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The calcaneus is the bone that forms the heel of the foot. It is one of the tarsals, the bones that make up part of the foot and ankle. The calcaneus is the largest bone of the foot and provides the foundation for all of the other tarsals and metatarsals. The calcaneus strikes the ground with every footfall when running or walking. Stress fractures of the calcaneus and inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament that is attached to the calcaneus are two of the most common causes of foot pain....

The terms “heart attack” and “cardiac arrest” are frequently confused. But they’re not the same. A heart attack is when a blood vessel supplying the heart becomes blocked, leading to death of part of the heart muscle. Cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops pumping. Cardiac arrest is usually caused by a sudden heart arrhythmia. A heart attack and the damage it causes can lead to cardiac arrest. After somebody famous has died suddenly, it is common to hear in news reports that the death was caused by a heart attack or a cardiac arrest....

Cystitis is the inflammation and irritation of the bladder. Cystitis can occur for several reasons, including from a bacterial infection. When an infection occurs in the bladder, it’s called a urinary tract infection (UTI). Women are more likely than men to get a UTI. Although cystitis from a UTI is treated with antibiotics, other types of cystitis are treated differently. This article will review types of cystitis along with symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of the condition....

Roundup products, herbicides that contain the chemical glyphosate, have been brought to attention for their potential role in causing cancer in humans. There is evidence from cell studies in the lab, animal studies, and human population studies that associate Roundup exposure with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in humans. A combination of these factors led the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) to classify glyphosate as a group 2A (probable) carcinogen. Since an association does not mean causation, we will address the research available regarding Roundup, as well as alternatives for both agriculture and home gardening....

A fever, also called pyrexia, is a high body temperature, and it is usually a sign that you have an illness. Normally, your body temperature is very close to 98.7 degrees Fahrenheit (or 37.0 degrees Celsius). You can check your temperature with a thermometer if you think you might have a fever. There are many types of thermometers, and it is important to learn how to use your thermometer properly....

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus when your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is either weak or it relaxes when it shouldn’t. Other potential causes can include obesity, smoking, diet, and pregnancy, among others. GERD can also be due to various conditions, including abnormal biologic or structural factors. If you suffer from frequent heartburn, it’s important that you consult with your healthcare provider to find the cause of your acid reflux and agree on a treatment plan....

A hematocrit (HCT) test, also known as the packed-cell volume (PCT), measures how much of your blood consists of red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs throughout your body. If you have too many or too few red blood cells, it may be a sign of dehydration, anemia, a vitamin or mineral deficiency, recent or long-term blood loss, or a disease like leukemia, lymphoma, or polycythemia vera, among other things....

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) cause oral and genital herpes infections. After acquiring the virus, symptoms may not show up immediately. The time between exposure and symptom onset is called the incubation period. On average, it can take four days for symptoms to appear. However, it can vary between two to 21 days after exposure. There are different stages of a life-long herpes infection, though the exact timeline and symptoms (or lack of symptoms) can vary from person to person....

Most women experience hot flashes before, during, and after menopause. These are brief episodes characterized by a sudden feeling of being uncomfortably hot. Hot flashes that are associated with menopause are caused by hormonal changes. Sometimes the symptoms can be managed with simple approaches, such as using a fan, drinking cold fluids, and dressing in layers. Many women benefit from hormone therapy. The best treatment for you depends on the severity of your symptoms and which treatment approach is most helpful for you....

With so many skin care products on the market, it can be challenging to find the ones that work best for you and your skin type. Key Takeaways Skin cycling is a simple method where you rotate your nighttime skin care products throughout the week to optimize results and avoid irritation or damage to the skin. Skin cycling can work for any skin type because you can adjust the products you use and how often you use them in your skin care routine....

There are several different types of hepatitis, but hepatitis D is considered the most severe. Hepatitis D is transmitted through bodily fluids, especially blood. You must be infected with hepatitis B in order to contract hepatitis D. Despite medical advances, treatment options remain limited. Protecting yourself from contracting the virus in the first place is crucial. If you test positive for hepatitis D, medication or surgery could help reduce further complications....

How long prednisone side effects last depends on factors such as your dose and how long you’ve been taking the medication. Most go away once the dose is lowered or the steroid is stopped altogether. However, others—like vision problems and osteoporosis—may be permanent. Typically, if a healthcare provider prescribes prednisone, it’s because the benefits outweigh the risks. They will try to prescribe the lowest dose for the shortest amount of time possible to mitigate side effects, but some people may need higher doses or longer use for the medication to be effective....

Raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be challenging, frustrating, and stressful for all involved. Autism in children often leads to disagreements about the best treatments, the validity of a diagnosis, and how much time and money to devote to the child. For some couples, the process of addressing and resolving these issues leads to a stronger bond. For others, however, the stress can take a real toll on the relationship....

Hyperparathyroidism is a condition in which the parathyroid glands secrete too much parathyroid hormone, which can happen because of different medical issues. In some cases, this can cause calcium in the blood to increase to unhealthy levels, which may cause symptoms such as fatigue. Hyperparathyroidism may be a problem for roughly two or three women in 1,000, and primarily affects women over the age of 65. It is most common in post-menopausal women, but it can occur in males and females of any age....

Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve joint pain, swelling, and stiffness in various arthritis conditions. It works by blocking the body’s production of natural substances that cause inflammation, swelling, and pain. Forms of indomethacin include an oral capsule, oral liquid, or a rectal suppository. It is marketed under the brand names Indocin and Tivorbex, and also as a generic drug. Uses Indomethacin can help to reduce inflammation, pain, and fever....

In light of the legalization of marijuana, many people have wondered about the substance, its safety, and whether it’s addictive. Marijuana—also called weed, cannabis, and other names—is a species of plant that is used as a medical and recreational drug. People can become addicted to marijuana. While it is possible to try and use the substance without becoming addicted, that is not the case for everyone. There are risks of use, even medicinally, and addiction is one of them....

Could your fatigue be the first symptom of cancer? At one point or another, we have all experienced fatigue. For most of us, it is temporary, usually caused by stress, illness, or burnout. For some, fatigue can become persistent and disrupt their daily life. When fatigue becomes frequent, it is natural to be concerned about what may be causing it. Cancer is one of the first things many people think of when experiencing fatigue....

Lovage (Levisticum officinale Koch) belongs to the plant family Apiaceae. Lovage originally comes from Iran and Afghanistan but is also grown in temperate regions worldwide. One of the major health claims about lovage is reducing inflammation, especially the urinary tract. Lovage may have diuretic and antimicrobial properties. Some people claim lovage can help regulate the menstrual cycle. This article will go over what lovage is and the purported health benefits of the herb....

Luminal B breast cancer is a subtype of breast cancer. It starts in the luminal cells, which line the inside of the breast’s mammary ducts. This subtype is defined by the traits of genes that exist in breast cancer cells. It accounts for 15% to 20% of breast cancers. Breast cancer genetic subtypes are linked by shared factors. These include the status of their hormone receptors and the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)....

The term “gallbladder disease” encompasses medical conditions that affect the gallbladder, like gallstones, acute or chronic cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation resulting from gallstones), and gallbladder cancer. While symptom review, physical examination, and blood work all play a role in the diagnosis of gallbladder disease, obtaining an abdominal ultrasound (and possibly other imaging tests) is the most important aspect of the diagnostic process. Medical History If your healthcare provider suspects gallbladder disease, he will inquire about your symptoms and whether you or any family members have ever had any gallbladder problems....