Pain over the back of the heel is a common problem worldwide, and it is usually nothing serious. It is the most common type of foot pain. Posterior heel pain commonly affects the back or underside of the heel. There are a few causes of posterior heel pain. Pain over the back or underside of the heel can cause difficulty in walking, running, and standing. Wearing tight shoes often aggravates the problem. Posterior heel pain is prevalent in older people and overweight people. Commonly associated symptoms of this condition are swelling, tenderness, redness, and pain in the heel. These signs and symptoms worsen with activity and weight-bearing situations like prolonged standing. Posterior heel pain is not a diagnosis itself, but instead, it’s a sign of other conditions like plantar bursitis, Achilles tendonitis, etc. Back of heel pain treatment focuses on identifying the underlying cause and relieving pain and discomfort. Back of heel pain treatment involves medication, physiotherapy, and home remedies. Common causes of posterior heel pain Back of heel pain treatment depends first and foremost on an accurate diagnosis. Since posterior heel pain is a relatively vague symptom, it has a vast differential diagnosis. The three main causes of posterior heel pain are commonly called ‘terrible triad.’ They are—Insertional Achilles tendonitis, Retrocalcaneal Bursitis, and Haglund’s deformity. Insertional Achilles Tendonitis The Achilles tendon is a long and strong tendon that connects the large muscles of the calf to the heel. It is the largest tendon in the body and is regularly subjected to heavy forces up to 24 times a person’s body weight. Repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon, especially in athletes, causes wear and tear over time. This weakens the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon tends to degenerate the most, at its insertional point in the heel called the calcaneus.

Gout is the most common type of arthritis that is caused due to an imbalance of uric acid levels in the body. When the body starts to produce excess uric acid, it starts forming urate crystals. These crystals get accumulated near the joints such as the base of the big toe, knees, finger joints, and wrist. This causes pain, inflammation, and discomfort. The joints that are affected by gout are usually red and swollen. They are also surrounded by inflamed and sore muscles. Gouty arthritis can be painful. A gout attack can strike at any time and can last for up to seven to ten days. If you have high uric acid levels in your body, it is best to get tested for a possibility of having a gout attack in the future. If left untreated, it can lead to further problems like renal failure, and severe damage to muscles, joints, and tendons. Gout can be effectively treated using antibiotic medicines prescribed by your physician. Other gout remedies that work are—natural ingredients from your kitchens such as garlic, ginger, turmeric and apple cider vinegar that will reduce the effects of gout. While home remedies focus on reducing the inflammation, once a gout attack happens, medications are a long-term solution for treating gout. Some medicines treat gout by lowering the uric acid levels in the body by blocking its production. Some are helpful in reducing the swelling and inflammation. Gout treatments are recommended, to prevent further attacks. Following is a comprehensive list of some gout remedies that work. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) These drugs, as the name suggests, are anti-inflammatory. They are given after the gout attack commences. NSAIDs help to reduce the physical symptoms of a gout attack like swelling of the joint and inflammation, to provide instant relief from the condition.

A gout is a form of arthritis caused by an imbalance of uric acid in the body. It is commonly known as gouty arthritis. The condition is characterized by tender and sore joints, often in combination with severe pain. When the body produces too much uric acid, it is crystallized and deposited around the joints in specific areas of the body. It causes pain and discomfort. The uric acid deposits swell and are tender to touch. Gout is found in the big toe of your feet, ankles, knees and other joints. The pain and stiffness recur at random intervals and in differing levels of severity. Over time, gout causes permanent damage to muscles, tendons, and joints if left untreated. Treating Gout with medicines The very first step to deal with gout attack is to get a clinical diagnosis by a medical practitioner. The expert will take a sample from the swollen joint to test for the presence of urate crystals. A blood test is also recommended to check for uric acid levels in the body. The treatment course for gout includes two kinds of medicines – Anti-inflammatory ones like Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Corticosteroids and medications that lower the levels of uric acid in the body. The anti-inflammatory medications help to relieve the sudden pain and swelling caused by a gout attack. They are given right after the pain starts. The other medicines, however, are usually started after the gout attack is over. Along with these medical treatment courses, you can also use natural home remedies to alleviate the symptoms of gout. Read on to find out how to treat gout naturally. Eat right It is always sensible to prevent a gout attack before it troubles you. Purines are a chemical compound found in meat and dairy products. It can increase uric acid level in the body, and lead to gout.

Are you experiencing redness on your skin all of a sudden? Redness on your skin is accompanied by an itching or burning sensation? Well, many of you may consider it as a sign of allergy, which will get automatically cured with time. Though mild allergies may at times cause red rashes on the skin, it may not always be self-healing. Red and itchy rashes on the skin can be a sign of contact dermatitis as well and require proper treatment. Contact dermatitis is generally restricted to a certain area of your body. It generally affects the body part, which has come in contact with the allergen. If you are also experiencing any such problems, you can check out the symptoms of contact dermatitis mentioned below. Signs and symptoms defining contact dermatitis To ease the diagnosis of patients, contact dermatitis symptoms have been further sub-divided into two categories: these include irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. Though both types of contact dermatitis cause red and itchy rashes, the one that occurs due to allergic reactions comes along with dry, flaky or scaly skin, oozing blisters, hives, or sun sensitivity. Apart from skin redness, some may also get leathery or darkened skin with a burning sensation. In case of facial or groin allergies, patients may also experience swelling of their skin. Extreme itching is also not quite uncommon with allergic contact dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis comes along with blistering or cracking of the skin. Swelling, tightness, or stiffness of skin along with ulcerations and open sores leading to crust is also not uncommon in case of irritant contact dermatitis. Causes of contact dermatitis While symptoms are divided into two categories, causes are further divided into three sub-divisions, which are contact dermatitis, photo-contact dermatitis, and irritant contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis, as the name says is caused when the skin gets exposed to any allergy causing foreign substance.

The large community of microorganisms called microbiota that inhabit the human body are mostly beneficial. They help in various functions like—digestion, immunity and so on. The microbiota that is composed of bacteria, fungus, virus etc. has to be in the correct proportion. If for some reason, one organism begins to proliferate, it can cause infection, allergies, rashes etc. Yeast Infection The yeast is a fungus referred to as candida in science. These are present in various parts of the body, as part of the microbiota. In any case, if the yeast colony multiplies beyond proportion, they can cause various problems. The most common form of yeast infection is the one that affects the vaginal region in women. Thrush is a yeast infection, that can affect the corners of the mouth and the throat. The thrush that affects the throat is called Candida Esophagus. It can cause pain and difficulty in swallowing food. Skin yeast infections can result in rashes and itching. The bloodstream is vulnerable to yeast infection. In this case, the condition is serious and can be fatal. Common Yeast Infections Yeast infection in the genital region, especially in women, occurs more often than other areas. Certain antibiotics, pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and hormone therapy sometimes affect the balance of microorganisms. The bacteria present in this region produce acids, that keep the fungal colony in control. If the bacteria are depleted by antibiotics or other factors, the yeast colony can grow out of control and can cause rashes, itching, and pain. The most common culprit is the yeast known as Candida Albicans. The Best Yeast Infection Remedies You can consult a doctor or get over the counter (OTC) yeast infection remedies. However, women have been suffering from this malady for a long time, and this is not a condition that women discuss freely with others.

Cellulite is a prevalent condition that you can treat at home. About 80 to 90% of women experience cellulite at least once in their life. Cellulite forms when there is an imbalance in the fat and the connective tissues in the body. Cellulite can be a result of hormonal, diet, or lifestyle changes. You cannot predict when it happens so it may happen to anyone, at any time. While you could opt for surgeries and treatments, you can always find the cure right at your house. There are simple ways in which you can completely get rid of cellulite at home. Cellulite treatment can be done for any person as it does not have any side effects. Get Rid Of Toxins One major factor that contributes to cellulite is toxins. The toxins in your system collect when you have a lot of refined sugars, packed foods, and other substances. This collection of unhealthy products creates a reaction leading to cellulite. The pockets formed due to cellulite is filled with toxins. However, this is a process that takes years to show on your skin. So, the best treatment you can go for is removing the toxins and preventing more from entering the body. There are many ways you can clean your body. Start with increasing your water intake. Coconut Oil Coconut oil is known for its medicinal effects and is sure to help you treat cellulite. Cellulite treatment with coconut oil is an age-old remedy and it can be done at home. Brushing the dry skin using the coconut will help you remove the pockets from the skin. The effect may take some time to show, but the process is sure to improve the condition. You can try this process on any part of the skin. The brushing helps tighten the epidermis layer of the skin.

Most people would have experienced a bladder infection at some point in their life. Bladder infections are quite common, and so you should watch out for the signs of bladder infections. Bladder infections are also called urinary tract infections (UTIs). Urinary tract infections can affect any part of the urinary system. Infections that affect the lower part of the urinary system are called bladder infections, whereas those that affect the upper portion of the urinary system are called kidney infections. Bladder infections occur when bacteria enters the urinary system. These infections are more common in women but can affect anyone and at any age. The bacteria enter via the urethra which is a tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the body. Urinary tract infections can be cured with a combination of medications and home remedies. To prevent recurrent urinary tract infections, certain precautions need to be taken, like—drinking enough water and maintaining personal hygiene. A popular home remedy is cranberry juice for bladder infections. In a given year, up to 10% of women, will experience a urinary tract infection. These infections are most common in the ages of 16 to 35, and recurrent cases are common. Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Infections The most common symptom of a urinary tract infection is pain or a burning sensation during urination. Other symptoms include frequent urination, an urge to urinate even with an empty bladder, and passing small amounts of urine. A kidney infection will also have pain along the flank, and cause fever. There may be changes in the color of the urine. Urine may be cloudy, instead of clear. The color may be pink, red, or brownish, which can indicate the presence of blood in the urine. In some cases, if the infection becomes severe, there may be pus in the urine.

The healthy vagina hosts a small number of yeast fungus along with other bacteria. When the number of yeast increases, it is called a yeast infection. Yeast infections can occur multiple times and for many reasons. Primarily, when the balance of the bacteria in the vagina is affected, the number of yeast cells increases. Causes of yeast infections Not keeping your vaginal area dry: If the moisture level of your vaginal area increases, the yeast cells will find the perfect conditions to multiply. Not changing your tampon or pads regularly keeps moisture around. Even wearing tight underwear that doesn’t allow for airing out the vagina can cause moisture to build up. Taking antibiotics: Antibiotics do not discriminate. Taking antibiotics can destroy all the good bacteria in your vagina. These bacteria keep the yeast cells in check. Without them, the yeast cells will multiply. High blood sugar levels: Yeast requires sugar for energy. High sugar levels guarantee to make the yeast cells stronger. Having sex with an infected partner: Yeast is contagious. If you engage in sex with a partner who has oral yeast, or even penile yeast, you can get infected easily. Having sex often with an uninfected partner can change the pH of your vaginal area. This could be detrimental to the good bacteria. What are probiotics? Probiotics are a collection of healthy bacteria and yeasts. They replace any good bacteria that you may have lost and restore balance. They are useful for disorders of the gut, as well as other conditions in the body. Probiotics for yeast infections are specifically beneficial. Probiotics also aid in weight loss, improved digestion, healthy skin, and a stronger immune system. Probiotics are good for your health and you need to consume them on a daily basis. Here are some probiotics for yeast infection you must consider especially if you have a vaginal yeast infection:

Constipation is a problem that every person faces at one point or the other. If it is an occasional problem, you can modify your diet and get better quickly. But, if it includes bleeding or severe pain, it is best to consult your doctor. Constipation is a digestive issue where there is infrequent or no bowel movement. If you have fewer than three bowel movements a week, it is considered as constipation. This condition is a sign that the body is not receiving sufficient amounts of fiber. You will have to change your diet for constipation and incorporate foods that will help cure the condition. The change in the diet must be gradual, and you will slowly see signs of improvement. Water is also an essential part of this diet as it helps the fiber flow through the digestive tract efficiently. Here are ten foods that can help you get free of any constipation troubles. Ensure you add these foods to the diet for constipation. Broccoli Broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables you can find. One of the multiple benefits of eating broccoli includes treating constipation. It is a rich source of nutrients and is the best to increase the fiber content in your food. It is better to steam or bake it as cooking it can reduce the fiber content. You can eat it raw as a part of your salad too. Whole grain Whole grain is very good for health and is the right way to go if you want to improve your digestive system. Whole-grain foods are low in fat and have high amounts of fiber. It is best to opt for whole grain bread rather than multigrain ones. Including whole grain bread, pasta and brown rice in your diet are sure to increase the fiber content and ensure regular bowel movement.

Hernia refers to the medical condition when a fatty tissue or an organ squeezes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle. All hernias are the result of a combination of a weakness or opening in the muscle or fascia and extreme pressure. Causes Of Hernia: Lifting heavy objects without taking proper care Persistent sneezing and/or coughing Diarrhea and/or constipation Hernias differ from one another, depends on the organ or body part affected. Hence, the treatment for hernia pain relief varies. It is difficult for you to diagnose the form of Hernia you’re suffering from. Some of the most common forms of Hernia are: Types Or Forms of Hernia: Inguinal (inner groin) Hernia: The bladder or intestine pushes across the abdominal lining and enters into the groin’s inguinal canal. Incisional Hernia: At the site of a previous abdominal surgery, the intestine pushes across the abdominal lining. Femoral (outer groin) Hernia: When the intestine protrudes through the canal carrying the femoral artery to the upper thigh. Umbilical Hernia: A part of the small intestine squeezes the abdominal lining near the navel. Hiatal Hernia: Occurs when the upper portion of the stomach protrudes through an entrance in the diaphragm, called the hiatal. Methods For Hernia Pain Relief Hernias are extremely discomforting, if not painful. To ease the pain there are a number of methods that one may use. But it must be understood that all the following methods of hernia pain relief are temporary and one must go for further medical advice: Usage of ice packs When experiencing mild discomfort and uneasiness, it is advisable to apply an ice pack at the site of the hernia for hernia pain relief. The ice pack should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes only. You can perform this method of hernia pain relief, once or twice a day, but only after approval from the doctor.

Smelling bad can be embarrassing, and you’ll put the people around you in an awkward position. While mild body odor is something all of us experience, constant body odor, and too much of it, is not a good thing. What are the causes of body odor? While not having a bath regularly is one of the most basic reasons, there are a few other underlying causes that might contribute to the bad odor as well. Excess consumption of spicy foods Been indulging in too much spicy food? Your extra spicy street food and dishes could be one of the causal factors of body odor. You are what you eat. While this is an arguable statement, it does have a grain of truth to it. The spice you eat, when broken down, causes your body to release gases that contain sulfur. These sulfur gases are released through the pores of your skin, the smell of body odor. Does that mean you should stop eating spice? Not at all. Just lower the intake of spice, drink plenty of water through the day especially after a spicy meal, and avoid spicy foods the day before a party or date. A hot shower and deodorant can help too. Excess alcohol consumption When you drink alcohol, it goes into your bloodstream and comes out through your urine, as well as your sweat. Your body considers alcohol to be a toxin. Due to this, it looks for ways to eliminate the alcohol, so while you do urinate a lot while you drink, your body tries to expel the alcohol through your sweat and breath too. You must drink a lot of water to flush out the alcohol. Also, when you drink next time, drink at a slow pace, or have non-alcoholic drinks in between your alcoholic ones.

Shingles are painful itchy rashes caused by the herpes zoster virus. Various cures for shingles rash that can alleviate the symptoms and bring faster recovery are discussed below. If your immune system is weak, your shingles outbreak can get out of hand and spread to other parts of your body. Hence, it is essential to boost up your immune system by adding immunity enhancing foods to your diet and avoiding foods that can worsen your condition. An immune booster diet would include foods rich in: Vitamin A – The beta-carotene content of this vitamin helps to maintain your skin, membranes, and tissue linings. An enhanced intake of this vitamin helps in speeding the healing process of the shingles rash. Foods such as leafy green vegetables, carrots, and beef liver are a rich source of vitamin A. Vitamin B12 – This vitamin is essential for the functioning of the nervous system. It preserves the functioning of the nerves as well as protects the nerves from damage that can be caused by the shingles rash. Vitamin B 12 rich foods include sardines, lamb, eggs, and cottage cheese. Vitamin C – One of the most popular cures for shingles rash, vitamin C enhances the immunity levels in your body acting as an antiviral agent. It is recommended to increase the intake of vitamin C foods such as oranges, papaya, bell peppers, kiwis, throughout the infection and recovery period. Vitamin E – Vitamin E is known to accelerate the healing of the shingles breakout. It works towards protecting the nerves from damage and acts as prevention against scarring from the rashes. As vitamin E protects the cell membranes from the attacking virus, it can be applied directly onto the rashes. This provides relief to the burning sensation and also helps reduce the pain from postherpetic neuralgia (residual pain).