Health

Sports trauma or teeth grinding contribute significantly to injuries in the cheeks, tongue, and gums. There are various reasons why your dentist may recommend Midtown mouth guards, including night protection from bruxism. However, choosing the right mouth guard can be challenging, especially if you do not know what to look for. Working with your dentist can help you have the ideal device that will suit your unique needs.  

What to consider when selecting a mouth guard

Thanks to their small size, mouth guards can be confusing. You start thinking of the kind that might best suit your unique needs, depending on the size and the specifications. For instance, your healthcare provider might suggest a device that suits your sports or for general purposes. Choosing the right mouth guard entails:

• Select the right fit

Mouth guards come in three types:

• Mouth-adapted mouth guards

Mouth-adapted devices adapt to your mouth’s features. Also referred to as boil-and-bite mouth guards, you will need to immerse the mouth guard in hot water to soften its inner layers before biting on it to create the shape. Thus, they give you the chance to tailor your mouth guard to your perfect fit. Thanks to their adaptability, healthcare providers mostly recommend them to athletes.  

• Ready-made

Also referred to as instant fit mouth guards, the devices do not need adjustments to fit. Thus, you take the guard out of the box and wear them without alterations. Though these types are easy to wear and remove, they can be bulky and less secure.    

• Custom-fit mouth guards

Unlike the other devices, you might need to contact your dentist for fitting. The medical expert will mold the mouth guard to your teeth for an exact fit. 

• Choose a mouth guard that will give you protection and comfort

Do not opt for a device that prompts you to choose between comfort and safety. While assessing the right fit, you might ask yourself questions like:

• Will I breathe and talk comfortably? If the device prevents you from sustaining a conversation or makes it challenging for you to breathe, then it is not your size.
• Does it fit securely? You do not need to bite your teeth to keep a fitting mouth guard in place. Additionally, you should not find it easy to loosen the device with your tongue.
• To what extent does the mouth protection cover? A good mouth guard should protect all your teeth, excluding your back molars. Though the device should cover parts of your gum, it should not overwhelm your jaws or extend far into your mouth as it might result in gagging.

• Ensure the mouth guard has features fitting your sport

Besides the color, size, and type, you should also consider your sport and how you play the game. For instance, a boxer might need a mouth guard with a higher level of protection than a field hockey player. Your healthcare provider might recommend a convertible mouth guard if your sport entails wearing additional gears like a helmet or a brace-compatible mouth guard if you have braces to protect the braces and your teeth.

Contact your dentist for more inquiries about mouth guards. 

Chronic pain can be debilitating, making it challenging to go about your day-to-day life. If medication and other treatments haven’t been successful in reducing your pain, an interventional pain specialist in Eugene, OR, may be able to help. This doctor has specialized training in diagnosing and treating chronic pain with various techniques, including injections and nerve blocks. Here are indicators that you need help from an interventional pain specialist in Eugene, OR.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting millions of people in the U.S. It is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain and loss of joint function. Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects the hands, knees, hips, and spine. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion.

There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but many treatments can help relieve symptoms. These treatments include medications, physical therapy, and surgery. If you are experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Bursitis

Bursitis is inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints. When bursae develop tiny tears or become clogged with inflammatory cells, it can cause pain and stiffness in the affected joint. 

The most common type of bursitis is known as “heel pain” (also called plantar fasciitis.) This painful condition causes inflammation at the bottom of the foot, where a pad of fat and connective tissue known as the plantar fascia supports your arch. Other types of bursitis include knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, and wrist bursitis.

Treatments to reduce swelling and pain from bursitis include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy. If these treatments don’t help relieve your pain, see your doctor for further diagnosis.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common causes of lower back pain. Over time, normal wear and tear on the spinal discs can lead to deterioration and possible damage to a spinal disc. When a spinal disc bulges or ruptures, it places pressure on nearby nerves. 

If you have degenerative disc disease caused by arthritis, you may experience pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. Other symptoms include muscle spasms, cramps, and damage to the nerves that travel out of your spine.

Facet Joint Syndrome

Facet joints are located in the spine where the vertebrae meet. They help maintain the stability of the spinal column and allow us to move. When facet joints become inflamed, they can cause radiating pain, stiffness, or tenderness in your upper or lower back. The condition is known as facet joint syndrome.

If you have chronic lower back pain that isn’t relieved by rest or medications, see your doctor to diagnose facet joint syndrome.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a condition that happens when spinal discs start to collapse, and the spine becomes narrow. If the spinal canal gets too little, it can pressure nerves traveling out of your spine. Over time, this pressure can cause pain, numbness, weakness in your legs or arms, and difficulty with bladder control.

If you seek relief from chronic pain that is not alleviated by traditional treatments, an interventional pain specialist may help. These doctors have specialized training in diagnosing and treating chronic pain with various techniques, including injections and nerve blocks. An interventional pain specialist should be your target if you have medical concerns such as osteoarthritis, bursitis, and spinal stenosis.

When you visit a spa or dermatologist, you will likely hear about tattoo services. One of the services you will hear about in a modern-day spa-like Florida Lakes Spa is microblading. Microblading is similar to permanent makeup. The only difference between the two is that microblading uses nothing more than a blade to make tiny cuts on your skin. These cuts make your eyebrows look more defined and aesthetically pleasing. Here are some reasons why you should consider microblading for yourself:

The Procedure is Not as Painful as You Might Think

Now, the idea of having your eyebrows cut into your skin may sound like a painful experience. However, that is not always the case with microblading. Unlike other types of eyebrow tattoos and permanent makeup, microblading uses a blade to make minor cuts on your brows instead of needles which means that you will not test your pain threshold. The pain you experience will vary from person to person, depending on how much pain your skin can handle. Also, the procedure may feel a lot different depending on what type of skin you have. The best way to know how it feels is to go for a test drive with a professional who provides microblading services.

Precise and Effective

What makes microblading different from other types of eyebrow tattoos and permanent makeup is the precision involved in the process. Microblading only requires one small cut at a time, which means it is pretty precise. This type of precision also ensures cosmetic effects that are longer lasting than any other treatment you can get for your eyebrows. Unlike other cosmetic treatments, microblading does not require a lot of recovery time either, which is excellent news for people who have a busy schedule and cannot afford to take off from work or school to get their eyebrows done.

Quick Procedure

Microblading is a quick procedure meaning that it only takes a single session to get the perfect eyebrows you have always wanted. In fact, the procedure only takes about one hour from start to finish, which includes consultation time and everything else. When you compare this to eyebrow tattoos and permanent makeup, microblading stands out in terms of time saved. However, the effects of microblading tend to last a lot longer than other types of eyebrow tattoos and permanent makeup because all you have to do is let your brows heal from the cuts before you can see the final results.

No Needles

Unlike regular tattoo procedures that usually require needles, microblading uses nothing more than a special blade to make the cuts on your skin for this procedure which is why it’s different from other eyebrow tattoos and permanent makeup. Also, microblading does not require any injection of ink under your skin.

Procedure is Less Invasive

Microblading is one of the least invasive procedures out there compared to other eyebrow tattoos and permanent makeup. Using a blade to make cuts on your skin means that you only need the smallest number of incisions for this treatment compared to other procedures out there. Being minimally invasive makes it one of the most effective treatments for men and women interested in having their eyebrows done.

Microblading is a safe and effective treatment for eyebrows. However, you need to know that all types of eyebrow tattoos and permanent makeup are not created equal. You should go for an experienced professional who offers microblading services to get the best results from this type of treatment.

Primary care medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the health care needs of people throughout their lives, from before birth to old age. It is an essential part of preventing and treating illness and making sure we stay as healthy as we can be. Primary care doctors work as part of a health care team that often includes other specialists such as physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They provide most or all of their patients’ non-emergency medical treatment. Dr. Leela Patel in South Charleston emphasizes disease prevention and health maintenance. Like other primary care doctors, she accomplishes this through patient education and counseling, examinations and screenings, immunizations, and collaborations with other health care professionals. But why is primary care medicine a critical part of the modern healthcare setup? Here are some reasons.

Prevention

Primary care doctors help in preventative healthcare. Primary care physicians can give people a timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment to keep them well and ensure they don’t get sick. Because people come to primary care doctors regularly, they know their patients well and can pick up on early signs of illness. By diagnosing problems before they become severe, primary care doctors help many patients avoid visiting the hospital or even a specialist.

Disease Management

Primary care doctors help manage diseases. When patients have a chronic condition or a long-term illness that requires ongoing medical treatment and monitoring, primary care doctors are well equipped to keep things under control. They coordinate care among other specialists, prescribe medications, and manage treatment. When things get out of control or patients are not improving, primary care physicians can track down the cause or refer them to another doctor.

Health Promotion & Maintenance

Primary care doctors help in health promotion and disease prevention. Because they see people when they’re feeling well, primary care doctors can keep their patients on track. They provide vaccinations, conduct health screenings, and teach people to maintain good health through proper diet and exercise. Primary care physicians also follow up with patients after high-risk procedures or treatments that may pose some risks to the patient’s overall health.

Informed Decisions

Primary care doctors provide information. It is difficult for patients to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments and procedures from adverts, product information leaflets, or advice from friends. Primary care doctors have the necessary knowledge to answer questions about treatments and diagnosis. Patients are more likely to understand what is being said if they receive most of their health information from one reliable source rather than multiple sources that can conflict with each other.

Effective Collaboration

Primary care physicians work together with other health care professionals and make healthcare efficient. They work closely with nurses, social workers, and other health professionals to offer patients the best treatment for their conditions. This way, patients get the best care possible under one roof.

In summary, primary care is vital for various reasons. It focuses on the prevention and management of multiple conditions through continual care. It also promotes overall health and wellbeing and allows for informed decisions among medical experts through effective collaboration.

Corn and calluses are an accumulation of thick and hard skin areas. These hardened skin areas can form anywhere in the body, but they are mainly found in the feet. People with this condition feel embarrassed, and some wear their socks to hide the cracks. However, do not panic when they happen to you because this condition is manageable. Coral Springs corn and calluses can be addressed and the problem forgotten completely. Below, we discuss all you should know about corn and calluses.

What Causes this Condition?

Some callus and corn issues occur due to an improper waking style. However, some happen when you wear ill-fitting shoes. High-heel shoes also cause this condition. They exert pressure on toes, making women ten times more likely to get this disease than men. Another condition that causes corn or callus is foot deformities.  All these factors cause friction on the feet. Get your child checked if they get a callus with no visible pressure. This callus might occur as a result of a wart. Staph infections begin when bacteria access corn via skin breaks.

How do they Form?

Corns and calluses occur after repeated friction on the skin. They form on the feet’ most prominent parts. Corns and calluses also form in the hands, so you should wear protective gear. Your body keeps you safe from this condition with the hardened layers.

Who is More Likely to Get them?

You have higher chances of getting corns or calluses if;

• You smoke
• You do not wear socks
• You wear narrow shoes.
• You have a condition that triggers this disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Corns and Calluses

Below we discuss how to spot this infection;

• A callus is a compact patch that happens due to friction. Calluses are available in different names.
• A soft corn is a tender skin area. It occurs between the toes and has a slim center.
• A plantar callus occurs on the foot’s bottom

When to Contact a Doctor

It is advisable to contact a doctor if;

• The corn discharges clear fluid or pus. This condition needs immediate attention.
• You cause corn bleeding by cutting it. This skin break causes an infection.
• You get corn and are also diabetic. This disease puts you at more risk.

How to Prevent Corns and Calluses

Try the following things to avoid corns and calluses;

• Measure your feet well at the shoe store. Wear fitting shoes only to prevent this condition.
• Buy shoes in the evening when your feet are swollen. This will ensure you but only fitting shoes.
• Do not buy shoes with sharp toes. Instead, wear shoes with the lowest heels possible.
• Repair or replace shoes frequently. This keeps you free from bacteria.
• Ensure your shoes have enough space to accommodate your toes if you have hammertoes.
• Wear protective gloves. Suppose you use tools because calluses also occur on hands. 

Corns and calluses are common diseases that occur on the feet. It is easily manageable, but you should consult your doctor to tackle it better. This disease is now treatable in Coral Springs, and our team is always ready to treat new patients. Contact us to get the best services at affordable prices.

Epilepsy doesn’t discriminate, and it can affect both men and women of all races, ages, and different backgrounds. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder affecting brain activities, causing seizures, unusual sensations, and loss of awareness. Epilepsy in San Jose is treated by experts in neurology who offer comprehensive care to reduce the severity of seizures. Here is everything you should know about epilepsy.

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in the brain that affects a large number of people worldwide. It causes seizures which are involuntary movements involving the entire body or a part of the body and can be accompanied by control of bladder or bowel function and unconsciousness.

Seizure symptoms vary individually. Some people stare for a few seconds while others repeatedly twitch their legs or arms. People with epilepsy usually have more physical injuries related to seizures. Also, the risk of death for epileptic people is higher, but the causes of these deaths, such as burns, drowning, and falls, are preventable.

Epilepsy diagnosis

Epilepsy is not diagnosed in one appointment; you have to be patient. Different disorders can cause behavioral changes and can be mistaken for epilepsy. To get the correct diagnosis of epilepsy, your doctor will order a complete blood count and rule out all conditions that can cause seizures.

Electroencephalogram (EEG) is commonly used in diagnosing epilepsy. Your doctor places electrodes on your scalp, and you will be asked to perform a task so that a record of electrical activities going on in your brain can be taken. Sometimes tests can be done during sleep. Changes in normal brain waves indicate a sign of epilepsy. Other imaging tests like MRI, CT scans, and positron emission tomography reveal tumors causing seizures.

Treatment

The first treatment approach is an anti-seizure medication. They help in reducing the severity and frequency of seizures. They are not a cure for epilepsy and cannot stop a seizure in progress. The stomach absorbs the medication, and it travels through the blood to the brain. It hijacks the neurotransmitters reducing the electrical activity that causes seizures.

Surgery can also be an option if medications don’t work. Resection is the most common type of surgery used to remove a part of the brain causing seizures. During the surgery, you will be kept awake so that the doctors can talk to you to avoid removing a part of the brain that controls your speech, vision, hearing, and movements.

Another surgery called multiple subpial transections is done if the brain area is too big to remove. The neurosurgeon makes an incision in the brain to disturb the nerve pathway to stop the seizures from spreading. After surgery, you can stop taking the antiseizure medications completely.

Having epilepsy can be very stressful because you are always afraid that you can get injured when you have a seizure episode. But with proper medication or surgery, you can live a happy life. South Valley Neurology offers treatment plans for epilepsy to help you get your normal life back. Call them today and book an appointment online.  

In the world of spine surgery, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been gaining popularity in recent years. MIS is a surgical procedure that uses smaller incisions than traditional open spine surgery. This results in minor tissue damage, blood loss, and scarring. In addition, patients often experience a shorter recovery time. If you’re in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, find dependable specialists in modern procedures. A suitable Pittsburgh board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon will customize the proper treatment for your medical needs.

What is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Spine surgery is usually an open procedure, meaning it requires a large incision in the patient’s back. MIS spine surgery uses smaller incisions designed to minimize damage to the surrounding tissue. The surgeon makes small openings in critical locations of the spine. Then they insert instruments and other tools through these openings to perform surgery directly on the spinal column.

How Can I Benefit From Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery is becoming incredibly popular in many areas of medicine. The benefits are numerous, but perhaps the most significant advantage of MIS is the recovery time involved following surgery. 

On average, patients have a shorter recovery time after MIS procedures than traditional open surgery. Many patients return to their normal activities much faster, such as work and exercise.

Who is the Best Candidate for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

It is important to note that while some patients may be ideal candidates for MIS spine surgery, not all patients are good candidates. The best way to determine whether or not you are a candidate for minimally invasive back surgery is through an initial consultation with your surgeon. With this information in hand, you can discuss the risks and benefits of MIS vs. traditional open surgery.

What Conditions can Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Treat?

Minimally invasive spine surgery is used to treat several different conditions related to the spine, including:

• Back pain
• Herniated discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Scoliosis
• Arthritis
• Spinal stenosis
• Compression fractures
• Bone spurs

Types of Minimally Invasive Surgeries

Foraminotomy

This is the procedure performed to relieve pressure on the nerve root. The surgeon makes an opening in one or more vertebrae and associated disc space. They then use instruments to remove portions of the bones and create a tunnel toward the affected nerve.

Laminectomy

This procedure aims to relieve pressure or discomfort on the spinal cord. It involves removing bony tissue along the back of the neck called the lamina. A minimally invasive laminectomy uses smaller incisions than traditional open spine surgery, making it easier for surgeons to access and remove appropriate portions of the vertebrae.

Microdiscectomy

A microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that removes a herniated disc. The surgeon makes small incisions to access an injured disc during this surgery. Then they perform the appropriate discectomy or remove part of the damaged disc tissue. This type of surgery is often used to relieve pain that radiates into the leg.

If you or someone in your life is experiencing chronic back pain, it’s essential to consult a spine surgeon. In addition to traditional open surgery that involves large incisions and significant recovery time, minimally invasive spine surgery may be an option for some patients. Foraminotomies are an MIS procedure that removes pressure from the nerve root while laminectomies relieve pressure on the spinal cord.

Age comes with different changes in the body. The face undergoes several changes due to sun exposure and gravity, which can cause sagging and wrinkles due to decreased elasticity. All these changes create an old-looking face. Choosing the right Yorkville, Toronto, Canada facial fat grafting can be daunting. However, at TMB Cosmetic Surgery, you will find the best specialists with extensive experience and knowledge in facial fat grafting and minimally invasive surgery. The following is more information relating to facial fat grafting that you need to know before booking your appointment.

What is Facial Fat Grafting?

Facial fat grafting entails harvesting fat tissues from one part of the body and injecting them into various areas underneath the skin to allow facial rejuvenation. It is an effective procedure that has low allergenicity.

Facial rejuvenation aims to make a face look younger through surgical and non-surgical procedures. Fat grafting helps restore the face and also improves the tone and texture.

Some of the facial changes that fat grafting addresses include:

• Forehead hollowing
• Tear trough deformity
• Jowls
• Deflated lips
• Weak chin
• Poor jawline contour
• Temporal hollowing
• Supraorbital hollowing
• The increased vertical length of the lower lid
• Rhinoplasty
• Scars
• Burns
• Radiation dermatitis
• Facial deformity – congenital, acquired, or traumatic
• Facial asymmetry

Fat Harvesting

The physician retrieves fat from the site that has a rich fat reservoir. Some areas with rich fat include the abdomen, buttocks, and anterior thigh. The collection is done under general anesthesia.

Fat Processing

After harvesting the fat, it is processed through three consecutive stages: sedimentation, centrifugation and washing, and filtering. The essence of these processes is to clean and prepare the fat to be ready to be injected into the desired area.

Fat Transfer

The processed fat is then injected into the area that requires grafting several times to ensure effectiveness.

Complications

After the procedure, you will experience some complications, but they will eventually go away. They include

• Contour irregularity
• Pain at the donor site due to inadequate anesthesia
• Fat embolism
• Scarring where fat has been removed
• edema
• Overcorrection due to the transfer of excess fat tissue
• Infection and prolonged inflammation
• Blistering on the grafted area

Candidates for facial fat grafting

Facial fat grafting is an effective treatment option for persons who desire to improve their facial appearance, texture, and tone without undergoing a highly invasive surgical procedure. The patient must contain excess fat for grafting and be physically fit to undertake the procedure. The physician will conduct a full medical examination to ascertain that you fit the facial fat grafting.

Recovery process

The process is safe and lasts longer and is considered safe for most patients since no foreign materials are injected into the body. The physician will prescribe some oral medication to relieve the mild pain and swelling as the healing process continues.

If you feel like your face needs some rejuvenation since age has taken effect and you would like to restore it to a more youthful appearance, you are the best candidate for facial fat grafting at TMB Cosmetic Surgery. Call them today or book an appointment online and experience a new look.

The sinuses are the hollow, air-filled cavities in your head that help you breathe and filter out bacteria. They can become infected and inflamed (known as sinusitis), which leads to pressure and pain above your eyes, nose, or forehead. If left untreated, sinusitis can lead to severe complications such as hearing loss, tooth decay, or even meningitis. The best way to treat this problem in Surprise, Arizona, is through surgery with an ENT Specialist. Target a Surprise facial plastic surgeon who has built their entire practice around diagnosing and treating patients suffering from chronic nasal congestion due to allergies or other underlying conditions.

What is Sinus Surgery?

Sinus surgery is the process of removing the natural passages in your nose and skull that causes sinusitis so you can breathe without obstruction. There are multiple types of surgery depending on what part of the nasal passage needs to be worked on, but none are considered effective procedures. Many people who have this surgery report fast-acting symptom relief. Most say their symptoms return quickly if they don’t remain vigilant with medications and other treatments.

How is Sinus Surgery Performed?

There are a few different ways to approach sinus surgery, but some of the most popular methods include:

Endoscopic surgery is a non-surgical procedure where a surgeon uses a laparoscope or other vision tools to remove any obstructions within your nose. It’s usually done in less than an hour, and you can go home the same day.

Balloon sinus dilation is a way to widen your nose passages so it’s easier for you to breathe. It works by using a small balloon inserted through your nasal septum and expanding it gradually until the airway is clear.

Benefits of Sinus Surgery

The most significant benefit of sinus surgery is that it will clear the passages of your nasal cavity and make it easier for you to breathe, which is especially helpful for people with allergies.

Wearing a surgical mask may help alleviate some of your allergy-related symptoms. If you can get relief from this temporary solution, having surgery to treat your symptoms permanently is a great option.

Who is a Good Candidate for Sinus Surgery?

Sinus Surgery isn’t for everyone, but it can effectively treat nasal congestion and other chronic problems that make your life difficult. The best candidates for sinus surgery are those who:

• Have not responded well to medical treatments
• Are you suffering from chronic nasal obstruction
• Are you in good general health
• If you’ve tried multiple remedies

How Can You Prepare for Surgery?

The ENT Specialist you choose should be able to tell you how to prepare for surgery, but here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:

Steroid Nasal Spray – Your surgeon may prescribe a steroid nasal spray like fluticasone and triamcinolone to help with inflammation. You’ll need to use these sprays every day at least two weeks before your surgery. Some surgeons may also recommend using them before the procedure to help minimize bleeding and speed up recovery time.

Sinus surgery is a surgical procedure that, when performed correctly by an experienced ENT specialist, can help you breathe better and alleviate chronic nasal congestion (sinusitis) symptoms such as pain or pressure in your head or face. If you’re struggling with these problems daily, sinus surgery may be right for you.