Both our knee joints have a meniscus, which is a cartilage that acts as padding between the femur and tibia. This piece of cartilage can be damaged or torn while performing activities that exert pressure on the knee joints. For people who play games like football, basketball, soccer, and tennis, a meniscus tear is quite common. However, it is not necessary that only athletes get a meniscus tear, just a sudden and careless movement of standing from a squatting position, a pivot turn, or heavy lifting is good enough to cause a meniscus tear. Meniscus tear treatment, of course, then depends on the severity of the injury, which may vary from home remedies to surgery. However, being a little careful while exercising or playing goes a long way to help prevent injury to the menisci. Who is more prone to a meniscus tear? Children, adolescents, as well as aged people, anyone can get a meniscus tear. Children and adolescents can injure their menisci while playing organized or competitive sports. As the meniscus also tends to weaken with age, tears are more widespread in people who have crossed the threshold of 30 years. Someone with weak menisci, weaker and thinner cartilage can even get it injured from squatting or misstepping. People with osteoarthritis are also at a high risk of injuring the knee cartilage. Symptoms of a meniscus tear are many, starting right from pain, swelling, difficulty in movement or bending the knee, knee giving way, and a knee locking and popping sound coming from the area around the knee joint. In case you find any of these symptoms, it’s advisable that you see your doctor. The diagnosis of a meniscus tear is done through various ways like a physical exam, image tests, knee x-ray, MRI, Ultrasound or arthroscopy depending on the condition of the knees and symptoms.

Sinuses are hollow regions or pockets surrounding your nose. They secrete mucus that is drained in your nose. Sinus pain pressure is also known as Sinusitis or an infection of sinus due to which there is an inflammation in the region of the sinus pockets. This blocks the sinuses and causes pain in the facial region, congestion, and a dripping nose. The other signs and effects of a rhinosinusitis could be fever, sore throat, and also a poor judgment of smell. There are different ways through which a sinus pain pressure can be treated. Some of the most common forms of over the counter medicines like the various anti-allergy sprays, nasal sprays to clear the mucus and other forms of antibiotics are usually used to relieve the sinus pain pressure. Ditch the Drugs, for Natural Ways to Get Relief from Sinus Pain-Pressure Sinus is something that can occur from a large number of factors. There could be a large number of things that could trigger off this irritation. However, doctors have confirmed the fact that sinus pain pressure occurs due to viral infection and not by bacteria, at least in most of the cases. In such a situation we see that one should not be in a hurry to take different types of medications. In case you become dependent on these medicines and nasal sprays, then, with time either you would become immune to their effects or might develop a counter allergy. Hence, most of the doctors are of the opinion that one must wait for a few days before resorting to over the counter medicines. Often sinus pain pressure gets better on their own without taking any type of medication. Also, you could take some of the age-old home remedies and natural cure process that could offer you a better relief from sinus pain pressure.

At times, one may suffer from itchy eyes which could even aggravate into red or swollen eyes. You may feel irritation at the eyelashes. Generally, the itchy eyes are caused due to irritants such as allergens. Pollen and dust particles are the common allergens which cause itching in the eyes. They secrete the compounds known as histamines in the eye tissue which cause swelling and redness. Itchy eyes can be caused by contact lens solutions, creams, shampoos, or makeups. Dry eye syndrome and bacteria can also cause itchy eyes. If you suffer from eye allergies, you must get a quick appointment with your eye specialist to get to know effective and timely itchy eyes treatment options. Some of the popular itchy eyes treatments are as follows: Over-the-counter eye drops: Many eye drops are available as effective itchy eyes treatment options. They help relieve watery eyes, swelling, and redness in eyes. You can get these non-prescription eye drops from medical stores. You can ask the recommendations from your eye doctor. Prescription eye medications: If the eye itching problem is severe you must visit the eye doctor. He will diagnose the problem and prescribe suitable medications. The medications can be oral or eye drops. Some of the types of prescription medications for itchy eyes treatment are as follows: Decongestants: Popular decongestants that are highly popular include pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. They lessen the white sclera of the eye and reduce inflammation and red eyes. Antihistamines: Histamine is produced in response to the allergens. Histamine dilates the blood capillaries and often results in watery eyes. The antihistamines counter the production of histamine and reduce the allergic reactions and are also one of the most effective itchy eyes treatment options. Steroids: The steroids work well to control the problems related to acute eye allergy symptoms.

The human neck is made up of vertebrae that extend from the skull right up till the upper torso. These cervical discs absorb shock that can occur between the bones. The ligaments, bones and muscles of the neck support the head and allow its motion. Neck pain relief will depend on the type of stiffness and neck pain can be caused by any inflammation, abnormalities, or injury. People experience neck pain or stiffness at different occasions. The most common cause of neck stiffness and neck pain is a bad, poor posture that eliminates lumbar support. Neck pain can also be caused due to an injury, a fall etc. that can occur during high impact physical activity. Most neck pains and stiffness are not a serious conditions, but if not treated and prevented, they can become chronic. Most of these can be fixed within days with effective neck pain relief medications and remedies, but sometimes neck pains and stiffness point towards a serious illness, injury or disorder and may require immediate medical care. Neck pain and stiffness that lasts for more than a week should be or is very severe should be treated by a doctor as a medical emergency. Causes of neck pain There can be a number of reasons that cause neck pain and stiffness. Muscle strain and tension Activities and behaviors given below cause muscle strain and tension: poor posture working at a desk for too long with no changing position jerking the neck during exercise Wrong sleep posture especially the neck region. health conditions like heart attack, meningitis or fibromyalgia A doctor usually performs a physical examination and takes into account the patient’s complete medical history. The doctor should be aware of all the symptoms and any prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supplements that have been consumed for providing effective neck pain relief treatment.

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.

Allergies can be extremely debilitating and can get in the way of leading a full and fulfilling life. Come allergy season, you might experience symptoms of allergies that include a runny nose, watery eyes, itchy throat, and tightness of the chest to name a few. Allergies can be towards a host of things from dust mites to pollen to even pets. Knowing what you are allergic to can be half the battle as it can let you prepare your home to avoid the allergens. Here are the best anti-allergy products you need to invest in for an allergy-free life. Air Purifier Many Americans suffer from allergies caused by impure air that contain dust particles, pollen, or even pollution. Some studies even suggest that the indoors are more polluted than the outdoor environment. Hence, it becomes extremely important that you maintain the integrity of the air quality indoors. An air purifier can be the best solution for this problem. The Meaco Clean Ca-HEPA particularly comes highly recommended and has consistently been rated highly by industrial experts. It has various filters to remove dust particles, dust mites, pollen, and even bugs and insects. While this device cannot remove the allergens entirely, most people who have used this product have reported a marked decrease in allergy symptoms. While buying an air purifier, it is extremely important that you choose one that is suited for the size of the room you wish to install it in. Most people choose the wrong size, usually smaller, and then find that the device does not help as much as it should. Do your due diligence, figure out the volumetric dimensions of your room, and only then should you choose a model. Mite-proof Pillows Dust mite allergies usually result in asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis. Dust mites usually live and thrive in soft furnishings like curtains, carpets, and particularly pillows.

Toenail fungus is the bacterial or fungal infection of your toenail or a part of it. When your toes are exposed continuously to a moist or damp environment, it becomes a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria. If you leave this untreated, the infection could spread to your skin, so it is imperative that you get the toenail fungus treated on time. What causes toenail fungus? A number of factors cause toenail fungus, here are a few : Constant exposure to a damp and moist environment is the most common causal factor of toenail fungus. The type of fungus is usually a dermatophyte. If you already are suffering from athlete’s foot, then that can trigger toenail fungus as well. Weak blood circulation Sometimes, you can contract this infection from others. For example, by wearing the socks or shoes of a person who has toenail fungus can increase your chances of having it too. With old age, your blood circulation decreases, which can lead to toenail fungus. Excessive sweating Walking barefoot Contaminated public spaces such as swimming pools and gyms Psoriasis A weak immune system Wearing socks and tight shoes What are the symptoms of toenail fungus? The affected nail thickens. You might find it difficult to trim your nails. The thickness is caused due to the overgrowth of bacteria and fungi. Discoloration of the nail is one of the most common symptoms. The nail might turn white, yellow or brown. The nail turns brittle, crumbly and will break easily. The shape of your nail changes, it can get distorted and ragged. Owing to the buildup of debris under your nail, the nail bed becomes a dark color. Sometimes, the nail starts to emit a foul odor. Hyperkeratosis or scaling under the affected nail. Lateral onychomycosis refers to the white or yellow streaks that appear across your nails.

The best liquid diet plans are based on the idea that solid foods are eliminated from your diet and all your calorie intake comes from liquids. You can replace all your meals with fruit or vegetable juices, or you can choose to replace one or two meals of a day along with a few healthy snacks. The best liquid diet plans can be used for a variety of purposes from weight loss to being diets after certain surgeries. Liquid diet for weight loss There are many kinds of liquid diets that will help with weight loss. Consulting with a physician and educating yourself about these diets will go a long way in ensuring that you get the right plan for yourself. At its simplest, weight loss occurs when more calories are burnt than consumed. An average person requires 2000 calories a day. Most liquid diets provide a calorie count that is much lesser than that. Hence, once you put yourself on a liquid diet, you are bound to lose weight. Most liquid diets for weight loss will recommend consuming fruit juices. You can opt for juices that you make at home, or you can even buy juices outside. If you choose the latter, remember to choose juices that are low in sugar, or else it will be counterproductive to your weight loss objective. Other liquids you can choose to take are smoothies, soups, and vegetable juices. Remember to consult with your physician before embarking on the best liquid diet plans for weight loss. Cut up some pineapple, beets, cabbage, carrots, spinach, and orange. Dump it in a blender and blend until smooth. Keep any pulp in for its high fibrous content. This recipe is not just healthy; it is tasty too. Liquid diet for detoxification Everyone you know and their grandmothers are talking about going on a detox diet.

Ear infections are most prominent in individuals during the rainy season. High outdoor temperatures such as those exceeding 38 o C could induce ear infections. Children are more vulnerable as compared to adults getting an ear infection. Ear infection symptoms often come into effect in little time. Timely treatment must be considered in case of severe ear infections. Different ear infections have different treatment methods. Symptoms of Ear Infection Pain in the ear Feeling unwell Low energy levels Inaudibility Discharge from the ear Feeling of fullness inside the ear Flaky skin both, in and around the ear Children and babies can have some other symptoms when they have an ear infection. These include: Irritability Restlessness Difficult in maintaining balance Disinterested in eating Tendency to rub or pull ears Let’s run through some of the key differences between inner and outer ear infections. Inner Ear Infections: Children are more vulnerable towards getting an inner ear infection. Most common causes are flu and colds. These affect the ear canal or the tube that connects the eardrum to the outer ear. Outer Ear Infections: Adults are more vulnerable, particularly in the age group of 45 to 75 years. The underlying cause is often something that irritates the ear canal. This may include swimming or a skin disorder like eczema. Outer ear infections affect the eustachian tube. This is the tube that runs from behind the eardrum right up to behind the nose. Basic Do’s and Don’ts while Healing Ear Infection: In most cases, ear infections would heal by itself within 2-3 days, but this depends on the severity of the infection. In the meantime, there are certain things you could do to reduce the discomfort. Do’s If you need to go for painkillers, use paracetamol or ibuprofen. Children below six years should avoid using aspirin.

A cough is a reflexive maneuver of the body that is caused involuntarily, to send out any fluids or irritants (foreign particles) from the throat. When coughing, the body inhales and then forces an exhalation in quick succession, against the closed glottis . With the release of air and the glottis opening, the throat produces a sound that we know as coughing. Coughing is one of the most common medical complaints for which people consult a medical health practitioner. The purpose of this reflex action is to obstruct irritants or allergens, which enter the respiratory tract and expel them out. Your state of well-being and quality of life becomes affected if a dry cough becomes sub-acute or chronic. Dry Cough Allergies When your body is not producing mucus, and yet if coughing persists, it is known as a dry cough. This is mostly caused by the allergens present in your immediate environment, that can cause inflammation or irritation of the pharynx— the rear region of the throat. Allergies are the most common cause of a chronic cough in almost all medical cases, except for people who smoke. When allergy causing irritants are removed from your environment, and if your exposure to their presence is decreased, the dry cough can be relieved. This type of a cough has a characteristic sound that is intense and forceful and lasts for a few minutes to days. You are at risk of developing dry cough allergies if: You have a family/hereditary history of having allergies You have a sensitive skin You have periodic bouts of coughing that extend and go away with/without treatment Causes Dry cough allergies involve the release of a chemical called histamine , that is formed as a part of your body’s immune response to an allergen/irritant. The overall reaction of your body to any allergen consists of an itchy throat, coughing, sneezing and runny eyes.