When you suddenly feel sharp pain after straining or stretching it may be tendonitis. Tendons are what connect muscle to bone and are a vital part of the body’s skeletal structure. Muscles are responsible for each movement when ever we jump, walk, run, lift something, twist, and move in most any sort of way. Tendons are the fibrous tissue, similar to rubber bands that hold bones and muscles together and allow them to do the work required. Tendons may be large or small and the body contains hundreds of them, each responsible for movement in some area. Within these tendons are many nerves which conduct messages to the brain when there is stress involved. If the stress is due to over use of the tendons the results will be noted as sharp and prolonged pain and perhaps swelling of the area. Pain occurs when ever the tendon is stressed too much, resulting in the painful condition known as tendonitis. The areas most commonly affected by tendonitis are the wrist, fingers, ankles, and the Achilles tendon (in the heel).

Causes of tendonitis

Although strain and overuse are the most common reasons for developing tendonitis, it may also be due to some anatomical cause. If the tendon in question cannot glide smoothly along its path, and movement is restricted, it may become inflamed or irritated and become swollen. In some instances surgery may be necessary to relieve the cause however generally the best cure is preventative and resting the area may be all that is necessary. People in the forty to sixty age group are most commonly affected by tendonitis because their tendons and muscles become less elastic and less prone to forgiveness for over use and stress even though they may use their muscles groups just as frequently as younger people.

Among the hundreds of tendons found in the human body, only a small amount may be affected by the condition called tendonitis (literally means inflamed tendons). The areas most prone to this condition are known as “watershed zones” which are simply areas in which there is a limited blood supply to that tendon. Areas such as fingers and the wrist have smaller tendons and the blood supply is small enough that it may not be enough if that tendon is over worked and strained. These watershed zones are responsible for supplying sufficient nutrients and oxygen to the area but often fail due to limited circulation.

Tendonitis diagnosed according to symptoms

The painful condition known as tendonitis brings many to their doctor to find the cause and get some relief. Most commonly the patient will display swelling and perhaps heat in the area. Closer examination will reveal tenderness directly on the tendon and movement will be restricted within the muscles and tendons. Tests such as an MRI or X-ray will often not detect tendonitis or its cause because they do not show up.

Some common remedies for painful tendonitis

When the diagnosis for painfully strained muscles is tendonitis there are a wide assortment of remedies or treatments that will help relieve the painful condition, depending on the type and area of tendons involved.

1) Wrist Tendonitis: Commonly caused by stress of lifting, pressing, pushing, pulling, and even typing or writing too much. Wearing a wrist brace for a week or two often helps as the tendon has a chance to heal. Ice may be helpful if swelling is evident.

2) Achilles Tendonitis: The Achilles tendon is at the back of the foot just above the heel and subject to much stress and pulling when jumping or running. Pain may show up on the inside of the ankle. Ice packs, elevating the foot, and resting a day or two will help with the pain.

3) Rotator Cuff Tendonitis: Often called bursitis of the shoulder, this form of tendonitis is usually caused by overuse or strain on the shoulder in question. Ice works well or try an anti inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen or Motrin.

Also consider cortisone injections because of their powerful anti inflammatory capability. When injected directly into the site pain can be lessened in minutes.

4) Lateral Epicondylitis or Tennis Elbow: a form of tendonitis affecting the elbow or wrist area and generally related to playing the game of tennis. It is often due to the repetition of movements that are stressful to the tendons and muscles and benefit primarily by ice application or an anti inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen or Motrin.

The most effective method of preventing a recurrence of tendonitis is to strengthen muscles by exercise and use of physical therapy. Easing into a workout along with taking frequent breaks will help by easing your body in to how you wish it to perform. The older an individual is the more care must be taken to prevent over strain of muscles and tendons. The wearing of protective braces will be useful if tendonitis is a common occurrence.

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Historically gout has been called the disease of rich men or disease of kings because they ate a diet far higher in red meat, sugars, seafood, and alcohol. It is now known that gout can affect any one and is most often related to arthritis and uric acid. Found particularly involving the big toe, gout is a painful form of arthritis. Incidences of gout have risen over the past decades and diet most likely plays a large part in the increase. High blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and living longer have also caused an increase in diagnosed cases of gout. African Americans are affected twice as often in the U.S., and is especially common in males. Gout is also a common malady in China, New Zealand, and Africa but considered to be uncommon in Australian aborigines. Most any joint or tendon may be affected by gout including the knee, wrist, heel, and fingers. Lowered body temperature seems to be the cause of increased susceptibility to gout, particularly at night.

Finding the cause of gout often involves some detective work

With the disease being so widespread and not necessarily involving heredity or diet it has been difficult to narrow down any specific cause. Strenuous exercise and wearing down of the affected joints, damage to a joint, especially the great or big toe can result in symptoms of gout and generally there is a build up of uric acid in the blood with hardened crystals forming in joints. A high percentage of those suffering with gout are overweight, eat diets high in meat and fish, and drink excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages. Those who take a diuretic (water pills) are also at high risk of having too much uric acid. As our age expectancy increases signs of heavy wear on tendons and joints may result in gouty symptoms which include hot reddened swollen joints, particularly the big toe.

Outward signs of gout may be difficult to notice

Gout is often difficult to diagnose visually because signs can be hidden beneath the surface of the skin, deep in joints and or tendons; however there will generally be swelling and sometimes deformation of the joint in question, particularly if it involves the big toe. Reddening of the surface may also be visible and the joint will feel hot to the touch. Temperature may have an effect on the joint but most often it is caused by a build up of uric acid resulting in crystalline buildup within the joint itself. Other signs may be found by presence of kidney stones and renal infections. Blood testing can be performed to determine if there is an excessive build up of uric acid. A doctor may choose to take a sample of the joint’s fluid to check for crystals of uric acid.

Treating gout once other problems are ruled out

Treatment for gout may involve:

1)    Taking an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help relieve many of the symptoms of gout.

2)    Corticosteroids given as a shot (injected into the affected joint) may help, especially when there is much swelling involved. Relief may be felt within twenty four hours if treatment begins early.

3)    Taking a medication that reduces the buildup of uric acid in the blood is useful and may be taken for the rest of one’s life if needed.

4)    Diet often can be found to be the primary cause of gout and changes in the daily fare may well help in the prevention of further pain and damage to affected joints. Drinking alcohol should be eliminated and avoiding seafood and meat will help also. Drink plenty of clean drinking water and juices to keep the system flushed clear of further uric acid buildup.

5)    Applying ice for twenty to thirty minutes several times each day may help with the swelling which can be painful.

6)    Non steroidal drugs know as NSAID’s are proving most effective in treating signs of gout and relief may be felt in as little as four hours. Indomethacin has proven to work as long as other health related problems are not present. Those suffering from renal failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, or symptoms of heart failure should not take NSAID’s.

7)    Colchicine may be prescribed when NSAID’s have been ruled out. Sometimes called meadow saffron, colchicine is a plant extract that helps relieve symptoms such as swelling due to gouty arthritis.

8)    Pegloticase has been recently approved as an effective treatment for patients suffering from gout who displayed allergic reactions to other forms of medication. It may be infused through an IV once every two weeks.

The best methods of prevention may include common sense regarding diet

Those who have had kidney stones or other renal difficulties are more susceptible to developing gout or gouty arthritis and keeping track of diet and developing good eating habits will help prevent its occurrence. Eating less meat and seafood along with avoiding fructose sweetened beverages and especially eliminating alcohol from the diet will help. Drink or eat more dairy products, vitamin C, and coffee as these tend to reduce the body’s insulin resistance. Keep the body “flushed” out by drinking plenty of fresh clean water and fruit juices.

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Most of us have had a cold sore or two in our lifetimes and usually just try to cover them up or ignore them because they will soon heal. But what if the problem is something more severe and the lips and mouth even become infected? It would help to know the difference between a minor flaw in our facial appearance and something that might need medical attention.

Typical symptoms of angular cheilitis

Inflammatory lesions, generally appearing at one or both corners of the mouth, may become infected, form a crust like covering, or even shallow ulcers. They are irritated by opening the mouth to speak or smile and can be painful and also may bleed in severe cases. This is called angular cheilitis, angular stomatitis, or perlèche and is usually identified due to being at the corners of the mouth only where cold sores are normally found on the lips. A fungus called Candida albicans (also known as thrush) or some other form of pathogen may be involved, causing an infection that may need antibiotics or some other treatment. A dry cracked and sometimes swollen appearance at one or both corners of the mouth is generally considered to be angular cheilitis and has many signs of origin.

Some reasons for a sore and painful mouth (hurts to smile)

It is not only embarrassing to have swollen, reddened, and cracked lips (one or both sides) it can become quite painful especially when trying to smile or laugh. The cracked appearance means the skin is dry and perhaps infected so perhaps a lip balm will help? Actually using a petrolatum based lip balm may only help to spread angular cheilitis when there is an infection involved. As you keep using the lip balm you may also be reapplying the very germs that caused the malady to begin with. Sore lips affected by angular cheilitis need to be treated to keep them moist and to prevent further cracking and redness but with something that will not cause further spreading of the problem. Causes of angular cheilitis can include a nutritional or vitamin deficiency involving lack of vitamin B2, riboflavin, zinc, and iron deficiency anemia. It can also be a sign of bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa creating a form of malnutrition (often created by constant vomiting to purge the body of food). Another common reason for the development of angular cheilitis is found in the elderly who may experience difficulty chewing due to poorly fitting dentures. Their mouth simply does not close normally. Licking the lips due to dryness (especially during cold winter weather) will worsen the problems dry lips cause, often creating an infection. Angular cheilitis may be due to a form of bacteria but is generally due to a fungal infection.

Treatment for angular cheilitis may include antibiotics

Once the cause of angular cheilitis has been determined there are several effective remedies for the problem.

1)    Topical antibiotics may be applied to the affected area (usually one or both corners of the mouth). These can include OTC (over the counter) antifungal creams or a triple antibiotic ointment. These will also help moisten the area and prevent further painful cracking.

2)    B complex shots may help when the cause is a vitamin deficiency. Also bolstering the amount of zinc and iron in the daily diet will help the body return to a balanced condition when those nutrients have been found to be lacking.

3)    Ant- fungal ointments and creams can help prevent further spread of the fungus involved. These may be found as miconazole, ketoconazole, or isoconazole forms of midazoles and also terbinafine, an allymine and can be found under various brand names

4)     Alternative forms of medicating the mouth area include olive oil, palmarosa oil, iodine, tea tree oil, zinc (found in dietary supplements like pumpkin seeds or chick peas), selenium especially found in Brazil nuts), and coconut oil (has antifungal activities from the triglycerides found in coconuts).

Seek treatment for a sore mouth (angular cheilitis) if it persists

If symptoms and soreness persist for more than a week it is recommended to seek out a medical opinion regarding the cause and cure for angular cheilitis. If it is fungal or bacterial in nature the condition may persist for months and even cause scarring around the edges of the mouth, affect the inside of the mouth, and even the tongue. A simple cold sore or two will be gone in a matter of days so if it does persist you may need more than a simple over the counter remedy.

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Ever noticed that strange coating on your tongue? Many a times it is a harmless care of low hygiene standards, but sometimes it may be more serious than that. If the coating on the tongue is thick and inflamed, it may be a cause for concern. Usually such strange coating on the tongue presents the case for oral thrush. The medical name for oral thrush in children, adolescents and adults is Candidiasis, but simply thrush in babies. It is an infection which affects the mucous membranes in one’s mouth and on one’s tongue and is caused by a yeast fungus called Candida. In most cases, Candidiasis is harmless but unpleasant.

Symptoms 

Oral thrush is characterised either by a thick whitish coating which resembles cottage cheese, or lesions, on the mucous membranes in the mouth or on the tongue; or the mucous membranes may become reddish and inflamed. The mucous membranes are the inner lining of the cheeks, the gums, under the tongue and the palate. Severe infections may even affect the tonsils and throat. In some cases adults may feel a burning sensation, mild discomfort or real pain. If some of this Candida layer is scraped away, bleeding may occur. Other symptoms may include a loss of taste and splitting at the sides of the mouth. If left unattended, the infection will spread and may become the cause of more serious medical issues, which may affect certain internal organs, the skeleton and the central nervous system.

Causes

It is very extremely rare for healthy people to become infected with this fungus. The causes of Candidiasis are many and varied and some are listed below.

A course of antibiotics or the use of corticosteroids may kill off the good bacteria in the mouth, thereby allowing the Candida fungus to flourish.

One may become infected if there has been an injury to the mucous membranes, for example in those people who wear dentures or orthodontic braces which may rub or abrade a certain spot in the mouth, allowing for the fungus to penetrate and proliferate.

Other causes are a decrease in the flow of saliva or suppression or impairment of the immune system as a result of chemotherapy or radiation therapy in some cancer patients; and the use of Cyclosporine in organ transplant patients. These patients may suffer badly from the infection which often recurs and becomes very hard to control; and it may take many months to cure.

Smoking and anaemia may also lead to oral thrush.

Babies and Adolescents

Babies are susceptible to oral thrush and, besides the tell-tale lesions and cottonwool-like film, may display signs of irritability and have difficulties with breast feeding. It is to be noted that the mother’s breast may become infected as a result, with symptoms such as red, inflamed and itchy nipples, painful nursing, flaky skin around the nipples and short, sharp pains in the breasts. Unless both mother and baby are treated to completely eradicate the infection, they will keep on re-infecting each other.

Adolescents who become infected should be seen by a doctor, as diabetes or some other undiagnosed disease may be the cause.

Treatments

Treatment will depend on the age of the patient, the actual cause of the oral thrush and other health issues. With breast-fed babies and their mothers, the baby will generally be given an antifungal medicine, while the mother will be prescribed a cream to rub on her breasts. For babies who are not breastfed, their bottles, teats, pacifiers and breast pump, if used, should be thoroughly cleaned with equal parts of ordinary household vinegar and water and then be left to air dry after each use.

Children, adolescents and adults should eat plain, unflavoured yoghurt to restore the balance between the normal bacteria which live in the mouth and the infection; or try acidophilus in liquid or tablet form. Should these options not clear up the infection, an antifungal medicine will be needed.

Patients with compromised immune systems will be prescribed some form of antifungal medicine which may be tablets to suck or swallow, or a liquid for rinsing the mouth.

Bear in mind that antifungal medications may damage the liver, so blood tests may need to be done.

Basic oral hygiene should be practiced. Brush your teeth regularly, use dental floss and, obviously, do not share your toothbrush with anyone. Rinse your toothbrush in a solution of equal parts of ordinary household vinegar and water after every use and stay away from commercial mouthwashes and breath fresheners.

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If you believe what you hear on the news programs it can be a truly scary world we live in!  As long as there is plenty of research to back up the allegations presented by those who gather the statics there may be some validity to the warnings. When it comes to an item as up close and personal as our daily application of deodorant or antiperspirant we want to be confident that the item we use is safe. There has been much debate the past few years in regards to linking personal deodorants with breast cancer and other cancers in both women and men. The fact that a high quantity of chemicals are found in products we use for our everyday beauty and hygiene needs gives cause to investigate further.

Do not throw your personal hygiene products away just yet

Those who report the daily news items that scare us all love to create controversy whether it is warranted or not. The debacle over the addition of aluminum to our daily deodorant application gave cause for concern that simply has not been proven to be fact as of yet. But millions of containers of deodorant as well as antiperspirants were unceremoniously thrown into the trash. Do we want to be a stinky society or live in dread of developing cancers later on? While the jury is evidently still out regarding how serious the link between these products and actually developing cancer that can be attributed to them, many of us choose to err on the side of caution and simply find another method of keeping our personal hygiene at an acceptable level.

Professors and dermatologists have been studying diligently

When the doubts first began there were cases of breast cancer as well as several other types including lymph node and thyroid cancers that had no proven causative factor so when researchers determined that the enormous amount of chemicals included in our daily beauty and cleanliness products must be to blame. Chemicals are, after all the stuff nightmares are created upon. While some chemicals have been proven to be harmful to us it is generally found that when rats were subjected to huge volumes of certain chemicals they up and died. Amazingly, we humans seem to be guinea pigs for the researchers along with the white rats and mice. If a researcher decides something is bad for us, it will be transmitted via the television and radio news. Soon we are all doomed.

Best advice may be to read the labels then decide for yourself

While aluminum may not be the culprit a class of preservatives going by the name of parabins may be in question. Parabins have been shown to have little effect on those suffering from allergies when compared to other preservatives such as those including formaldehyde releasers. Parabins are used virtually everywhere in beauty items including lotions and makeup. Parabins are considered to be estrogenic (bind estrogen receptors of cells together) and this stimulates breast cancer cells into a high level of activity or circulation. Even though the amounts used are minute, it is unknown just how damaging the daily cumulative use of items including parabins may actually be.

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Everybody experiences occasional, ephemeral ringing in his or her ears, usually the result of exceptionally loud sounds in the environment, but sometimes the result of relentless “white noise.”  The ringing, roaring, hissing, tinkling, jingling, or buzzing usually passes within fifteen minutes of the stimulus, and it does no permanent damage. Brief episodes of tinnitus do not require medical attention, but persistent ringing in the ears accompanied by other symptoms—especially dizziness or localized ringing in only one ear—demand immediate treatment, because it may be a symptom of a much more serious condition.  If tinnitus occurs with migraine headache, seek professional treatment right away.  If your primary tinnitus complaint is extreme annoyance, seek relief and comfort from a variety of proven home remedies.  If your tinnitus lasts for a week or more, definitely go to the doctor’s office or the emergency room.

Two kinds of tinnitus

Persistent ringing in your ears, known in medical jargon as “tinnitus,” develops most commonly in men over forty, the natural consequence of aging, sometimes exacerbated by “acoustic trauma”–long-term exposure to loud noises as in manufacturing, construction, and aircraft maintenance.  “Pulsatile tinnitus” originates in muscle movements near the ear, changes in blood flow through the face or neck, or changes in the ear canal.  “Nonpulsatile tinnitus” comes from problems in the nerves associated with auditory function; and, unlike acoustic trauma, it may affect just one ear.  Many patients describe “nonpulsatile tinnitus” as hearing and feeling as though it originates inside their heads.

Common causes of tinnitus

You easily can diagnose and deal with your tinnitus, progressing from simplest to most exigent causes.  A rapid change of elevation, altitude, or pressure almost inevitably will make your ears ring or roar, but the problem ought to pass within a couple of minutes.  If it does not go away, call your doctor immediately.  In other situations, start with the most obvious and most easily remedied cause—a build-up of excess ear-wax.  Complete, safe and effective ear cleaning kits are available over the counter at your pharmacy.  Be aware that some medicines trigger tinnitus, especially if you have not followed the guidelines and instructions on the labels.  Antibiotics and most NSAID pain relievers can cause persistent ringing in the ears, especially if you take them in large doses.  Alcohol and caffeinated beverages also can cause intense ringing in your ears, and many energy drinks are notorious for triggering fierce ringing or roaring in users’ ears.

Naturally, ear infections affect your hearing, so that persistent ringing after you have tried the simplest remedies indicates you should visit your primary care physician for an exam.  Ear problems may also result from oral infections or may develop as a consequence of grinding your teeth, also known as TMI.  If you push a workout a little too hard, especially if you ride over the virtual Alps on your exercise bicycle, you may experience extreme roaring or “whooshing” in your ears because of increased blood flow in your neck and shoulders.  Just as naturally, you may experience hearing problems as a result of head trauma or whiplash.  Make sure you include your tinnitus among your symptoms when you describe a head injury to a doctor.

In the most serious cases, tinnitus will number among but will not lead the list of symptoms for cardiovascular disease—carotid atherosclerosis and high blood pressure; or it will be a sign of thyroid disease, anemia, malnutrition, or neurologic problems.

To minimize the risk of tinnitus

Limit your exposure to loud noises or protect your ears against their effects.  Wear earplugs, or invest in sophisticated noise-blocking headphones.  Ironically, you may want to avoid extremely quiet places, because the silence intensifies the aggravation from the ringing in your ears.  You may use your high-tech headphones to play soft music or create soothing ambient noise; alternatively, you may want to run a humidifier or a fan to mitigate the distraction and discomfort from tinnitus.  Many doctors suggest meditation or yoga, because the exercises dilate your blood vessels, reducing your stress and fatigue; many homeopaths also recommend the herbal supplement ginko biloba, which seems to promote both relaxation and better circulation.

To manage tinntus

Doctors stress that, like most common health complaints associated with aging, tinnitus will diminish and eventually disappear when you cultivate healthy habits.  Physicians recommend you cut back on your consumption of alcohol, coffee, and soft drinks.  Most doctors now recommend you completely eliminate sugared soft drinks from your diet, and many suggest substituting anti-oxidant rich green tea.  Similarly, because nicotine constricts your blood vessels, cigarette smoking can contribute substantially to circulation-related tinnitus.  The solution, of course, is to quit.  Add this reason to your list of at least a million good motives for giving up all kinds of tobacco products.  Meanwhile, carefully monitor your use of NSAID pain relievers—not just aspirin, but also naproxen sodium, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen, all of which affect your circulation.  And while you are seizing the initiative to get healthy, begin a regular daily exercise program, simply exercising some caution about bike riding and other activities that require you to keep your neck in the hyper-extended position.

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