Health

Arthritis is a condition that affects people of all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in those over age 65. There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common is osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tears on the joints. Arthritis causes many symptoms including pain, inflammation, and stiffness. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are many ways to manage the pain. These symptoms can substantially impact your quality of life, which is why many people work with East Village arthritis specialists to find relief from the pain. This article looks at some of the options you can take advantage of to relieve pain resulting from arthritis.

• Master Self-Management Skills

Arthritis is a chronic disorder and requires ongoing care. It started with Dr. James Cyriax, who developed self-management skills for arthritis pain. These self-help techniques focus on relieving the effects of both acute and chronic conditions that cause discomfort in your muscles or joints. When you develop these skills, you can manage your arthritis pain more effectively, and learn how to live a healthier life.

One way to ease discomfort is to use heat or cold packs on the area that hurts. It reduces inflammation and swelling. You can also do some gentle stretching exercises and yoga poses to help increase your range of motion.

• Rest Your Muscles

One of the best ways to manage arthritis pain is to take a break from using your muscles. This means avoiding any strenuous activities that could put a strain on your joints. You should pace yourself and rest your body when it needs it most, which can be difficult if you are active all day long. When you try to push yourself too hard, you can increase the pain and inflammation.

If you are forced to take a break from your usual routine, make sure to find activities that will keep you active. It can be anything from swimming to walking around the block. You want to make sure you are still moving your body even though you cannot do your usual exercises.

• Stay Active

When dealing with arthritis pain, it is essential to stay active. This does not mean you have to push yourself to the limit or do anything that will cause you more pain. Instead, find activities that you enjoy and can do without stress on your joints.

Some good examples include swimming, biking, water aerobics, and walking. These activities will not strain your muscles or joints, and you can still get plenty of exercise while managing your arthritis symptoms.

• Protect Your Joints

Your joints are exceptionally delicate, and taking the proper steps is crucial to protecting them. This will be different for everyone, but some general tips include using an appropriate furniture cushion while sitting, carefully cleaning your hands before and after manual labor, and wearing comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement.

In summary, arthritis is one of the leading causes of pain. You may need to see a specialist to help manage the pain, but you can relieve it at home by mastering self-management skills and resting your muscles. Staying active and protecting your joints also helps relieve arthritis pain.

Hormone replacement treats many problems associated with the endocrine system. It was initially designed to replace any hormones that were not naturally made by the body, but doctors have realized more benefits than just hormone replacement. Hormones are chemicals that help carry signals throughout the body to signal different organs and tissues to function correctly.

Hormone replacement is used in men and women to help them feel good and reduce the effects of aging or other medical problems. There are two main types: bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and non-bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (NHRT). Bio-identical hormones are made to match the hormones naturally produced by the body, while non-bio-identical hormones are not. Kalpana Desai MD, an HRT specialist, can help you identify the proper treatment for your needs. In this article, we look at some of the benefits of HRT.

• Can Fight Early Menopause in Women

Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) is the medical term for early menopause, and it affects about 1 in 100 women. It can result in a range of symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and infertility. Hormone replacement therapy is effective in treating POF, and in some cases, women were able to get pregnant after starting treatment.

• Hormone Replacement Can Improve Bone Health

As women approach menopause, they may find that their bones become weaker and more brittle. It is due to the ovaries’ rapid decrease of estrogen production, which harms bone metabolism. Hormone replacement therapy with estrogen and progesterone can increase the levels of these hormones, which increases bone mineral density, and improves bone strength as a result.

• Hormones Can Also Improve Sexual Health in Women

In addition to treating POF, treatment with hormone replacement can also improve sexual health for women. Estrogen is vital for maintaining the health of the vaginal tissues and lubrication. It also helps keep the uterus lining thick, which is necessary for a healthy pregnancy.

• It Can Help Improve Self-Confidence

Hormone replacement therapy treats side effects of aging in men, such as low energy levels, poor libido, and erectile dysfunction. These are all things that can harm the overall self-esteem of an individual. When men start to feel better about themselves, it can help to improve their interactions with other people and even improve their outlook.

• Boosts Immunity

Hormone replacement therapy increases women’s immune system’s overall function. It can improve the production of specific cells that help fight off infections while efficiently distributing them throughout the body.

• It Improves Quality of Life

Hormone replacement therapy improves the quality of life for both men and women. It can help reduce the number of symptoms they experience, making them feel better overall. When people feel good, they tend to have a more positive outlook on life and are less likely to suffer from depression or anxiety.

In summary, hormone replacement therapy has become popular due to its many benefits. They include better immunity and improved quality of life. It also improves self-confidence and sexual energy. In women who have reached menopause, hormone replacement therapy can help manage the signs of menopause and improve bone health.

In the world of beauty and skincare, chemical peels are a common sight. You can achieve skin rejuvenation with chemical peels. A peel is a procedure that removes the outermost layer of skin, which may help minimize the appearance of indications of aging, sun exposure, and post-acne scarring. At the same time, a brighter, softer layer of skin is exposed under the dead surface. The strength of chemical peels might vary. You may have adverse effects that you have not encountered before. You must understand how to care for your skin after seeking chemical peels in Brighton so that you do not experience any side effects and get the best possible results.

Natural peeling is the best method

Hands-off maintenance is the first guideline of post-chemical peel care. After that, your skin will be pretty sensitive. Even weak chemicals and acids may cause redness and irritation on the skin, so it is fair to assume that this will happen. Touching your skin when it is peeling and flaking might lead to the following:

• Infections: The cutaneous layer that the skin forms to keep out germs and viruses is a critical part of your immune system’s function. After a chemical peel, for instance, your skin’s protective barrier may be compromised, making it more susceptible to infections and other disorders.
• Breakouts: Your pores are completely open after facials or a peel. As soon as you contact your face, any bacteria on your hands might enter your body and create breakouts. Your hands’ natural oils may clog your pores and trap blemish-causing germs, even if you wash your hands often during the day.
• An increase in irritation: As it is, your skin is likely to be red and inflamed. The angrier it becomes, the more you scratch, itch, or pick at it. Before your skin properly recovers, it requires time to settle down.

After all, the fundamental objective of a peel solution is to let the dead and damaged skin cells come off naturally.

Use SPF to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays

Let us go right to the point: avoid the sun whenever possible, and use plenty of sunscreens. After a peel, your skin is especially vulnerable since it is been stripped of its protective layers. And the fresh skin that is exposed after a peel is susceptible to the sun’s harsh rays. As a result, it is more important than ever to take good care of it. When you cannot avoid the sun’s harmful rays, use sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

Moderate hydration is vital

You may notice your skin become tight, dry, and itchy as the chemicals begin to do their job. As a result, it is easy to overdo it, but you must not. Remember that a chemical peel is all about getting rid of dead and damaged skin cells. A chemical peel is only as good as the time it takes to take effect. Instead of over-hydrating, you should keep moisturizing as usual.

It is crucial to note that everyone’s skin responds differently to skincare treatment. Taking care of your skin after a chemical peel can help improve the texture of your skin and lessen the appearance of dark spots, lines, and wrinkles.

When the veins in your legs enlarge due to pooling or accumulation of blood in them, you are said to have varicose veins. It is a vascular problem that occurs when the valves become weak, allowing the backflow of blood. The veins often appear as blue or dark purple on your skin’s surface, and most people seek treatment for cosmetic concerns. However, varicose veins can be a source of discomfort to others, especially if they come with other symptoms such as muscle aches, swelling, and pain after extended sitting periods. Fortunately, your Hudson, FL cardiologist can help improve the symptoms with different treatment methods, including sclerotherapy.

Causes of varicose veins

To understand the causes of varicose veins, you first need to understand how the arteries and veins work in your body. Apart from the pulmonary artery, all the other arteries transport oxygenated blood from the heart to the other body parts, while the veins carry deoxygenated blood from the rest of the body parts to the heart. The veins in your legs work against gravity to transport blood to the heart, which is also the longest distance. Veins have valves to protect blood from having a backward flow. If the valves weaken or get damaged, they allow blood to accumulate in the vein causing it to enlarge and twist.

What are the risk factors for varicose veins?

• Family history. A predisposition of varicose veins in your family makes you more susceptible to this problem.
• Pregnancy. During pregnancy, there is an increase in blood volume to support the fetus’s growth. While this is important, it may cause undesirable side effects, including superficial veins. The hormones produced during this time can also prompt the development of varicose veins.
• Obesity. If you weigh more than you should, the body exerts too much pressure on the veins in your legs, which can result in valve damage.
• Occupation. People with desk jobs or who spend many hours standing are at risk of varicose veins. Sedentary positions interfere with blood flow from the veins to your heart.
• Age. As you grow older, the veins in your valve become prone to wear and tear, making them weak, allowing some blood to accumulate in the veins.
• Sex. Varicose veins are prevalent in women than men due to the hormones the body produces during pregnancy, menopause, and before periods. Hormonal contraceptives such as pills are linked with varicose veins.

How can I prevent varicose veins?

Although you cannot completely prevent yourself from varicose veins, there are several measures you can take to reduce the risk and manage the symptoms of existing varicose veins. They include:

• Exercise more often to strengthen your leg muscles since they facilitate the transportation of blood.
• Shed extra pounds if overweight to reduce symptoms such as muscle cramps and swelling. Watching your diet and exercising can help your weight loss journey.
• Avoid tight clothes that press on the veins in your legs, worsening the existing problem.
• Take a break between long sitting or standing hours and walk around to promote blood circulation.

If you have further questions about varicose veins or need treatment, visit your doctor today at Advanced Hearts & Vascular Associates.

Fibroids are non-cancerous muscular tumors that grow in the uterus during child-bearing years. They range in sizes from small ones – undetectable by the human eye to large ones that can form a bulge in the lower abdomen. Most of the time, gynecologists detect fibroids in McDonough during a prenatal ultrasound or your routine pelvic exam. There is often a lack of symptoms in most women, and in any case, they may include painful menstrual cramps, frequent urination, pelvic pain or pressure, heavy menstrual bleeding, and constipation. Fortunately, minimally invasive procedures like uterine artery embolization may relieve the symptoms.

Symptoms for uterine fibroids

Most women with fibroids can hardly tell because of the absence of symptoms. However, women with fibroid symptoms may experience:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Constipation
• Pain or pressure in the pelvic area
• Periods that last more than seven days
• Frequent urination

The symptoms you have can be influenced by different factors including the size, number, and location of fibroids. Fibroids can develop within the uterine wall muscles (intramural), in the uterus

(submucosal), or outside the uterus (subserosal).

What causes fibroids?

Specialists are yet to establish a particular cause for fibroids, but according to doctors, these abnormal growths originate from a stem cell in the myometrium. One cell divides multiple times, creating a rigid mass of rubbery tissue known as fibroids. Their growth pattern varies as some get bigger rapidly and others slowly. Some stagnate in one size, and others undergo a growth spurt where they enlarge and shrink. Most of the time, fibroids that develop during pregnancy usually shrink or disappear after childbirth. Here are some of the factors linked to uterine growth.

•  Hormones. During the menstrual cycle, the body produces estrogen and progesterone hormones which facilitate the thickening of the uterine walls. These hormones also promote the development of tumors since fibroids have more hormone receptors than other muscle cells. During menopause, the decline in hormone production causes the fibroids to shrink or disappear.
• Genetic changes. The genes in uterine fibroids differ from those in the normal uterine muscle cells.
• Extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix makes cells stick together and also makes them fibrous. It is also responsible for cell changes due to its stores’ growth factors.
• Naturally occurring substances in the body, such as insulin-like growth factors, are linked to the growth of fibroids.

Treatment of uterine fibroids

There is no single treatment approach that is best for fibroids. There are multiple approaches, and the one your doctor recommends depends on the severity of your symptoms and your preference. For example, if you experience mild symptoms that you can tolerate or no signs at all, your doctor may recommend watchful waiting. They tend to grow slowly and shrink during menopause due to the decline in reproductive hormone production. Medications, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery are other treatment methods used to treat fibroids. Your doctor may help you understand the one that is best for you.

While uterine fibroids are usually harmless, they cause discomfort and can result in complications such as anemia, and sometimes interfere with fertility. Book a session with your doctor at Ideal Gynecology LLC for the diagnosis and treatment of uterine fibroids to improve your quality of life.

Endometriosis is a condition that affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. It occurs when tissue that usually lines the uterus inside grows outside the uterus. It can cause pain, infertility, and other problems. While there is no cure for endometriosis, treatments can help relieve symptoms. Endometriosis can cause lower back pain and painful sex. If that wasn’t bad enough, the condition is estimated to affect over 176 million worldwide. If you have been looking for a way to manage your endometriosis pain, an Upper East Side endometriosis specialist can provide a solution.

Luckily, many with endometriosis can benefit from various treatments, and we look at some of them below.

• Surgery For Endometriosis

An expert can perform a few different types of surgery for endometriosis. The most common is laparoscopic surgery, which is a minimally invasive procedure. This type of surgery uses small incisions and a camera to help the doctor see inside your body. Other types of surgery include open surgery and robotic surgery. Your doctor will discuss the best kind for you based on your symptoms and the size and location of your endometriosis. Some of the factors that they may consider are:

• The size of your endometriosis
• The site of your endometriosis
• Your age
• Your overall health

• Hormonal Treatments

There are a few different hormonal treatments that you can use to treat endometriosis. The most common is birth control pills, which work by suppressing the hormones that cause your menstrual cycle. These help to reduce the symptoms of endometriosis. Other hormonal treatments include progesterone injections, implants, and progestin-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs). The hormonal therapy that is right for you will depend on your symptoms, age, and whether or not you are trying to get pregnant. Some of the things that your doctor will consider when determining the proper hormonal treatment for you include:

• Your age
• The type and severity of your endometriosis symptoms
• Whether or not you are trying to get pregnant

• Alternative and Complementary Treatments

You can use a few alternative and complementary treatments to treat endometriosis. Some of the most common include: 

• Acupuncture
• Aromatherapy
• Meditation
• Hot or cold packs
• Acupressure
• Supplements (such as vitamin E)
• Herbal remedies (such as chaste berry 
• Massage therapy 
• Biofeedback training
• Yoga/Pilates
• Dietary changes

You can use these treatments alone or in combination with other therapies. The alternative and complementary treatments that are right for you will depend on your symptoms and preferences.

• Medication For Endometriosis

There are a few different medications you can use to treat endometriosis. The most common is pain medication, which can help reduce the pain caused by the condition. Other drugs include hormonal treatments and surgery. Your doctor will discuss the best type of medication for you based on your symptoms and preferences. When prescribing medicines, your doctor will consider your condition’s severity, age, and whether or not you want to conceive.

In summary, endometriosis is a condition that occurs when tissue that usually lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. No cure exists, but you can benefit from treatments that make it less severe. They include medications, surgery, hormonal therapies, and alternative and complementary treatments.

Seasonal allergies can be lethal, and these days there is a lot of misinformation around what causes allergies and how to avoid them. The best way for you to get ahead of your allergy is to conduct plenty of research, including discussing with Pompeyo C Chavez, MD, so that you understand what fact is and what is fiction when it comes to seasonal allergies. Some of the most used phrases concerning seasonal allergies include:

You can develop allergies as an adult.

This one is a fact. Anyone can develop an allergy at any age. Adults are not exempt from developing new allergies. This condition occurs when your body mistakenly identifies certain substances in the environment as harmful. As you age, your immune system becomes weaker, which also weakens our hyper allergenic reactions. Most adults who experience an allergy will have already gone through the experience during their early life and cannot remember. These childhood allergies may often stay dormant throughout a patient’s teenage years, only to emerge later on in adulthood.  So if you are feeling the sniffles, but assume it could not possibly be allergies, think again.

Eating local honey helps relieve allergy symptoms.

Unfortunately, this one is fiction. There has been a lot of buzz around this idea because bees collect pollen from local plants and use it to create their honey, and it could help build up your immunity to those local allergens. Believe it or not, flower pollen is one of the minor common allergens. What triggers most people’s seasonal allergies are pollens from trees, grass, and weeds, not in your local honey. Even though honey tastes nice and can help you feel better by raising your dopamine levels, your best bet for allergic reactions is over-the-counter medications.

Using nasal spray frequently can be detrimental to your health.

This one is a profound truth. Although nasal decongestant sprays can be effective, they are not appropriate for long-term care for allergy symptoms. These treatments can cause serious harm if patients do not use them properly. These sprays contain chemicals that shrink the enlarged blood vessels, causing congestion. After more than a few days of use, those blood vessels can become dependent on the drugs causing you to need to use more and more of it to get the same results. This condition is called the rebound phenomenon, and over time, it can lead to chronic sinusitis. Alternatively, try some other remedies like oral histamines or decongestants. If you opt for a nasal spray, use nasal corticosteroids rather than decongestants because they effectively relieve symptoms and do not carry the same risk.

It is best to be proactive and keep a consistent treatment plan to manage your symptoms when it comes to seasonal allergies. If you have questions about what is best for you, be sure to consult the offices of PREMIER FAMILY PHYSICIANS to learn more about allergies and the best way to treat yours.

Multiple vertebrae make up the spinal canal and between each bone is an opening called the spinal space. The spinal canal protects the spinal cord and nerve roots from any mechanical damage and the opening where the spinal cord spaces. However, the space can become narrow along any part of the spine due to various reasons, such as osteoarthritis, which causes spine degeneration. The commonly affected areas include the neck and lower back region. Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis in Huntington may experience back pain, leg weakness, and loss of sensation in the leg or foot.

What causes lumbar spinal stenosis?

The spinal space can become narrow due to wear and tear that occurs as you advance in age. Although some people are born with a smaller spinal space, most of the time, the narrowing is a result of something. Here are some of the causes of spinal stenosis.

• Herniated discs

The vertebral column contains small discs which act as shock absorbers and offer support to the spine. These discs have a tough outer covering called the annulus, covering the inner soft materials or nucleus. However, the membrane can develop a weak spot, and the disc can push through into the spinal space. The spinal space is limited, and the presence of the disc there narrows the canal even more. Most patients with a herniated disc have no symptoms, but if the disc presses on a nerve, it produces pain, among other symptoms like numbness and muscle weakness.

• Bone overgrowth

Age-related problems such as osteoarthritis cause wear and tear damage to bones in your body. They can also affect your spine area. Bone degeneration prompts bone spur formation, which may occur in the spinal canal. Other conditions like Paget’s disease are also associated with bone spurs formation along the spine.

• Abnormal growths

Although this hardly occurs, tumors can grow inside the spinal cord, narrowing the space. Imaging tests such as Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging help your doctor identify the tumors.

• Thickened ligaments

Ligaments are rigid structures that hold the vertebrae in place. They may thicken and become stiff as you grow older. Because of their increased volume, they occupy more space, including the spinal canal. 

What is the treatment for spinal stenosis?

Lumbar spinal stenosis has no cure, but specialists use different treatment methods to manage symptoms. The type of treatment approach your doctor uses depends on the extremity of your symptoms and other factors like your overall well-being. Your doctor can use various treatment methods, including:

Medications

• Over-the-counter pain relievers. These include drugs such as ibuprofen which your doctor may recommend to offer pain relief temporarily.
• Antidepressants can be an option if the pain is constant and severe. Examples of these drugs include amitriptyline.

Physical therapy

Alongside medication, physical therapy can be used to reduce pain and prevent muscle weakness. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises that help strengthen your muscle improve your balance and your spine’s flexibility.

Sometimes surgery is an option for patients who don’t find relief with other conservative treatments. If you want to learn more about lumbar spinal stenosis, schedule for consultation with your doctor at George Kakoulides, MD.

Botox injections are known for minimizing fine lines and facial wrinkles. However, doctors use these injections to address other problems such as chronic migraine, hyperhidrosis, eye twitching, bladder dysfunction, and painful neck contractions (cervical dystonia). Botox injections contain a toxin produced by a microbe that causes botulism which temporarily prevents muscle movements. Today, dentists use Ardsley Botox for patients with bruxism, high lip lines, bruxism, temporomandibular joint disorder, and ill-fitting dentures due to shifting jaw muscles.

How to prepare for a Botox injection

An initial consultation with your doctor is an integral part of the preparations. Discussing with your specialist allows you to understand what issues Botox injections can and cannot address. It is always a great way to clear any uncertainties and gain more insight into what treatment entails. During a consultation, your doctor may ask you several questions, including whether you have had Botox injections in recent months and if you are currently taking allergy medications and muscle relaxants. Although Botox injections are usually safe when placed precisely, pregnant and breastfeeding moms are not good candidates.

Pre instructions for Botox

• Do take any alcoholic products at least 24 hours before treatment, as doing so increases your risk of bruising.
• Discontinue the use of fish oil supplements, vitamin E, and anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen since they have blood-thinning properties and can cause bruising and swelling. Discuss with your doctor if your medical condition does not allow you to stop using these medications.
• Notify your specialist if you have a history of cold sores. If this is the case, your doctor may require that you take antiviral medication before treatment.

Are there any risks?

Treatment is relatively safe when working with a certified and skilled doctor. Even so, some side effects or complications may result after Botox injections. They include:

• Pain and swelling at the treated area
• Bruising
• Crooked smile
• Headache

What to expect during a Botox procedure

Although most patients tolerate the discomfort during treatment, some prefer numbing, especially those whose palms are soles are treated for hidrosis. The doctor may use topical anesthesia or ice to desensitize the treatment area. Treatment can be performed in your doctor’s office, where a thin needle is used to inject small amounts of the toxin into your muscles. You may need several injections depending on your problem or the extent of the treated area. You may feel a sudden, sharp sting and some pressure as the doctor inserts the needle.

Post instructions for Botox

• Avoid massaging or rubbing the injection site as this may cause the toxin to spread into other areas.
• Do not engage in strenuous activities like weight lifting for at least 24 hours.
• Sometimes the doctor may ask you to maintain an upright position at least four hours after treatment.

How long do the results last?

Most patients experience relief from symptoms at least one to three days after treatment. The results are temporary and usually last for three to six months, and subsequent treatments may be needed to maintain the effects.

If you want to learn how to benefit from Botox injections, consult with your specialist today at Ardsley Dental Spa.