Causes and Treatment of Chronic Pain

Causes and Treatment of Chronic Pain

Usually, the pain that lasts at least for 12 weeks is defined as chronic pain. It can be intermittent or steady. It can come and go without any apparent reason. It can be felt dull or sharp, causing an aching or burning sensation in the affected areas. Also, the pain can be felt differently in the affected areas. Lack of proper chronic pain management can reduce your strength, endurance, flexibility along with limiting your mobility. This definitely makes your daily life more challenging as it becomes difficult to get through various daily activities and tasks. According to various medical study reports, almost 1.5 billion people worldwide suffer from this chronic pain. In the country alone, almost 100 million people are affected by this pain. Here is a list of some of the common types of chronic pain: Postsurgical pain Headache Arthritis pain Post-trauma pain Neurogenic pain that is caused by any damage in the nerve Lower back pain Psychogenic pain that is not caused by an injury, nerve damage, or any disease Cancer pain Causes of Chronic Pain Without realizing the underlying causes of the pain, treating it or getting the right chronic pain management plan will be tough. Here is a list of some of the most common causes of it: Sometimes, normal aging can affect the joints and bones, causing chronic pain. Nerve damage or nerve injuries that have not been healed properly are another cause of this pain. Some types of chronic pain can have more than one influencing factor. For instance, back pain can be caused by either a single factor or can be caused by any combination of the following factors: Poor posture for years Being overweight that puts extra strain on the knees and back Carrying heavy objects or improper lifting of heavy objects Traumatic injury Degenerative changes in the spine due to normal aging Wearing high heels Any congenital condition like spine curvature Sleeping on the poor mattress Diseases like osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis can cause chronic pain.
Causes and Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease

Causes and Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder disease is caused by the accumulation of gallstones. Gallstones are structures formed by a combination of cholesterol, calcium, and bile salts. These structures are not stones but pieces of solid matter that form in the gallbladder, which is a small organ located under the liver in the upper right region of the abdomen. This pear-shaped organ stores bile produced by the liver to digest fat. It helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients. In a healthy gallbladder, this process happens naturally without any discomfort or pain. However, when the gallbladder stops functioning well or if the bile ducts get clogged, it can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Gallstones can develop in varying sizes ranging from as small as a grain of sand to as big as a golf ball. The pain may last from a few minutes to a couple of hours. Some people may develop a single gallstone, while others may get several gallstones at the same time. Statistics reveal that this disease has a high incidence in people who have weight problems, high blood cholesterol levels, and suffer from gastrointestinal disorders. Causes of gallstones According to observation, problems in the gallbladder arise because of improper diet and obesity. Gallbladder disease generally affects overweight people. The consumption of foods which are rich in fat also contributes to the development of gallstones. Thus, several people have to deal with the painful symptoms of gallbladder disease because of an inappropriate diet. Experiments reveal that the painful symptoms of gallbladder disease can get triggered due to allergic reactions to foods such as eggs, meats, dairy products, and citrus fruits. The consumption of chocolate, coffee, and carbonated soda can also trigger this condition. A few common reasons for the occurrence of gallbladder disease are: Genetic factors Excess weight Inappropriate diet Presence of excess cholesterol in bile If the gallbladder cannot empty properly, especially when you are fasting Pigment gallstones can occur in people with certain medical conditions, such as cirrhosis or blood diseases like sickle cell anemia.
Types and Causes of Foot Pain

Types and Causes of Foot Pain

The problem of foot pain is very common. A research pointed out that foot pain affects 17% to 42% of adults at some time in their life. This pain in the foot can be caused due to a variety of factors, and sometimes, it gets difficult for the doctors as well to find out the root cause of the pain. Moving on, foot pain can be extremely agonizing and has a huge impact on the quality of life of a person. Therefore, it is important to get to the bottom of foot pain and identify its cause, in order to seek proper treatment. In this article, we have listed some of the common types of foot pain along with their causes. Let’s have a look. Plantar fasciitis Most experience heel pain at some point in their life. There may be several causes for this, but the most common cause is plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissues that run through the entire foot sole and provide shock absorption capability to the foot. In case this tissue attaches to the heel bone, it causes inflammation and pain. The pain caused due to this is very intense when a person gets out of the bed after a long duration of rest. The pain gets a little better with movement; however, it doesn’t completely go away. Tarsal tunnel syndrome This is another type of foot pain caused by an irritated or pinched nerve. It often causes symptoms such as a sharp, burning or shooting pain along with tingling or numbness in the foot. The pain generally radiates from the inside of the ankle and causes foot pain. Top of the foot gets affected, and also, the pain tends to worsen at night. Metatarsalgia Metatarsal bones are found in the ball of the foot, which gives it a rounded shape.
Causes and Triggers of Sinus Problems

Causes and Triggers of Sinus Problems

Sinuses are the area in the forehead just in the center of the eyes and behind the cheekbones. They are hollow air spaces whose primary function is to make mucus. This mucus keeps the inner side of your nose moist, thus protecting you from pollutants, allergies dust, and more. Hence, sinuses are not the cause of any problem. The problem occurs when you have a cold or any other allergy, and your nose gets swollen. This swelling blocks the sinus passage of your nose, making you feel uncomfortable. You may also find yourself unable to drain the nose. If you have a blockage in the sinus area of your nose, your speech is also affected. Let’s have a look at some of the common causes and triggers that can lead to sinus problems. Viruses Usually, sinus infections start with a cold. When you have a cold, your nasal tissues gets swollen, blocking the holes that drain the sinuses which leads to breathing difficulties. In case a virus is the cause of your sinus infection, then antibiotics are not capable of curing it as these medicines only kill bacteria, and not viruses. One should wash their hands regularly and keep themselves away from any sinus-infected person. Most of the times, a decongestant will cure you in four to five days. Allergies Allergies are one of the most common causes of sinus problems. People with a sinus infection can develop allergies, thus leading to aggravated sinusitis. If you are prone to allergies, avoid things that lead to an allergic reaction like dust, cockroaches, and so on. Prescribed nasal sprays can reduce chronic inflammation in the nasal lining that accompanies an allergy. Bacteria In case your sinus infection or cold does not get better in ten to twelve days, you may have a bacterial infection.
Anemia – Causes and Symptoms

Anemia – Causes and Symptoms

Iron deficiency or anemia is one of the most common forms of anemia and affects many people. It is the result of an inadequate amount of healthy red blood cells in the body. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the tissues in the body and are vital to the healthy functioning of the body as well. As the name suggests, a deficiency in iron leads to the onset of the disease. Your body cannot produce healthy red blood cells without sufficient amounts of iron. Iron deficiency or anemia may result in you feeling tired at all times and suffering from a shortness of breath. You need to maintain a healthy diet rich in iron to get back on track or correct your iron deficiency by taking iron supplements. You may need additional tests to determine the true nature of the disease, especially if you are bleeding internally. Here are some of the symptoms of iron deficiency or anemia: Symptoms of iron deficiency or anemia The onset of the disease is so mild that it generally goes unnoticed. The signs and symptoms of the disease gather pace once the deficiency of iron starts having a telling impact on the body. The signs and symptoms of iron deficiency or anemia include the following: Pale skin Weakness Extreme fatigue Chest pain Fast heartbeat Shortness of breath Dizziness, headaches, or light-headedness Cold hands and feet A poor appetite Unusual cravings for substances like starch, dirt, and ice Brittle nails If you end up suffering from these symptoms, it suggests the likelihood of iron deficiency or anemia. The worst you can do at this stage is do a self-diagnosis and find a treatment for yourself. While it seems simple to take iron supplements or drastically change your diet to incorporate more iron, overloading the body with iron can be extremely dangerous as well.
Exploring the Causes of Chronic Fatigue

Exploring the Causes of Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue can have many causes. It may also occur without any identifiable underlying cause like a medical condition or illness. Identifying the type of chronic fatigue can help doctors design better treatments. Chronic fatigue Chronic fatigue indicates fatigue that persists for a long time and does not go away quickly even with adequate sleep and rest. Physical fatigue is the inability to initiate or complete any physical activity. Mental fatigue involves cognitive difficulties, inability to focus, and so on. Chronic fatigue can involve both of these. Usually, fatigue or extreme tiredness goes away after a period of rest and good sleep. However, chronic fatigue is not so easy to shake off. Medical conditions that may cause chronic fatigue Many health conditions like diabetes, anemia, and cardiovascular diseases can cause chronic fatigue. Diabetes: When patients have diabetes, they may experience a sharp change in their blood sugar levels, which may cause extreme tiredness. However, diabetic patients may also suffer from fatigue that is not linked to their sugar levels. Cardiovascular diseases: Cardiovascular diseases weaken the heart muscles and impair the heart’s ability to pump blood. Thus, the regular blood circulation and oxygen supply are affected, leading to fatigue. Cancer: Extreme tiredness can be a symptom of cancer. This illness can cause chronic fatigue, especially in the advanced stages. Cancer-related fatigue may also be a side effect of treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Disorder of the nervous system: Patients who have suffered a stroke, or those who have Parkinson’s disease may also suffer from chronic fatigue. If muscle weakness is a prominent part of your chronic fatigue issues, then the cause might be a neuromuscular disorder like muscular dystrophy, immune neuropathy, or metabolic myopathy. Anemia: Anemia is a principal cause of chronic fatigue. In this condition, a patient has a low red blood cells count.
Understanding the Causes of Leg Pain

Understanding the Causes of Leg Pain

Leg pain is a common physical ailment that occurs due to an injury or trauma. Sometimes, it happens due to underlying medical conditions. The reason for leg pain may vary, but sometimes, it causes severe discomfort. Leg pain may either be acute or chronic. Acute pain has mild symptoms, and self-care is enough to treat it. However, chronic pain persists for a long time and can have severe symptoms. The acute pain may also stay for a long time and lead to chronic disorders. Types of leg pain The different kinds of leg pain are as follows: Leg cramps: Leg cramps are common among old people and usually occurs at night. The calf muscles at the back of the leg tighten and cause pain. The muscle cramps last for a few seconds or minutes and reduce after stretching. One should not ignore these cramps if the pain is severe. Shin splints: Shin splints occur in the front of the legs, and its cause may be overused muscles. It occurs when there is a sudden increase in the activities involving the legs. Resting the legs for some time helps to relieve the pain. However, at times, the splints may lead to fractures. Achilles tendon injury: A common symptom of this condition is pain near the heel bone. One of the leading causes of this pain is wearing high-heeled shoes. Ignoring the pain may lead to a rupture of the tendon. Hence, one should notice the early symptoms and take proper care. Hamstring strain: Hamstring strain is an injury to the muscles at the back of the thighs. It may be due to exercising without an adequate warm up. Hamstring strain usually causes acute pain, but there may be a possibility of a partial muscle tear. Sciatica: A pressure on the sciatic nerves, usually in the spine, causes pain in the legs.
Causes and Symptoms of Allergy Cough

Causes and Symptoms of Allergy Cough

An allergic cough involves bronchi inflammation. This inflammation is mainly caused either by any allergen or by something you are allergic to. Most of the times, airway irritants like dust, mold, and pollen can trigger the allergy cough symptoms. This coughing caused by the allergy can not only last for quite a long time but also keep recurring. When allergic bronchitis lasts longer than almost three months, it is often known as chronic bronchitis. Along with the emphysema, this chronic bronchitis is also a part of the COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). However, patients may sometimes confuse this allergic reaction with the common cold. Without diagnosing the proper reasons behind the coughing, the right treatment is not possible. Hence, whenever you are experiencing a recurring cough that lasts for a long time, get an appointment with a healthcare professional for the best results. Here is a list of some of the causes behind this allergic cough along with some common allergy cough symptoms. Causes for coughing from allergies Usually, the coughing from allergies is caused by the overactive immune system that responds excessively to some specific substances to which the body becomes exposed! When your body mistakes the harmless substances for the harmful ones, it initiates the defense system of the body to ward off those substances resulting in the release of histamine, a chemical that is responsible for coughing, runny nose, nasal passage swelling, and sneezing. As a result, you start to experience the symptoms of having a cold without even catching a cold. If your family already has a history of allergies, you are most likely to develop this allergic cough. According to various medical study reports, if one of the parents has the allergy, there is a 33% chance that the children will have an allergy too.
Causes and Treatments for a Bloated Stomach

Causes and Treatments for a Bloated Stomach

For some people, when they have a bloated stomach, their belly looks swollen or they might encounter intense abdominal pain. The reason may be abdominal bloating caused by something as mild as indigestion or too much gas forming up in the stomach and bowels. Fluid retention, irritable bowel syndrome, or infection are the possible causes of abdominal bloating. The cause of bloating is mostly harmless, and it can be treated at home by most people. However, abdominal bloating can be disturbing, especially when it is extremely painful. Let us have a look at some of the causes and treatments to get stomach relief from bloating: Causes of bloating Digestive disorders People who have various functional gastrointestinal disorders like IBS, ulcerative colitis and celiac disease have a bloating stomach. Studies show that stomach bloating is experienced by almost 23 percent to 96 percent of people with IBS. Fluid retention Excess bloating and temporary weight gain can be caused by bodily fluids that are deposited around the body, including near the abdomen or pelvis area. Fluid retention in the abdomen is called the ascites and it can be a symptom of a more serious health condition. It can be due to an abdominal infection, liver disease or, evendue to cancer. Dehydration Dehydration pauses digestion. The more water you drink, the more you get bloated. Constipation Another main reason for having a bloated stomach is constipation. Constipation causes the stool to settle in the intestines, thus leaving you with a hard-feeling stomach which causes pain, discomfort, and gas. The prominent reasons for constipation are the limited amount of fiber intake, not drinking enough water, or avoiding physical activity. Food allergies Food allergies, sensitives or lactose intolerance are other common causes of gas and bloating. The foods that trigger gas include dairy products, gluten-containing foods (most bread, pasta, rolls, cereals, etc.) and certain kinds of carbohydrates.
Causes and Symptoms of Pain in the Foot

Causes and Symptoms of Pain in the Foot

Foot pain can cause immense discomfort. While foot pain usually just requires a good few hours of relaxations and rest to fade away, sometimes it persists for a long period of time for no evident reason. In this scenario, one must consider that there is a possibility of an underlying condition which is causing the pain. You may experience several symptoms before the onset of a particular condition, or experience no symptoms at all. Some of the most common causes of foot pain include bunions, heel spurs, and plantar fasciitis. These conditions may lead to general pain, uneasiness, walking difficulties, and the projection of bony growth on the feet. While taking medications help in treating these conditions, you must get the required therapy regularly to ensure that these conditions do not progress further and complicate matters. As a basic remedial measure, you can buy specialized shoes online or at a shop near you. These shoes have comfortable paddings and additional room for your feet and help keep them comfortable. Here are a few of the most common foot pain symptoms and their causes: Foot pain causes Here are a few of the most common causes of foot pain: Bunions This is a condition characterized by the appearance of bony projections on the inner side of the foot and at the big toe joint. Its onset is a result of the bones of the big toe being aligned out of proportion. It leads to the stiffening of the toes and makes walking an extremely difficult task. The main reason for one developing this problem is constantly wearing narrow shoes or heels. These shoes exert additional pressure on the feet and may lead to the condition worsening. Resort to wearing specially designed shoes to provide for additional comfort and foot space. Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis leads to the feeling of a stabbing pain in the bottom of the feet.
Causes and Symptoms of Kidney Failure

Causes and Symptoms of Kidney Failure

It is estimated that more than 30 million adults in the country are living with kidney disease and most are not aware of it. There are a number of visible signs of kidney disease, but sometimes people associate them with other health problems. Most of them are unable to identify kidney failure symptoms until a very late stage, that is, when the kidneys are failing or when there is a large amount of protein in the urine. Causes of kidney failure Chronic kidney disease befalls when a disease or condition impairs the kidney function, which leads to kidney damage over several months or years. The main causes of kidney illness are diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, smoking, obesity, abnormal kidney structure, and older age. Sometimes, if one has a family history of kidney disease, it can also trigger the chances of having kidney failure. Kidney failure symptoms are usually subtle and most people don’t pay attention to them. If one notices most of the following, it can be a sign of kidney failure. Being more tired, with lost energy and having trouble concentrating A critical decrease in kidney function can lead to the accumulation of toxins and impurities in the blood. This can make people feel tired, weak and can make it hard to focus. Anemia is also one of the kidney failure symptoms, which can make an individual weak and exhausted. Having trouble sleeping The toxins stay in the blood rather than flushing out from the body through the urine when the kidneys aren’t filtering properly. Physical problems can contribute to abrupt sleep patterns. Compared to the general population, the sleep disorder is very common in those with chronic kidney disease. Having dry and itchy skin Healthy kidneys perform numerous important functions of the body. They dismiss waste and extra fluids from the body, help the body to produce red platelets, keep bones strong and also work to keep up the appropriate quantity of minerals in the blood.
An overview of the symptoms and causes of dyskinesia

An overview of the symptoms and causes of dyskinesia

An overview of the symptoms and causes of dyskinesia Dyskinesia is a movement disorder that is characterized by involuntary muscle movement. It usually affects the head, or the arms and sometimes the entire body. It could also be painful. While suffering from dyskinesia, a person can experience mild to debilitating discomfort. Based on the type and severity of the condition, it could affect your daily activities as well. The frequency and the intensity of the condition cannot be predicted. Dyskinesia is often observed in people suffering from Parkinson’s disease. It could be caused due to levodopa treatment, which continues for a long time. It may also occur in people with movement disorders and is not restricted to Parkinson’s patients alone. People with brain injuries or others who take antipsychotic medications could also experience the condition. These uncontrollable movements could be as mild as minor body twitches to complete movement of the body. Facts about dyskinesia Dyskinesia starts out as minor fidgets or movements that are abnormal and uncontrollable in the dominant hand or foot. It could be a minor shake or tremor. The causes of dyskinesia may vary depending on the type of the condition. People who suffer from dyskinesia due to autism could benefit from behavioral therapy. Unless symptoms pose a significant challenge and affect daily life, it may go untreated if the symptoms are mild. Symptoms of dyskinesia Dyskinesia’s symptoms are different for each person. It may be mild with minor movements of the hands, feet, or head. It could also be more severe wherein multiple body parts start moving randomly. The symptoms tend to get worse over time and some symptoms start after a serious brain injury or they may get intense after trauma to the head. Dyskinesia is not related to the tremors experienced by Parkinson’s patients.