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.
Best Products to Treat Male Incontinence Effectively

Best Products to Treat Male Incontinence Effectively

Even though a lot of men do not really like the idea of using various male incontinence products like catheters, urine collection bags, adult diapers etc., these products become handy when someone is suffering from the male incontinence condition. Living with incontinence can hamper normal daily lifestyle. It can be the cause of embarrassing accidents lowering down the affected person’s confidence level. Using these products can help to deal with such situations. For treating male incontinence, various medications are available. However, it is always advisable to consult a medical expert before taking any medication. Here is a list of some of the best incontinence products for males that are currently trending in the market. These male incontinence products are not sufficient to treat the condition from the root. However, using them with proper medications will definitely help the affected persons to lead a better life and deal with it. Some of the male incontinence products include: Disposable pants and pads These are probably the most convenient and easy-to-use incontinence products for men. You can find a wide variety of pads depending on the absorbance capacity. Starting from light leakage/soiling to medium and heavy – disposable pads, all are available to deal with every situation. The disposable pants that are available today have been designed to look just like the normal underwear. The only difference is that in the crotch area, an absorbent pad is attached. The wide range of such disposable pants and pads include: Disposable all-in-ones, which have been designed to protect heavy bladder leakage. Also, it is a unisex product and is most suitable for bowel and bladder incontinence. Disposable liners are mostly suitable for light to moderate leakage of the bladder. Disposable T-shaped pads Disposable leaf/pouch Penile sheaths This is one of the most suited male incontinence products and is also known as an external catheter or condom catheter.
How to Choose the Best Probiotic Yogurt

How to Choose the Best Probiotic Yogurt

Gone are the days when yogurts used to be pretty simple and available in unpretentious small containers. Today, the shelves are flooded with overt varieties of Greek yogurts, shakes, and smoothies, spurted into fancy-looking cups and pouches, all set to make you drool. Besides, the ice cream aisles also feature a variety of frozen yogurts and popsicles to choose from. It is important to mention that some of these yogurts serve as excellent sources of probiotics and offer a range of health benefits, whereas the others only serve as dessert. So, with so many choices, how do you choose the best one? Before we understand how to select the best probiotic yogurts, let’s discuss some important benefits of eating a yogurt. Yogurt and your health Yogurts are made by the bacterial fermentation of milk. The bacteria which are used for preparing yogurts are called yogurt cultures. These ferment the natural sugar present in milk to produce lactic acid. There are two specific types of bacteria that should be present in order to consider a yogurt healthy – Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. Now, we will look at some science-based health benefits of eating the best probiotic yogurts. It’s rich in nutrients Yogurt is a storehouse of nutrients, such as protein, vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium as well as some essential fatty acids. All these nutrients are beneficial in maintaining a good health. It’s high in protein Yogurt contains an impressive amount of protein, i.e. 10 g/100grams. Protein improves overall body metabolism by increasing the number of calories you burn throughout the day. Also, it helps in regulating the appetite as it enhances the hormone production that signals fullness. This helps in cutting down on the calories consumed, thus helping you to manage your weight in an effective way. It improves digestive health Some of the best probiotic yogurts contain active live cultures that significantly improve digestive health.
Common Side Effects of Consuming Probiotics

Common Side Effects of Consuming Probiotics

Probiotics are living bacteria that are consumed by for their health benefits. There is hype in the use of probiotics as many people have received substantial health benefits like improved digestive systems and glowing skin. However, there are certain side effects to probiotics that people have experienced. Before you buy and start consuming probiotics, do know about the potential side effects of this product. We have highlighted some these side effects to probiotics below: Troubled Digestion It may surprise you that the very product used for the betterment of the digestive system can also cause trouble to it. Unfortunately, some users have experienced it. The effect is temporary but increases the gas levels and bloating in the body. People who have consumed yeast-based products have suffered from constipation. These side effects are mild and slowly vanish with the continuous consumption of probiotics. You can avoid this side effect if you begin with taking small doses on slowly increase them as the days go by. This will make your body used to the dietary product and there is a chance that there would not be any side-effects that you will experience. Skin Problems Intake of probiotics means you are taking biogenic amines in your body. This can cause acne and skin rashes. But this side-effect is not totally bad. This is because acne and pimples are caused to release the toxins from the body. But if the rashes remain for long and the pimples do not go soon, then this is the signal of allergic reaction that is one of the probiotics side effects. In such a situation, consult a skin specialist and immediately cease the intake of the probiotic product. Infection Some people have gone through serious infections with the intake of probiotics. The number of users who have experienced infections is few but they do exist.
Everything You Need to Know about a Ministroke

Everything You Need to Know about a Ministroke

A stroke is a condition that occurs when a part of your brain gets limited or no blood supply. At such a time, your brain is deprived of oxygen and other vital nutrients it needs to function normally. In just a few minutes, the brain cells start to die. What is a ministroke? It is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. The sooner a patient gets help, the lesser will be the damage caused by the stroke. However, one can prevent and treat strokes these days. Symptoms of a ministroke One needs to watch out for a few signs. If you manage to identify it in the early stages, you can prevent the damage from getting worse. By being aware of these symptoms, one can tell if anyone around them might be having a stroke. The time frame inside which one needs to identify the condition is crucial for proper treatment. Difficulty in speaking You may experience sudden confusion. It may result in slurring words and trouble with speech. This is one of the most common symptoms that victims of a ministroke exhibit. Numbness and paralysis A patient may experience sudden weakness or numbness in their leg, arm, and face. It generally occurs on only on one side of the body. One needs to try and see if they can raise their arms above the head at that time. If they find one arm falling, they might be having a stroke. One side of the mouth might also droop when they try to smile. Difficulty in seeing There are high chances that a patient may experience blurred vision suddenly. A patient may also have blackened vision. Some patients also see double when they have a ministroke. A headache A severe headache may occur. Other symptoms of a ministroke that come with this are dizziness, vomiting, and loss of consciousness.
Treatment for Different Types of Meningitis

Treatment for Different Types of Meningitis

The membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord are called the meninges. The meninges are three ultrathin membrane layers that are surrounded by a fluid. Meningitis is a condition when the fluid surrounding the meninges becomes infected. Bacterial or viral infections affect the meninges. They may also be infected due to cancer, medication allergies, chemical reactions or fungal infections. The types of meningitis are based on the cause of meninges infection. The brain and spinal tissue swell up due to meningitis. Due to the swelling, the oxygen and blood supply to the brain is inhibited. The most common symptoms of meningitis are fever, severe headache, and a stiff neck. Untreated, unchecked meningitis could be fatal. Types of meningitis Viral and bacterial meningitis are the two main types of meningitis. Viral meningitis : This is mainly caused by a virus called enterovirus. Other types of viruses like herpes, HIV and West Nile virus may also cause viral meningitis. Among the types of meningitis, viral meningitis is the least severe. The enterovirus is found in the gastrointestinal tract. During the time that our immunity system is lowered, the enterovirus activates and causes flu-like symptoms. The enterovirus spreads through a sneeze, cough, and unclean hands. Bacterial meningitis : Bacterial meningitis is rare, but severe among the types of meningitis. The most common cause of bacterial meningitis is the spreading of a respiratory infection to the brain. Pneumococcal and meningococcal are the two bacterial types of meningitis. Meningococcal meningitis is more prevalent in children and teens than adults. Pneumococcal meningitis is more prevalent in adults. Fungal meningitis : This type is rarer than bacterial meningitis. Unlike the other two types of meningitis, fungal meningitis is not contagious. Fungal meningitis occurs when fungi travel to the spinal cord through the bloodstream. Children and elderly are at a higher risk of developing fungal meningitis due to their weak immune system.
7 Swollen Ankle Treatment Options You Should Know

7 Swollen Ankle Treatment Options You Should Know

There comes a time in the life of some people when they experience pain in the ankles or feet. Swelling in the ankles is a common condition among women who are pregnant. There is more than one reason that causes swelling in the ankles. Some of those include spending long periods walking or traveling that may hinder any moment of legs restricting blood circulation or surgery. Swollen ankles is not a serious problem. There are ways to deal with it. Swollen ankles and feet cause discomfort while walking or moving around. Podiatric physicians believe that there are ways to get rid of swelling and prevent the condition from occurring. The condition of swelling in the body is medically known as edema. It occurs when your body retains fluid in any part of your body. Retention of bodily fluid also occurs in the legs and feet. This causes the ankles to swell. There is no need to panic, as swelling in the ankles is not an emergency situation. The condition should be addressed with patience and care, as it can go away itself with the required care. Swollen ankle treatment options Swelling in the body, be in any part, would require attention in order to get relief from it. Following are a few effective, yet popular swollen ankle treatment options that can be considered to get relief from it. Compression socks Compression socks can be bought from a nearby pharmacy. Compression socks are a way to get relief from the pain and discomfort and also prevent fluid from collecting into your legs, feet, and ankles. They are found in all kind of weights: light, medium, and heavy. Always make sure that you buy a pair that fits well and is not too much tight. It is often recommended to buy lightweight socks that measure somewhere between 12–15 mm and 15–20 mm of mercury.
An Introduction to the Types of Itchy Skin Rashes

An Introduction to the Types of Itchy Skin Rashes

There are many kinds of rash that can affect an individual at some point in time in life. Rashes are in fact quite common, and people have experienced it right since childhood. However, these are very irritating and hinder our everyday activities. Firstly, you have to know what a rash is exactly. A rash cannot be specifically diagnosed. It is a kind of inflammation that can also be seen normally on the skin. There are common rashes of skin that are poison, eczema, hives, and ivy. Infections such as bacterial, fungal, viral or parasitic, can lead to rashes in general. There are also over-the-counter products that are useful to treat skin rashes in people. The rash that remains there for longer than a few days requires doctor’s advice. Type of itchy skin rashes There different kinds of noninfectious rashes as well. When a person develops a new rash, he is also likely to develop a fever or other illness caused by the rash. It is recommended to see a doctor to treat the problem in its earliest stages. Atopic dermatitis It is also known as eczema. It is a common disorder that begins in childhood and results in the appearance of red, weeping and itchy rashes. These rashes develop on the inner side of elbows and at the back side of knee and cheeks, wrist, neck, and ankles. People suffering from asthma and hay fever usually experience it. Seborrheic dermatitis It is a single rash but common in nature. It usually affects the adult population. It leaves behind red scaling and itchy rash. They generally occur on the scalp, brows, external ears, cheeks and forehead. In children, it usually occurs on the scalp. Contact dermatitis This rash spreads through contact. When someone comes in contact with a specific chemical that he is allergic to, there is a likelihood for him for developing irritating, itchy skin rashes.
Find Relief with These Eczema Moisturizing Creams

Find Relief with These Eczema Moisturizing Creams

Eczema is a fairly common dermatological condition that is not contagious. There are multiple factors to trigger an outbreak of eczema over different areas of the skin. These factors vary from environmental factors to food allergies. Treatment for eczema focuses mainly on healing damaged skin and managing the symptoms. There are two types of eczema. The first is a skin condition that manifests through rashes; the other is known as atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis usually manifests at infancy and continues to show during childhood. Often people start developing atopic dermatitis at the age of 5 or below. The majority of those who suffer from this type of eczema continue to experience the symptoms into adulthood. Cures for eczema are not known; however, it can be managed using various techniques and eczema moisturizing creams. Types of eczema Both types of eczema can be further divided into further categories. Allergic contact dermatitis: This type of dermatitis or eczema manifests when the body’s immune system reacts to what it considers a foreign substance allergen. This type of dermatitis can be treated and managed by eczema moisturizing creams within a few minutes of bathing in lukewarm water. Air-dry instead of rubbing the skin to avoid irritating the rash. Investigate the allergen and avoid it as much as possible. Neurodermatitis: This type of eczema manifests through scaly patches on the head, lower legs, forearms, and wrists. The usual cause of this varies but is most commonly due to an insect bite. Treat it with various eczema moisturizing creams. Use gentle soaps while bathing in warm or lukewarm water. Do not scratch. Nummular eczema: This type of eczema is seen with circular patches of irritated skin that are crusted with scaling and are itchy. Seborrheic eczema: The skin breaks out in oily, scaly yellowish patches around the scalp and face.
Scoliosis Treatment Options and Home Remedies

Scoliosis Treatment Options and Home Remedies

Scoliosis is a condition or a disorder where there is an abnormal curve in the spine or the backbone. Generally, a normal spine, when looked from the side, should have normal curves but should appear straight when looked from the front. People suffering from scoliosis are seen to have an additional curve on either side of the body, and the bones of the spine start twisting on each other, this twisting leads to the formation of a “C” or “S” shape in the spine. Curvature of the spine being the most common symptom, scoliosis treatment aims to prevent and avoid the spinal curve from getting worse. The goal of scoliosis treatment is to correct or stabilize and steady a severe spinal curve. The type of treatment depends not only on the cause of scoliosis but also its severity and the risk of curve getting worse. Scoliosis treatment options include bracing, observation, and surgery. Types of Scoliosis Treatments Surgical treatment With surgery, the curve can be decreased and the spine can be stabilized so that the curve doesn’t get worse. Nonsurgical treatment This includes either routine exams by a doctor who then recommends rehabilitation exercises to check for any curve progression. Bracing In order to stop the spinal curve from getting worse, the aim of bracing treatment is to apply corrective forces on the spine in order to release the load on the inner part of the curve and push this load on the outer part. Brace Options There are two general treatment options for scoliosis bracing: Full-time bracing It is designed to be worn 16-23 hours every day, these braces are to be worn at all times, except when bathing, exercising, and during skin care. Night-time bracing Nighttime braces use hyper-corrective forces that help put the body out of normal balance.
Treatment Options for Curbing Chronic Diarrhea

Treatment Options for Curbing Chronic Diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea interferes with your life very seriously. In the case of some people, it can be managed with some diet changes and prescription medications. As far as some other people are concerned, it requires a combination of different approaches to find relief. The treatment for chronic diarrhea depends on the symptoms and the intensity of the problem and choosing the right combination treatment is the key to bring relief in a fast manner. Medications as an option of treatment for chronic diarrhea Earlier, medication options for treating chronic diarrhea were limited but new medications have been introduced into the market nowadays. Diarrhea associated with irritable bowel syndrome also called IBS-D is a common problem that many people have to deal with. The major symptoms of this condition are frequent bouts of loose and watery diarrhea and chronic abdominal pain. It can be described as a highly disruptive health issues. For relieving the symptoms and treating this condition, there are a good number of medications available. Popular over-the-counter medications If you are suffering from IBS-D, Imodium is one of the most popular over-the-counter medications available. You have to take Imodium orally, and it is a very well-tolerated medication. It reduces the speed of intestinal contractions and the fluid quantity in the large intestine is also lowered to make a speedy recovery. This situation leads to a reduced urgency and the stool becomes firmer. At the same time, Imodium does not play a vital role in reducing the abdominal pain. Some of the most popular and common prescription medications as treatment for chronic diarrhea include Xifaxan and Viberzi and the offer fast and long-lasting results. Xifaxan: Xifaxan is a good antibiotic that functions in a different way compared to other antibiotics. This medication is not absorbed in the stomach and that is why the actions of Xifaxan are supposed to occur in the small intestine locally.
Chest Pain Causes that You Need To Know

Chest Pain Causes that You Need To Know

Chest pain can often be a cause of worry for everyone. A lot of people experience chest pain at some point in their lives. While it is a cause for concern, some causes of chest pain aren’t fatal. Here are a few causes of chest pain that you need to be aware of: Causes of chest pain that are related to the heart If your chest pain starts at the left and extends to the right side of your body gradually, it is probably a heart-related chest pain. A few heart problems that are associated with chest pain are the following: Heart attack : One of the first thing that comes to your mind when you have a chest pain is a heart attack. Heart attacks are caused due to a blocked artery or a clot in your heart that blocks or slows down the blood flow, preventing your heart from pumping blood to your body properly. Aortic dissection: This involves the aorta, which is one of the main arteries in your heart. When the inner layers of the aorta separate, the blood tends to flow between different layers. This, in turn, can cause the aorta to rupture. Aortic dissection can prove to be life-threatening if not treated as soon as possible. Angina : Angina takes place when there is a buildup of thick plaques in the inner walls of the arteries. When this happens, the arteries get narrower and the blood flow and supply gets restricted. Pericarditis: This heart-related problem takes place when the sac that surrounds your heart gets inflamed. Causes of chest pain related to the lungs As mentioned before, chest pain is not restricted to just heart-related problems. Issues with your lungs can cause chest pain as well. Here are a few causes of chest pain related to the lungs: