Thursday, September 29, 2011

Autism Treatment - Neurological Inflammation


Inflammation is known to be a big problem in chronic illness. Inflammation is always a problem in degenerative conditions we see in our country like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and cancer, and it is even more problematic when the inflammation is chronic. We also see a problem with inflammation in Autism, especially neurological inflammation. There are several markers that can indicate inflammation that may be impacting these kids neurologically, tumor necrosis factor and interferon gamma are two.

Many children with Autism can have an issue with digestive inflammation and particularly, inflammatory bowel disease. But any type of inflammation whether it is in the gut, the blood stream, whether it is from a virus or a vaccine reaction or food sensitivities, it can negatively impact the brain. Inflammation in the brain can affect kids both globally and locally too, and can be particularly impactful on the temporal lobes. The temporal lobes are found on the side of the head and the left side is where some of the language areas are. When you have inflammation in those areas, blood flow can be decreased which hampers the ability for the blood to deliver oxygen. You can see that can be very problematic.

But the good news is there are many remedies that have been implemented that can have a positive change on neurological inflammation. Actos is a medication that have been used on individuals with Autism with fairly good success to help reduce neurological inflammation. Actos was originally a medication to control blood sugar for diabetics and then it was discovered that it could positively impact the way the cells in the body produce inflammation. Spironolactone is another medication to aid in controlling inflammation, also used at first to treat other conditions. It can be used to treat hirsutism which is an overproduction of testosterone in women and can regulate potassium and sodium which is useful in edema or swelling, especially of the lower extremities. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is also an effective treatment for inflammation in Autism and it helps in two different ways. It increases blood flow and thereby oxygenation to the brain but the pressure of the chamber also seems to be helpful in treating inflammation as well. Turmeric is a very interesting herbal remedy for inflammation. It is an Indian spice with the active ingredient called curcumin. It is showing good results in children with Autism for both gut and neurological inflammation. As you do more research you will certainly hear more about inflammation, not only as a big problem in chronic illness today but also in the Autism community. But, as discussed in this article, there are remedies that can help.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

De Quervein's Diseases


Mrs Hizkiah, a beautiful nurse, funny, always smile.

She feels pain, aggravated by movement on the wrist and thumb. Dear Hiskiah, it is call De Quervein's Diseases. Characteristic symptoms can be reproduced by flexing the thumb and cupping it under the fingers, than flexing the wrist in an ulnar direction which stretches the thumb tendons. Lovely Hizkiah, that is the reasoning, why your pain exaggerated after your therapist asked you to made a fist, forcing flex the thumb.

Pity Hizkiah, you also has another problem, trigger thumb. In this condition your thumb snaps as it flexes and may become locked in flexion or in extension. He didn't want to harm you, just didn't knoe that you have another problem.

The pathology of De Quervein's Diseases is an increased vascularity of the outer sheath that, coupled with edema, thickens the sheath and constricts the enclosed tendon. Treatment requires immobilization with injections of cortisone into the sheath.

My regiment for you is low level laser. Please, no heat modality, due to edema. Low level laser will not increase the temperature above body temperature. It is to reduce the pain and the edema. I am going to immobilize your thumb. But if during four weeks of treatment, there is no relief, maybe our surgeon will help you.

The trigger thumb, occurs from thickening of the sheath or the tendon or both which prevents gliding of the tendon within the sheath . Local injections of cortisone into the sheath may result in good recovery. if locking persists, excision of the thickened is performed. That is not my competency. I told you, my first concern is your pain due to De Quervein's. I use low level laser AMM50, about 830 nm, probe 50 mW, The dose 30 Youles. It is big enough. I am going to decreases the dose if your pain and edema decrease.

(Hand pain and impairment, Rene Cailliet)

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Side Effects With Using Hydrocortisone Cream As Eczema Treatment


In my teens, I was first introduced to using hydrocortisone cream for my eczema treatment. Since then, every time I had an outbreak, I would turn to it. This continued for more than ten years. However, in the last few years, I noticed that increasingly applying hydrocortisone creams on my affected skin is not as effective as before. In fact, it got harder and harder to control my eczema. My affected skin also got thinner and I would get abrasions very easily. I then decided to find out the truth behind the side effects of using hydrocortisone creams.

Hydrocortisone cream (1%) is one kind of topical corticosteroids and is easily available at your local store without prescription. They are packaged in various forms such as creams and lotions and are marketed under different brands.

Corticosteroid creams are topical skin applications which are used for skin itching, redness, discomfort and other skin-related problems. They come in varying strengths. Stronger ones are only available via prescription by your doctor. Corticosteroids are referred to as steroids. The term steroids often have a negative ring to it because of a number of side effects that this drug is known to bring. Corticosteroids for eczema are different from anabolic steroids, which are used by some athletes to increase their endurance.

However, just like any other type of drugs, hydrocortisone cream for eczema treatment also has its own side effects especially if you do not administer it properly. You should always check to see if you are allergic to steroids in the first place. Ask your doctor if in doubt. Secondly, as I have found out, prolonged use can cause skin to thin out. This is a condition known as atrophy. Because your skin is now more sensitive due to thinning out, you are more prone to skin abrasion and infection. That is why if you have eczema and have used hydrocortisone cream for weeks or months, you are more susceptible to a fungi and bacteria infection. With an infection, your eczema symptoms are sure to worsen.

You also get the appearance of stretch marks with prolonged use. Your blood vessels swell and there is loss of skin pigment in the affected areas. Your bloodstream may also absorb the strong steroids and this can affect other body systems. In the worst case scenario, it can also suppress the production of your natural adrenaline, thus causing you to be prone to a lot of illness including Cushing's syndrome.

In all situations, it is in your best interest to minimize the use of hydrocortisone creams or corticosteroids for your eczema treatment. If you need to use them, do so sparingly and use only as directed. If you find that your medication is not working within a week, stop its usage and see a skin doctor right away. You may need a stronger prescription. It is far better to treat your eczema with an appropriate strength medication than to use one that is not effective. A stronger prescription also allows you to get your eczema treated within a shorter period of time. In addition, look for alternative eczema treatment options which are natural and potentially produce fewer or no side effects.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Prognosis and Treatment of Shock


If shock goes untreated, it is generally fatal. The mortality rate from cardiogenic shock after a myocardial infarction and from septic shock is 60% to 65%. Of course, the actual prognosis depends on the cause of shock, any comorbidities, and the time between onset and definitive treatment all contribute to whether or not a patient will survive (Weil, 2007).

Reinstituting adequate perfusion to the organs is the primary goal in treating shock. It is essential to maintain adequate oxygenation, blood pressure, and maintaining adequate cardiac function. Specific treatment depends on the cause. There is a delicate balance between maintaining the patient's blood pressure to be able to transport the patient to the hospital safely and trying to get the patient to the hospital within the "golden hour" .

When a patient is in shock, the first priority is to maintain airway, breathing, and circulation as adequately as possible until the patient can be transferred to the hospital for more definitive treatment. First-order management that can be undertaken by EMT personnel include holding pressure to open wounds that are bleeding, providing IV fluids, and giving the patient oxygen supplementation.

Keeping the patient warm is important and at this point, nothing is given by mouth (Weil, 2007). Patients with signs or symptoms of an acute MI or pulmonary edema are given smaller amounts of fluid to avoid venous congestion and pulmonary complications with fluid overload (Weil, 2007). More definitive care will be given once the patient is able to be monitored in the hospital (Wedro, 2007).

When the patient gets to the hospital, they will probably be monitored in the intensive care unit with ECG, blood pressure monitoring (usually through an arterial line), vital sign monitoring, pulse oximetry, urine flow (via catheter), and mental status monitoring. Measurement of CVP and cardiac output may also be instituted.

Routine bloodwork such as a comprehensive metabolic panel, complete blood count, clotting factors, arterial blood gases, and lactate will also likely be initiated. Intramuscular medications are avoided due to the decreased perfusion to the musculature during shock. Most medications are administered IV if possible. After the initial corrective measures are taken to stabilize the patient, further diagnostics will be performed to evaluated the need for more advanced interventions like surgery. The type of diagnostics needed will depend on the circumstances surrounding the event.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Treatment Of Malnutrition And Starvation


Starvation may conveniently be defined as malnutrition of sufficient severity to warrant in-patient treatment in hospital; the body weight is reduced to less than 75% of normal.

Causes:

Malnutrition and starvation arise

• When there is not enough food to eat, for instance in times of famine.
• When there is severe disease of the digestive tract, preventing the absorption of nutrients, as in the malabsorption syndrome and cancer of the esophagus
• When there is a condition which prevents normal metabolism of nutrients by the tissues, e.g. in renal or hepatic failure or protracted infections. In all these circumstances there is wasting of the body with much loss of both muscle and fat.

Treatment of malnutrition and starvation is listed below.

• In mild malnutrition, all that is needed is suitable food. Management is more an administrative than a medical problem. When the patient is seriously ill, treatment must depend on the facilities available.
• Most famine victims, because of alimentary dysfunction, cannot deal with large quantities of food. The patient's appetite may be immense and no guide to digestive capacities. Limitation of the food intake is essential if there is diarrhea or a severe degree of cachexia.
• The choice of food needs care. In advanced cases only bland food can be tolerated by the thin-walled intestines lacking essential digestive enzymes. Skimmed milk may not be well tolerated if the patient has deficient intestinal lactase activity. It is advisable to give foods with which the patient is familiar.
• The ideal diet to start with is one based on the patient's staple cereal and some sucrose or glucose together with moderate amounts of bland, protein-rich food, e.g. milk powder, and some fat or oil.
• Small feeds should be given at frequent intervals and new foods added one at a time to see that they do not increase diarrhea. It is advisable to give a multivitamin preparation. With refeeding there may be some increase in edema, unless the supply of salt is restricted.
• There may come a time when a patient with severe starvation refuses all food, although fully rational. Feeding of milk and other fluids through a nasogastric tube then provides the only hope.
• Physical and psychological recovery is usually complete if sufficient calories are provided for cases of primary malnutrition. When irreversible changes have developed in the heart and small intestine in severe starvation, the prognosis is poor.
• Prevention rests with legislators and administrators. Famines from crop failure can be greatly alleviated by advanced contingency planning. Those caused by a natural disaster like an earthquake are unexpected: the outcome depends on how well the country's administration stands up to the strain. Famines resulting from war are the most difficult.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Lymphedema Armsleeves - Fashionable Relief From Painful Arm Swelling


Lymphedema is a condition that causes the soft tissues of the body to retain fluid. Any area of the human body can be affected, but the typical areas of swelling are in the arms and legs. Although this condition isn't life threatening, there can be a great deal of discomfort involved. Limbs and extremities can become painfully bloated and sore.

Who Is At Risk For Lymphedema?

There are several factors that can contribute to this ailment. Any medical procedure that cuts into or near the glands of the lymphatic system can damage lymph gland function. Women who undergo breast cancer surgery can be at risk as well as those patients with heart problems and circulatory issues. Genetics can also play a part. Some people are simply predisposed to fluid buildup in their bodily tissues.

Living with Lymphedema

Dealing with an arm, leg or foot that has ballooned to twice its normal size can be extremely difficult. The skin becomes tender to the touch and can actually split open. Open wounds can lead to infection and put a person in grave danger of contracting gangrene. Just moving from place to place can be a huge challenge. Affected limbs can become as hard as a rock, making simple movement almost impossible. There are special lymphedema bandages available for these wounds.

People who suffer from these symptoms have difficulty getting dressed. Sleeves, pants legs and socks have to be cut to allow for the bigger limb. Shoes sometimes have to be special ordered for puffed-up feet. In many cases, puffiness can be relieved with a diuretic medication and exercise. The diuretic increases kidney function and allows the body to get rid of excess liquid. In other cases, a person may need to use a specially designed sleeve to decrease retention.

Lymphedema Armsleeves

The medical profession has invented special sleeves for arm swelling made out of the same type of materials as compression stocking edema treatment uses the gentle compression of the stretchy fabric to increase body heat to the capillaries. This brings improved circulation and reduced swelling. The amount of time a person would need to wear their sleeve will depend on the advice of their treating physician. Typically, they are worn every day until the symptoms are under control.

Armsleeves are made of woven mesh fabric that can be washed either by hand or in the machine using a mild detergent without bleach. They can be hung to dry or put in the dryer on the delicate heat cycle. With care, they should keep their compression qualities for 6 months.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Leg Edema - Causes and Treatment


When you feel a swelling sensation on your legs, most likely, you are experiencing water retention in your legs, or what is also known as leg edema. This can be a very uncomfortable feeling and can occur in either legs or one. It is noticeable if the swelling appears in the calves or the lower part of your leg.

What Are The Main Causes of Leg Edema?

Pregnancy. Leg edema commonly manifests during the last trimester of the pregnancy. Due to the growing fetus, force is applied on the vein that transmits blood from the legs, which is known as the vena cava. And since body fluid also increases during pregnancy, any excess fluid accumulates in the feet.

Prolonged sitting or standing position. One of the most common causes of leg edema is sitting or standing for long periods of time. This inhibits the circulation of blood, thus, blood is pushed down the lower leg that causes the swelling.

Side effect of medication. Some medicines, when administered to patients, produce adverse effects like swelling and soreness of the legs and other parts of the body. Examples are anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-depressants, steroids, and maintenance medicines for high blood pressure.

Allergic reaction. Allergies on certain foods or insect bites may also cause soreness. Bee stings, for example, can instantly cause the swelling of the area where a bee stung an individual. The swelling is mainly the body's response to the histamines produced by the allergic reaction.

Internal injury. In some cases, it can be brought about by an internal injury affecting the legs or failure of the kidney and other internal organs. If there is the presence of blood-clotting, it will also lead to leg edema since there is a blockage in the normal blood flow.

Enlargement of veins. When you develop varicose veins, this means the veins become enlarged, thus, causing leg and ankle swelling, accompanied by throbbing leg pain.

How Do You Treat Leg Edema?

Swelling of the legs is treatable and dependent on the cause of the edema.

Minimize salt intake. Ensure to trim down your salt intake as this is a known factor for water retention. This will include your consumption of junk food such as chips.

Take diuretics. Drinking herbal teas makes you urinate more, thus, you expel excess salt and body fluid from your body.

Elevate legs. Lie down on your bed and prop up your legs on pillows, keeping your legs above heart level. You can do this for about half an hour, 4 times a day.

Walk. Do some brisk walking as this will surely help your blood circulation and send some excess fluid back to the heart.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Eczema Treatment With Vitamin E Cream


Eczema, to those who personally suffer from the disease or who have close family that has, can pose a significant problem in trying to live a normal life. Various treatments for the disease have been touted right and left, but few have proven themselves to be truly effective. While it's recommended that every Eczema sufferer see a doctor who can recommend a course of treatment, there are some over the counter products available that can ease the symptoms of Eczema. If you're skeptical about trying treatments other than those recommend by your doctor, we suggest talking to him or her before exploring other treatment paths. Below we will be looking into a treatment that has been overlooked by many for a good while - vitamin e cream.

Vitamin e cream has long been used by medical professionals for treating various problems, including scars of various types and other skin problems. Vitamin e cream can be an extremely ideal product for Eczema sufferers - given the amazing things it can do to protect and enhance one's skin. Since the product can eliminate/reduce skin irritation, it can make living with Eczema much more bearable. Further, vitamin e cream can keep your skin from having to deal with other problems that can be brought about by sunlight. We recommend using a cream that contains natural vitamin e.

Like any other treatment, you have to be patient with vitamin e cream. Some people notice results quite quickly while others are left for several weeks without any sort of results. If you continue on the proper course, you will eventually notice an improvement in your skin. If you have any questions about the cream or whether or not it is suitable for you, we strongly recommend contacting your doctor or dermatologist for further information. He or she should be able to better orient you.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Sunburn - Causes, Symptoms ans Treatment


Sunburn is a burn to living tissue such as skin or leaves produced by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, commonly from the sun 's rays. Sunburn may also occur from exposure to other UV light sources such as solaria or tanning salons. At a cellular level, sunburn is associated with microscopic changes in the skin. There is the formation of UV induced sunburn cells and a reduction in Langerhan cells and mast cells, which play an essential part of the body's immune defence system. Almost everyone has been sunburned or will become sunburned at some time. Anyone who visits a beach, goes fishing, works in the yard, or simply is out in the sun can get sunburn. Improper tanning bed use is also a source of sunburn. Although seldom fatal, sunburn can be disabling and cause quite a bit of discomfort.

Sunburn is a visible reaction of the skin's exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the invisible rays that are part of sunlight. Most of the sunlight's damage to the skin is caused by the ultraviolet B (UV-B) rays, which have long been known to hurt the skin. UV-B rays penetrate through to the lower layers of the skin, damaging skin cells. While melanin, a dark pigment in the upper layers of the skin, can protect the skin from some of the effects of UV rays, different people have different amounts of melanin in their skin. This explains why some people get burned easier than others.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US and exposure to the sun is the leading cause of skin cancer. Children often spend a good part of their day playing outdoors in the sun, especially during the summer. Children who have fair skin, moles, or freckles, or who have a family history of skin cancer, are more likely to develop skin cancer in later years. Exposure to the sun during daily activities and play causes the most sun damage. Overexposure to sunlight before age 18 is most damaging to the skin .

Causes of Sunburn

1. Consumption of birth control pills

2. Antibacterial agents used in soaps

3. Outdoor activities like swimming, skiing and hiking

Symptoms of Sunburn

1. Chills.

2. Nausea or vomiting.

3. Swelling of the skin.

4. Dizziness or headaches.

5. Flu-like symptoms may develop.

6. Fever.

Treatment of Sunburn

Treat as for other burns with cold water to remove the heat. Calamine lotion will relieve the irritation whilst paracetamol will also help. Avoid applying petroleum jelly or lotions which can hold the heat intact the burned skin. However, moisturizing lotions can be relieving. To alleviate the pain and swelling, patients may be asked to take aspirin. Increased fluid loss can occur through badly sunburned skin, so fluid replenishment with an 'isotonic' drink is recommended. Avoid more sun exposure until the skin completely heals, usually within one or two weeks.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Diet For the Treatment of Hemorrhoids


Constipation and Hemorrhoids

A bright red rectal bleeding not mixed with stool, is usually the initial symptom of Hemorrhoids (or the common bad spelling Hemmroids, Hemroids). Prolapse occurs only with the first defecation and then spontaneously decreases. A persistent anal itching is a symptom of hemorrhoids. The pain occurs only when there is an acute attack of inflammation and edema with a prolapse, or when there is a concomitant injury, like a fissure. Several observations testify to the direct link between diet and hemorrhoids. Rarely, in fact, this disease is found in countries where the diet is high in fiber and low in refined foods. An important component of Hemorrhoids is constipation, due to the increased effort required by defecation that increases intra-abdominal pressure and impedes venous return. Furthermore, the increased pressure increases pelvic congestion that can weaken the vein wall, facilitating the formation of Hemorrhoids.

More fibers

Ultimately, a diet rich in fiber is the most effective way to prevent hemorrhoids. Whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits promote intestinal peristalsis.

Many components of the fibers attract water and feces become soft and thick, easy to pass.

Also vegetables and fruit contain many nutrients that increase the integrity of the veins, in particular, are important bioflavonoids, vitamins A, C, E, B complex and zinc. Blueberries, cherries and blackberries are rich in bioflavonoids, apricots, melons, pumpkins, carrots and cranberries contain vitamin A. Citrus, strawberries, currants, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, watercress and spinach contain vitamin C, whole grains and brewer's yeast flakes contain vitamins B, while zinc is present in oats, oil seeds, wheat, buckwheat, hazelnuts,almonds, peas, parsley, garlic and carrots.

In case of hemorrhoids, we should balance - as well as the intestine - the liver and spleen, two organs that contribute to the health of veins and thus also the hemorrhoidal plexus. If the energy of the spleen is weak, it doesn't nourish the connective tissue and, consequently, the veins are easily exhausted. It is, therefore, important to avoid, as well as refined foods, sugar (the spleen in fact suffers from an excess of sugar, and is nourished and rebalanced by the consumption of cereals), fatty foods and those that heat too much, such as sausage, red meat, milk, cheese, chocolate and coffee. We should reduce the consumption of meat, possibly replacing the red with white meat or better still give preference to fish and legumes as protein source. Also to avoid overloading the liver we should prefer green vegetables and reduce consumption of Solanaceae, including tomatoes, peppers and eggplants.

Miso, seaweed and mochi

Some foods, proposed by macrobiotic, can play an effective role in treating and preventing hemorrhoids. A food particularly good for the the veins is miso, made from fermented soybeans and barley, rice or wheat. Miso has a salty flavor, is used mainly as a condiment for soups. In addition to cleanse the liver and improve blood circulation, restores intestinal flora, and is indicated for constipation and flatulence. Thanks to the properties of alkalizing food, is indicated for diseases like arthritis, and finally energy invigorates the kidney and thus improves the overall tone. Although algae are an excellent food in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Additions to the cooking of legumes and cereals, eliminate internal heat and improves intestinal peristalsis, thanks to the slime that attract water and pat the intestinal mucosa. In particular, the kombu is good for the gut, while the wakame is best for the liver. The first is added to boiled vegetables, the second in soups. Another very suitable food to fortify the spleen (Above all good and tonic) is Mochi. These are small cakes of sweet rice that can be heated over low heat.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

What Exactly Is MRSA Cellulitis?


Cellulitis is a skin infection that is commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. The usual entry point of these two bacteria to cause the skin infection is through cuts, wounds, and scratches in the skin or other skin breaks.

A type of cellulitis is the MRSA cellulitis which is caused by a type of Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. This type of S. aureus is resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics such as cepahlosporins and the penicillin family (dicloxacillin, methicillin, nafcillin, and oxacillin). Aside from being methicillin resistant, this species also differ from other staph because it is coagulase-positive. This infection is contacted from situations where people live or stay in close proximity. This infection is most of the time rampant in nursing homes or hospital wards.

Usual targets of this infection are patients who just had surgeries, invasive procedures and those who have open wounds being treated. Patients with edema, diabetes, and those who are immunocompromised such as pregnant women are prone to this infection.

MRSA cellulitis symptoms are tenderness, redness and swelling in infected areas. The infected area is warm to touch and may manifest boils with pus. Accompanying symptoms include headaches, fever, chills, low blood pressure, and rashes all over the body. Body pain, nausea and vomiting are also symptoms. These are effects of the toxins secreted by the MRSA.

MRSA cellulitis is diagnosed by physical examination and getting culture samples from the infected area to be examined in the laboratory. It is best to consult a doctor once symptoms are present since MRSA cellulitis may cause necrosis if neglected. Once necrosis starts, the area infected must be surgically removed to prevent further dispersal of infection. Severe cases may lead to fatal sepsis and toxic shock syndrome once the toxins secreted by MRSA have abundantly proliferated.

Prevention is still the best way rather than cure. Good and careful personal hygiene is the first lie of defense against infections of the skin. Open wounds must be treated immediately with disinfectants and sanitizing agents. Open wounds must not be exposed to dirt and unsterile water. Contact with animals such as cats, digs and poultry must also be minimized for immunocompromised patient. Those with chronic skin diseases such as eczema must be careful to keep the open wounds protected at all times.

MRSA treatment includes the administration of antibiotics. Treatment's main goal is to stop the bacteria causing the infection and to minimize chances of recurrence since cellulitis has a high rate of recurrence. Since MSRA cellulitis bacteria is resistan to the usual antibiotics for cellulitis, new antibiotics such as Linezolid, (belonging to oxazolidinones class), daptomycin and tigecycline are given to successfully treat the infection. Treatment may be administered intravenously at first and then oral antibiotics may be prescribed after seeing improvement in the patient's condition.

The pus in the skin infected must also be drained surgically. Open wounds must be bandages and cleaned to avoid the spread of infection and to avoid secondary infection. Treatment is considered effective once the patient's symptoms subside after 7 to 10 days.

Swollen Ankle Causes


Swelling of the ankles is basically due to a buildup of fluids in the tissues surrounding that area. It can be attributed to many causes such as edema, where due to improper circulation, fluid is trapped between the cells.

It can be a side effect from certain medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure. Arthritis can cause swelling as can the condition known as gout, where uric acid accumulates around the ankle causing swelling and inflammation.

Those who are obese are more prone to suffer from swelling ankles. Also the use of certain medications especially diuretics and laxatives tend to cause the ankles to swell up.

Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to swelling in the ankles. Senior citizens are more likely to have this condition as the cartilage in the joints starts to degenerate.

Blood clots will cause the ankles and feet to swell. These are known as vascular obstructions. And of course injuries to the area such as sprains and breaks will cause swelling.

If the liver is not functioning correctly, then fluids and salts will start to accumulate in the feet. This may be due to cirrhosis of the liver.

For women, pregnancy can be a cause of swelling ankles. This condition is usually just a temporary condition, but if there is a lot of swelling, it could be a sign of toxemia or even pre-eclampsia.

It is important to seek professional medical advice if this is a recurring problem. This due to the fact that swelling of the ankles can be an early sign of more serious problems down the road such as kidney, heart, and liver complications. Through a complete physical examination and a range of other tests including kidney function tests, electrocardiograms, urine tests, blood tests and x-rays, a diagnosis can be made.

If you stand for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces such as concrete, then you may have problems with your feet and swelling. Gel insoles and rubber mats may help somewhat.

And of course proper footwear will have a great effect on your feet. For women especially who wear the latest designer shoes, in particular, high heels. The high heels offer no ankle support at all leading to a great deal of strain around that area and in effect cause it to swell.

There are a few things you can do to help yourself. You should always try to elevate your feet when sitting. Wear looser fitting clothing. compression stockings will help stop some of the fluid buildup. Exercising, cutting down on salt intake and drinking enough water everyday will help in most cases.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Information on the leg edema


Leg edema has many causes including swollen ankles, swollen legs, peripheral edema, swollen ankles, and more. Edema of the legs is the result of too much fluid building in feet, legs and ankles. This particular condition is painless and the swelling is most common in elderly people and pregnant women. It can affect both the individual and can spread the legs as high as the calves and / or thighs. Since gravity acts against the accumulation of fluid, is particularly evident in these areasof the body.

There are many situations where swelling of the legs is more common. These include increasing age, pregnancy, obesity, prolonged standing, menstrual periods, long car rides or flights, to the foot or ankle injuries, as well as others.

There are some serious health conditions that could cause edema. These include liver or kidney failure and heart failure. The reason for swelling of the legs can occur due to these conditions is because there is more fluid than the bodyable to manage that accumulates in the ankles, feet and legs.

Quite a few other conditions may also result in edema, including infection, blood clot, sunburn, hunger, malnutrition, venous insufficiency, surgery, insect bite, and the like. There are quite a few medications that can cause edema of the legs, hips, including antidepressants, steroids, MAO inhibitors, hormones like birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, and tricyclic antidepressants.

Individuals affected with edema in the treatment of their conditionat home should reduce the amount of salt in the diet because it could help with the swelling and fluid retention. Also, wear elastic stockings can be very helpful for the edema of the legs. When you are lying down it is important to elevate the legs. Finally, be sure to get plenty of exercise, because this helps to remove fluid from the legs and return to the heart. If you have swelling of the legs and experience a tightness in the chest, chest pain, shortness of breath or you should call 911. Also, ifyou notice swollen ankles / legs / feet turn warm to the touch or has a fever, if you are pregnant or have liver disease, then you should contact your health care provider.

If your self-care measures are not resulting in improvement or worsening of ten is very important to visit your doctor as soon as possible.