in its earliest stages before any symptoms are present. This is important because early diagnosis leads to better outcomes. It’s recommended that most women start getting an annual mammogram starting around age 40. This article will explain what to expect during a mammogram (including what it feels like), what types of tests are available, and the importance of keeping up with your annual health checks....

Osteoporosis is a medical condition that leads to weakening of the bone structure in your body. Also called “brittle bone disease,” osteoporosis makes bone more fragile and increases your chance of sustaining a broken bone. Bone has a lattice-shaped structure, much like a honeycomb. When osteoporosis is a problem, there is less supporting bone and larger gaps in the lattice, leading to a weaker structure. Because of this weakening, bones can be broken with minimal trauma....

Each year, about 1.5 million adults in the United States are diagnosed with pneumonia. Around 1 million of those people are admitted to the hospital, and another 50,000 die from pneumonia or its complications. Adults aren’t the only ones at risk, either. Pneumonia is the most common cause of death in children under age 5 around the world, killing an estimated 16 out of 100 children every year. In this article, you will learn about the risks of pneumonia based on your age and demographic and how you can lower your risk of complications....

In the United States, poisoning is the leading cause of injury death (the combination of planned or unplanned deaths) among individuals 1 to 44 years of age. Poisons are substances that can injure or impair the body, even causing death. They can be ingested (swallowed), inhaled into the lungs, injected, or absorbed by the skin. While poisoning can occur in children and adults, young children are most susceptible to ingesting poisons....

Onchocerciasis, or river blindness, is a neglected tropical disease that can cause disfigurement and blindness. The parasitic worm responsible for the condition is spread from person to person through bites from infected blackflies, predominantly in remote agricultural areas with fast-moving rivers. While symptoms of the disease can be severe, the most serious cases are typically due to repeated infections over the course of several years. At least 25 million people are currently infected with the parasite, nearly all of whom are in sub-Saharan Africa....

Scleroderma is a chronic, autoimmune connective tissue disease that causes changes in the skin, blood vessels, and internal organs due to excess collagen production. While there are different types of scleroderma, each with its own set of symptoms, the most visible manifestation of this disease is skin hardening and tightening. Organs, such as the lungs, kidneys, heart, and digestive tract, may also be affected. There is no cure, but a combination of self-care strategies and medications can help ease symptoms and prevent complications....

Secondary osteoporosis is caused by certain diseases and treatments that interfere with bone density and cause bone loss. Research from the Journal of Osteoporosis shows that secondary osteoporosis affects at least 21% of men and 17.5% of women. While the treatment for secondary osteoporosis involves addressing the underlying medical condition or treatment causing these changes, various methods can help with reducing bone loss, strengthening bones, and preventing fractures. Symptoms People with osteoporosis generally do not experience symptoms....

A stye is a small, red bump on the base of the eyelashes or under the eyelid. Also known as a hordeolum, a stye is usually harmless and resolves on its own after one or two weeks. A stye inside the eyelid, known as an internal stye, is typically due to a bacterial infection in an oil gland on the underside of the eyelid. Since styes tend to recur, it’s important to learn how to prevent them....

What Is Temodar? Temodar (temozolomide) is an oral medication categorized as an alkylating agent (a class of common anticancer drugs. It is prescribed to treat two different types of brain cancer, anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), in adults whose tumors have returned or whose tumors have just been diagnosed. Temodar works by slowing the growth of cancer cells through the disruption of the cells’ DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). This kills the cancer cells and keeps them from reproducing....

A thrombosed hemorrhoid happens when a blood clot forms inside a hemorrhoid, a swollen vein in the anus or rectum. The blood clot blocks blood flow, causing painful symptoms. Most thrombosed hemorrhoids are external, but they can also be internal. External hemorrhoids form in the tissue outside the anus, while internal hemorrhoids are inside. Thrombosed hemorrhoids are also known as acute hemorrhoidal disease or perianal thrombosis. Perianal is a general term for the area around the anus....