Know about the Causes and Treatment Options for Swollen Ankles

Know about the Causes and Treatment Options for Swollen Ankles

At times, the ankle might get swollen due to various reasons. Swollen ankles are usually caused due to fluid retention. People usually experience slight pain during this time, and sometimes the pain could be worse. The cause of swollen ankles could be due to injury or any medical condition. The below-mentioned information will help you know the causes of and swollen ankles treatment options in detail. Prominent swollen ankles causes Injury – An injury to the ankle or the foot could lead to swelling. Even when there is a sprain, it leads to a swollen ankle. The best that can be done for this is to avoid walking and taking rest. It is important to take rest and use an ice pack covered with a towel at least for 30 minutes on the affected area. You can also make use of a compression bandage by wrapping the affected area and elevate the foot, preferably on a pillow or stool when you rest. Blood clots – When blood clots are formed in the veins of legs, it will cause the problem in the blood flow. This will result in swelling in the ankles and the feet. There are two types of blood clots. They are superficial and deep vein thrombosis. The former is caused in the veins right below the skin. The latter could result in blockage of one or more veins of the legs. It could be life-threatening as well. If you experience pain or fever due to this, then it is important to get medical assistance. Pregnancy complications – Swelling of feet or ankles is a usual thing during pregnancy. If there is unexpected or extreme swelling, then it is a sign of pre-eclampsia. Apart from this, if you experience other symptoms like a headache, abdominal pain, nausea, frequent urination or problem with vision, then you would need medical help.
Tips to Treat Knee Osteoarthritis

Tips to Treat Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritisis a condition that is a result of wear and tear of the natural cushioning between joints. In this case, bones of the joints closely rub against each other since the cartilage has become weary its shock absorbing capacity is reduced. This close rubbing without the cushioning results in stiffness, swelling, pain and bone spurs. Although osteoarthritis of the knee is age-related, it can affect the young too. The degenerative process can be hereditary in some cases. It can also result due to infection, injury or obesity. The Arthritis Foundation states that more than 27 million people in the country suffer from osteoarthritis, with women being more prone to this knee problem than men. Causes of knee osteoarthritis Although age is a most common factor, there are several other factors that increase the possibility of developing significant arthritis at a young age. Weight – When body weight increases, pressure on the joints also increase. Every extra pound adds extra weight on the knee, thus disturbing the cushioning. Heredity – Also known as genetic mutations, knee osteoarthritisis also experienced by those who have a history of osteoarthritis in the family and have inherited bone deformities. Gender – Women falling in the age group of 53 to 55 years are more prone to knee osteoarthritis than men. Stress injuries – Usually job related, stress injuries are common with people whose job involves squatting, kneeling and lifting heavy loads. People with such jobs are more prone to osteoarthritis of the knee as these jobs put constant pressure on the knees and joints. Athletics – Sportspersonswho playtennis, soccer, etc. are at a risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, it’s always good to exercise in moderation as it decrease the chances of developing osteoarthritis. Other illnesses – Metabolic disorders also results in weakening of muscles around joints.
Natural Remedies for Quick Constipation Relief

Natural Remedies for Quick Constipation Relief

The food we eat is broken down by the digestive system so that the body can absorb the nutrients present. However, when the digestive system is unable to break down all the food, it leads to constipation. Constipation is a condition of disturbed bowel movements. The NIDDK revealed that 4 million people in the country suffer from constipation every year. There are many different ways to get quick constipation relief. Here are some natural remedies to get quick constipation relief. Oil : Olive oil is a tasty fat that helps stimulate the digestive system and gives quick constipation relief. Pure olive oil has a good texture which helps in regulating bowel movement and helps stool move through the colon. Regular consumption of this power oil helps prevent constipation. It is advised to have a tablespoon of olive oil on an empty stomach. You can also add some lemon juice to change the flavor. Fresh lime water : The acidity in lime juice is known to give quick relief from constipation. Lemon juice has citric acid in it which stimulates the digestive system, and also helps to flush out toxins. By adding the juice of one lemon in a cup of water, you can clear out all the undesired material stored along with the walls of the digestive tract. Molasses : A great savior, blackstrap molasses provide quick constipation relief. Blackstrap molasses is loaded with vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, that is known to have constipation relieving properties. It is advised to add a teaspoon of molasses in a cup of warm water and consume it first thing in the morning. Coffee : coffee is a natural stimulant and helps clean the digestive tract. It keeps the system running and clear. Having a cup or two of coffee is fine.
Effective Remedies for Heel Pain

Effective Remedies for Heel Pain

A sedentary lifestyle coupled with obesity has put extra weight on our hips as well as heels. Comprising of 33 joints 26 bones, and over 100 tendons, the heel is the largest bone in the foot. Overusing any part of the body can cause injury and the same holds for heels as well. With increasing weight, extra weight is put on the heels, thus affecting blood circulation in heels. Pain usually experienced on the underside of the heels can make it difficult to perform daily tasks with same vigor. In this article, the causes along with different heel pain remedies are discussed. A common foot problem, heel pain is usually felt in the arch of the foot, at the bottom of the heels and increases with body movements. Heel pain is usually worse in the morning and can be due to several reasons. For instance, wearing flat shoes or worn-out shoes can cause discomfort and trigger the pain. Causes of heel pain There are some of the common causes of heel pain, such as: Plantar fasciitis: When too much pressure is put on the heels, it causes stiffness and damages plantar fascia ligament. It is a web-like ligament, which connects the heel to the front of the foot. If this ligament is injured, it causes severe pain, and the person finds it difficult to move. Sprains and strains: Extreme physical exercises with proper guidance often cause sprains and internal injuries.Sprains usually occur at joints and can have a negative effect on ligaments connecting bones. Fracture: A case of medical emergency, fracture implies a broken bone. A fracture is a broken bone. It usually occurs when a person has experienced a fall, accident, or injured themselves while playing sports. Achilles tendonitis: In Achilles tendonitis, tendon attaching the calf muscles to the heels get swollen up and cause severe pain.
4 Effective Home Remedies for Ear Infections

4 Effective Home Remedies for Ear Infections

Viruses and bacteria cause ear infections, and these occur more commonly in children rather than adults. Upper respiratory infections, wax buildup, environmental allergies, genetics, food allergies, fetal alcohol syndrome, nutritional deficiencies and internal injuries are some of the most common causes of ear infections. The common signs that point towards the ear infection include: Difficulty sleeping Ear tugging Poor or lack of response to sounds Fluid drain from the ear High fever Headache Diarrhea Pain in the inner part of the ear Minor bleeding in the ear The ear has inner, middle and outer parts. Each of these parts has a specific function, and together they help a person with the hearing. The outer ear is shaped like a leaf and captures traveling sound waves. There is also a section known as the pinna from which the sound waves enter the ear canal. The sound waves then reach the ear canal through the eardrum located in the middle part. This middle part of the ear also includes other ear organs like the anvil, hammer, middle canal, stir up and semicircular. The sound waves travel through this part into the inner sections of the ear. The inner part consists of parts like the Eustachian tubes, nerves, and cochlea. Sound waves travel through the canal and are sent to the nerves, from where the brain processes the sound. Considering the complex mechanism and structure of the ear and its three parts, the ear infection can occur in any one of these three parts. Out of all the infections that can occur, the one that occurs in the inner ear is the most serious. Ear infections need to be treated immediately to prevent further complications and damages like rupturing of the eardrum. Deafness and constant recurrence can also occur as a result of untreated ear infections.
Symptoms of Bipolar Mania You Cannot Ignore

Symptoms of Bipolar Mania You Cannot Ignore

Formally defined as manic depression, bipolar disorder is a form of a major affective or a mood disorder that is usually characterized by manic or hypomanic episodes. These episodes cause a change in one’s normal mood accompanied by high energy states. Bipolar mania symptoms are often the result of the very serious bipolar disorder that plagues people. This bipolar mania can affect an individual for many days, which may include other symptoms like long-term sleeplessness, psychosis, hallucinations, paranoid rage, or superlative delusions. Moreover, research shows that depressive episodes may be more devastating and harder to treat in people who never have manias or hypomanias. Bipolar disorder and mania Thought to stem from a combination of genetic and non-genetic factors, bipolar disorder is a complex disorder. It is divided into two parts based on the severity: bipolar 1 and bipolar 2. Bipolar 1 comprises mood episodes that are associated with clinical depression or mania. Mania refers to the condition of high energy and extreme elation with interspersed periods of normal mood and energy in between the episodes. The severity of the mood swings may range from very mild to extreme. They may develop over time or can occur very suddenly and unexpectedly. Rapid cycling is the process wherein discrete mood episodes occur over four or more times per year, and it should not be confused with very frequent moment-to-moment based changes in the mood. The latter often points towards bipolar disorder or another disorder known as the borderline personality disorder. Patients with bipolar disorder may additionally have disturbances in thinking apart from or along with manic or depressive episodes. Impairment in social functioning and distortions of perception may also occur. Causes of bipolar disorder The causes of bipolar disorder, much like other mood disorders, are not known very well. The only concrete information available is that bipolar disorder involves the deregulation of brain functioning and may have a genetic component since it can run in families.
Treat Heartburn With These 5 Home Remedies

Treat Heartburn With These 5 Home Remedies

A healthy meal is one of the essentials of everyday life. Our body requires proper food to get nutrition for energy. It is not right to skip meals and work on an empty stomach. But, due to the hustle bustle routine of today’s life, people often skip the idea of a healthy meal and opt some quick ready-made food. The ready-to-eat meal contains different elements including some bad ones, which is not good for the human body. The regular use of these products can create some health issues, and heartburn is one of them. Have you ever experienced a heartburn? Well, it is one painful experience which almost every adult faces in their life. The condition of a heartburn mostly occurs by consuming acidic food and due to a disturbing routine of a meal, which is common in today’s life. Nowadays, people are lost in their busy schedule of life, and they have to run the clock. This hectic lifestyle takes them far from a healthy life routine and causes many health issues. If you are also facing heartburn, and it has become a regular problem for you, then don’t worry. You can say goodbye to this problem by including healthy diet in your routine. Some easy and quick treatments for heartburn that you can do at your home have been mentioned below. Baking soda The baking soda is the most common ingredient that you can easily find in your kitchen and is one common treatment for heartburn. It contains sodium bicarbonate that helps in controlling the burning sensation of heartburn. The PH of baking soda is 7.0, which successfully neutralizes the stomach acid and gives you relief. Mix half teaspoon baking soda into one glass and drink immediately after mixing it. One glass is enough to give you relief from heartburn.
Common Symptoms of Leg Pain You Should Not Ignore

Common Symptoms of Leg Pain You Should Not Ignore

The lower parts of our legs are the ones that keep us standing, walking and running as we go through everyday life. There are many factors that affect the health of our legs—the kind of surfaces we walk on, the kind of shoes we wear, our posture, occupation, overall weight, etc. All this means that on more than one occasion, a person may experience leg pain symptoms. Some common leg pain symptoms and causes include: Aches related to the bones, joints, and muscles Muscle cramp A muscle cramp is also known as Charley’s horse and can occur any time on its own. It can occur in the middle of the night or during the day. The pain due to a muscle cramp is often described as a tight grip around one’s muscle, usually the calf muscle. Once it takes a group, it can get worse in the form of an intense, tight lower leg pain. The main cause of this type of leg pain is dehydration and general tiredness. Some common remedies to deal with leg pain symptoms of this sort is to increase the intake of water, massage the affected muscles, and also to do a good round of stretching and warming up before exercise. Shin splints Shin splints are a kind of pain usually experienced on the front of the calf muscle. It usually occurs when the flesh and muscles along the edge of the shin bone get inflamed, making walking, running, or jumping very difficult. Shin splints usually occur when the same activities are repeated over and over again on hard surfaces. People with flat feet or feet turned outward also tend to experience shin splints. Some common remedies to fix the pain related to shin splints are the intake of anti-inflammatory medicines that include naproxen, aspirin, and ibuprofen and the application of ice.
Effective Home Remedies to Treat Cavities

Effective Home Remedies to Treat Cavities

Caries, the other word for cavities, can be defined as the small holes or openings in the teeth that are a result of decaying tooth. To be able to know as to how to treat cavities, first, it’s important to know the causes of cavities. Cavities are a result of plaque and bacteria that builds its home on the teeth’s surface. Also, one who does not follow a good dental hygiene and does not have enough minerals in the diet is prone to having cavities in their teeth. When learning about how to treat cavities, it is important to note that most of them are irreversible and would require immediate attention. It is best to get cavities checked by a dentist and ask if you need fillings, fluoride treatments, or extractions. But, in some cases, cavities can be treated at home by using a combination of good diet and tooth re-mineralization. In this article we will discuss how to treat cavities at home along with some preventive measures that can be taken to prevent cavities in the first place itself. In order to be able to treat cavities, it is important to be aware of the signs& symptoms of cavities. Once you have recognized the following signs, commence the treatment without further delay. This will help you save your tooth and will also help get rid of the constant pain and sensitivity that one experiences if he or she has cavities. Following are the symptoms of cavities Be subjected to toothache or sensitivity. Experiencing mild to sharp pain while eating or drinking something hot or cold. Experiencing pain while biting food. Dark-stained pits and holes on the tooth/teeth. Breaking or chipping of the teeth, thus exposing a black inner surface. Bad taste in the mouth. Bad breadth even after brushing.
Top 5 Vitamins and Supplements for Quick Weight Loss

Top 5 Vitamins and Supplements for Quick Weight Loss

Are you finding it difficult to lose weight despite following a low-fat and low-calorie diet and a strict workout regime? If you are consistent with your efforts and still not finding good results, you might be missing some essential vitamins and supplements that your body needs. Here are the top 5 vitamins and supplements for fast and effective weight loss: Glutamine This is an essential amino acid required by your body for building protein to maintain optimal muscle mass. You have to understand the fact that muscle plays a very critical role in shedding calories and the absence of sufficient amount of glutamine makes your weight loss efforts ineffective. Several studies have shown that taking glutamine supplements for a month helps people lose weight in a faster manner compared to taking protein supplement and the health experts also declared that glutamine was safe and effective for rapid weight loss. Foods such as cabbage, spinach, and beans are good sources of glutamine, and if you do not consume an adequate amount of these foods daily, you must take a dependable glutamine supplement to maintain your glutamine intake optimally. Fish oil Fish oil comprises of omega-3 fatty acids. Excellent health benefits can be associated with omega-3 and they not only aid fast weight loss but also enhance your overall heart health. Some people are doubtful because of the name ‘fatty acids.’ The fact of the matter is that fish oil supplements contain good fats and they encourage fast weight loss by efficient activation of enzymes that take up the responsibility of the fat burning process in cells. The natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids are nuts and salmon. Several people do not consume sufficient amount of these fatty acids through their foods and in such a situation, you have to take fish oil capsules to ensure proper supply of omega-3 fatty acids.
9 Tips to Buy the Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

9 Tips to Buy the Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

A good sleep is important for everyone to stay away from health disorders and other problems. In today’s world, many people find it difficult to ensure a better sleep due to stress and other factors. There are different types of beds that are available in the market today to fulfill the need of users with modern features. They even provide methods for relaxing the body at different positions to minimize health risks. Some people especially pregnant women prefer sleeping sideways allowing them to accommodate a growing baby. It is necessary to determine the right bed type which is good for a side sleeper. A mattress is the most important thing required for enhancing comfort levels. Additionally, it contributes more to prevent snoring problems effectively when selected properly. Another thing is that it gives ways for improving the circulation of a person to overcome health disorders. It is really a difficult one to buy the best mattress for side sleepers which exactly suit a person’s lifestyle. Sleeping on a right mattress will help to reduce the pains and other problems effectively for overcoming potential threats in life. Leading mattress manufacturers offer different types of products at low prices. However, all of them are not the same, and one should consider certain important factors before investing their money. Below are some of the best mattress for side sleepers. Memory foam mattress Memory foam mattress is one of the popular choices of customers in different parts of the world because it covers many advantages and is one of the best mattresses for side sleepers. Moreover, it is necessary to focus some important things while purchasing a mattress. – Quality – Softness – Firmness – Innerspring – Aligning – Size – Length – Breadth People should make sure about a memory foam mattress should exactly fit their body contours for experiencing a nice sleep.
5 Essential Vitamins for Growing Kids

5 Essential Vitamins for Growing Kids

With the busy school schedule, homework and irregular eating habits; sometimes kids are not able to get the required nutritional needs fulfilled. In an ideal situation, every kid should meet the nutritional requirement and lead a healthy life. However, this becomes hard to accomplish with the changing lifestyle. Health experts also stress on the benefits provided by a healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Parents believe that providing their children with health supplements and making them eat green vegetables will resolve this issue. Hence, one can often hear elders emphasizing on the need to have dairy products like cheese, yogurt and green vegetables. The market is filled with brands offering best vitamins for kids to provide them with a healthy mind and body. Vitamins and minerals form an important part of daily dietary requirements and absence of these can lead to serious health issues. Hence, a complete diet can help provide the proper growth to kids. Owing to the time-constraints of going to work, a fully-packed meal is not always possible for parents as well as kids. This is the reason why doctors might advise giving children a vitamin supplement for the following reasons; If children do not have regular meals or do not have whole foods. It can also help if they have an irregular dietary habit. In case the child is suffering from chronic conditions including digestive issues, asthma and are taking medications for the same. Children consume a lot of processed or unhealthy junk food from outside. Kids who binge-drink carbonated sodas or soft-drinks leading to a deficiency in vitamin and minerals in their body. Here is a list of five best vitamins for kids, which are essential for their proper growth. These have been explained in details below; Vitamin A One of the best vitamins for kids, it is vital for providing good vision and proper regulation of kid’s immune system.