Swollen ankles are very common and not a cause for too much worry. They are painful at times but do not pose any serious threat. The main reason for swollen ankles or feet would be pressure on the legs. So, walking or standing for a long time may typically lead to swelling of the ankles. In most of the cases, swollen feet and ankles get better on their own. They go away in a short time with enough rest to the legs. But sometimes the swelling may remain for a long time. It may cause severe symptoms and lead to serious complications. Here we discuss the various causes and the treatment options for swollen ankles. Causes There are many causes of swollen ankles. It may occur due to an injury or any underlying medical conditions. Doctors tend to place importance on understanding the cause of swollen ankles before delving into different swollen ankles treatment options. So, understanding some of the causes is important. Some of the common causes of swollen ankles are: Pregnancy – Swollen ankles are very common during pregnancy. It may occur due to the increased weight or increased pressure on the legs. But sometimes, it may be a sign of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that needs immediate medical attention. Hot weather – When the weather is hot, the veins expand and sometimes cause poor blood flow. The fluids start collecting in the feet and ankles. This results in swelling of the ankles. Injury – This is one of the main causes of swollen ankles. When there is an injury, the blood rushes to that area. The sudden rush of blood causes the ankles to swell. Edema – It is a condition where tissues in the body trap the excess fluid. This results in swelling of the tissues near the feet and ankles.

Hemorrhoids, or more commonly known as piles, are clusters of veins which lie just beneath the mucous membranes which line the lowest part of the rectum and the anus. This condition involves swelling and distension of those veins. Internal and external hemorrhoids are the two types of this condition. Internal ones occur in the lower rectum whereas the external ones develop under the skin around the anus. It is widely considered that external hemorrhoids are the ones which are the most painful and uncomfortable since the overlying skin erodes due to irritation. Moreover, if there is a blood clot on the inside of external hemorrhoid, then the pain can get much more severe. How can one recognize external hemorrhoids? Itchy or burning sensation around the anus A painful lump or swollen area near the anus Difficulty in sitting down Painful bowel movements Fecal incontinence There are different types of both homemade and surgical remedies available for curing external hemorrhoids. Some of the common ones have been explained in brief as follows: Witch hazel : Witch hazel is an astringent which causes tissues to shrink and reduce bruising. Along with this, it also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. To use it, one has to add a small amount of witch hazel to a cotton ball and then dab it on the affected area to get relief from the symptoms. However, if there are signs of irritation, then one should go for a more indirect method. It is advised to not add alcohol to witch hazel in an attempt to dilute it as it can cause further irritation. Coconut oil : Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer and can help with hemorrhoid symptoms like reducing irritation and swelling. Moreover, it can also reduce provide relief from the itchiness experienced. Aloe vera :

Ticks—the small-sized bloodsucking arthropods—are the leading carriers of various vector-borne diseases in humans. In most of the cases, the toxins, organisms, or secretions in the tick’s saliva that transmit through the tick bite cause such diseases. According to various medical studies, different types of tick-borne diseases can be found in the country. Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis, Lyme disease, Tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Colorado tick fever are some examples of common diseases caused by tick bites. However, you should not panic if you get a rash from tick bites. Timely and proper medical guidance is the secret to successfully dealing with such tick-borne illnesses. The ticks are so tiny in size that people sometimes do not even particularly realize when the ticks are biting until they get a rash from tick bites. There are certain cases when you may not get rashes but flu-like symptoms from the tick bites, which are also an indication of the disease. Signs and Symptoms of Tick-Borne Illnesses Flu-like symptoms such as chills, headaches, and achiness Numbness Fever Palpitations Weakness Paralysis Neck stiffness Joint pains, swelling in the body joints Rash (the type of the rash from tick bites can vary depending on the pathogen type transmitted by the tick) Vomiting Nausea Swollen lymph nodes Shortness of breath Medical guidance is needed if any of the following conditions exist. Ticks cannot be removed from the skin. Even after the removal, the mouth or the head of the tick is still stuck onto the skin. Exhibiting fever, lethargy, paralysis, headache, numbness, and rash from tick bites. Immuno-suppressed individuals should consult medical experts if they get tick bites. If a pregnant woman gets a tick a doctor should be consulted bite before taking any medication. Treatment for Tick-borne Illnesses Not all ticks carry the same pathogen. Hence, the treatment process and the medications obviously vary depending on the type of the pathogen transmitted by the tick while biting.

A hernia occurs when an internal part such as an organ or a fatty tissue pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. The common types of hernias are an inguinal hernia (inner groin), incisional hernia (resulting from an incision), femoral hernia (outer groin), umbilical hernia (belly button), and hiatal hernia (upper stomach). Even though they are most common in the abdomen, hernias may appear in the upper thigh, belly button, and groin regions. If the opening in the abdomen through which the umbilical cord passes does not seal properly after birth, infants may also suffer from this condition. This condition occurs in adults if there is repeated strain on the abdomen. Most of the hernias are not immediately life-threatening, but they require surgical correction to prevent potentially dangerous complications as they will not go away on their own. You can do some exercises at home and make some lifestyle changes to cure a hernia without surgery. Symptoms of a hernia The symptoms of a hernia include a prominent swelling under the skin of the abdomen or the groin which can disappear when you lie down. The pain might be tender or sore. You might experience the feeling of a heavy weight in the abdomen which might be accompanied by constipation or blood in the stool. You may feel abdominal discomfort while coughing, lifting weights or bending over. You may also experience heartburn, acid reflux, chest pain, and difficulty in swallowing. For some people, there may be no visible symptoms of a hernia. It will show up only during a routine medical exam or a physical exam for some other medical issue. Here are a few techniques that you can follow to cure a hernia without surgery: Change eating practices It is suggested to eat six small meals through the day — three main meals and three snacks in between.

Frequent urination is the problem in which a person feels the need to urinate more than the normal times. The need to pee rises suddenly, and one can feel like losing control of the bladder. You could feel discomfort suddenly realizing that your bladder is full. The problem is known as having an overactive bladder. As per the statements of the urologists (specialized doctors for dealing with problems with the urinary system), people who suffer from the problem of frequent urination go more than eight times for urination in a day. Ignoring the problem won’t do well. It would even embarrass you at the worst times. It is advised to diagnose the underlying causes and seek proper medication and treatment. Causes of frequent urination Urinary tract infection : The urinary tract infection is a big reason for frequent urination. When the bacteria enter the bladder through the urethra, it probably causes UTI. Women suffer more from UTI as compared to men. It is due to the small urethra. Bacteria travel faster to the urinary tract, and likely show the symptoms of UTI. On an average, one-third women suffer from UTI before 24 years of age. Some of the risks of UTI are: Inflammation and irritation of vagina Sexual intercourse results in introduction of bacteria into urinary tract Diabetes has severe impact on immune system Complications during pregnancy (changes in urinary system) Not fully emptying bladder can have serious effects on health Overactive bladder: Overactive bladder includes several symptoms which cause frequent urination. Overactive bladder is another reason for the problem. According to the study of American Urological Association 33 million Americans suffer from overactive bladder. Symptoms of UTI are: High urination frequency (about eight times in a day) Nocturia (having to go for urination at least two times or more in a night Sudden strike to urinate (causes leaks even) Reasons for overactive bladder Some of the common causes of overactive bladders are estrogen deficiency due to menopause, health injuries; too much body weight exerts high pressure on the bladder, stokes, sclerosis which affects tissues and nerves.

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.

Around 45% to 50% of people experience bladder infections also known as cystitis at least once in their life. It occurs when E. coli bacteria or Escherichia coli enters the urethra, urinary tract, ureters, or kidney and causes an infection. Consequently, inflammation takes place in the internal bladder lining. This infection is pretty common among women compared to men. There are effective options for bladder infections treatment. The following sections will provide a brief overview of the most effective and popular bladder infections treatment options. Leading causes of bladder infections The primary reason behind this condition is the entry of the bacteria into the urethra and bladder. The urethra is the organ responsible for taking out urine of your body through the vagina. When E. coli enters the bladder, it stays in the bladder lining and sometimes, moves into the kidneys to cause kidney infection. If you have frequent sexual intercourse, you may become vulnerable to a bladder infection. One increases their chance of suffering from bladder infections when they have sex with a new partner. Moreover, you can also get afflicted with bladder infection if you delay urination after intercourse. Other common causes include diabetes and unusual urinary system changes. How do you know if you have a bladder infection? The most common symptoms of a bladder infection are cloudy urine, an unwanted smell in the urine, lower abdomen discomforts, pain or a burning sensation while urinating, frequent urge to urinate, passing limited quantities of urine, and blood in the urine. If you have a kidney infection, you may show these symptoms and may also show signs such as back pain, groin pain, vomiting, and fever. Doctors will analyze the symptoms prior to diagnosing bladder infection and will perform a urinalysis before arriving at a conclusion. Urinalysis refers to a urine test that checks the availability of white blood cells in the urine.

Enlarged Prostate Remedies That is Worth a Try Do you experience difficulty while urinating? Do you need to go for urinating frequently or get a sense of incomplete urination? Well, then it is time to go for a prostate check-up. Shaped like a walnut, prostate covers the urethra and takes a significant role in urination process as well as male reproduction process. Though it has a small size at the time of birth, the size keeps on increasing with man’s age, till he reaches adulthood. However, in some men, the process continues in an irregular manner when they get enlarged prostate Known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, this disorder can affect anyone yet it is mostly found in men above 50 years of age. If you are also experiencing problems with your prostate size, checking out a few remedies mentioned below can be helpful. Though enlarged prostate is often considered to be a complex problem, it can be treated effectively with different medicinal drugs approved by the FDA. While some drugs help in checking the growth of the enlarged prostate by shrinking its size, others check the cell growth in the prostate. The drugs are prescribed depending on the symptoms of the patients. As per the records, FDA approved drugs seldom have any adverse effect on men’s health and are considered safe for use. However, consulting a doctor is necessary for proper treatment. Some of the commonly used enlarged prostate remedies and medications for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia are mentioned below. 5-Alpha-reductase inhibitors: This drug is one of the most popular enlarged prostate remedies as it works by reducing the dihydrotestosterone hormone in men, which is responsible for increasing the size of the prostate. As the hormone level come down, the size of prostate also starts to shrink. Yet, this does not provide any instant relief to the patient and may require almost three months for curing the difficulty during urination.

Bronchitis is an acute condition in the respiratory system and over millions of people across the world suffer from it. Every year, health practitioners note an alarming increase in the number of patients who visit chronic bronchitis treatment centers. Bronchitis can be of two types, acute and chronic. Chronic bronchitis is also said to be a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is a long-term disorder which can be managed efficiently with changes in lifestyle, medication, and therapy. The doctors at the chronic bronchitis treatment centers aim at providing relief to patients by treating the symptoms and slowing down the progression of the disease. Chronic bronchitis and its causes The bronchial tubes are the main lifeline of the lungs. These tubes carry air that is breathed into the lungs. Inthe case of a patient suffering from chronic bronchitis, the bronchial tubes get blocked or inflamed and develop secretions of mucus, that narrows the passage in the tubes. This disrupts the flow of air to the lungs. This shortage of air can lead to frequent coughing, which often brings up mucus. A patient is said to be suffering from chronic bronchitis if he or she has a cough several times a day with sputum production that has lasted for more than three months. The experts at leading chronic bronchitis treatment centers suggest that cigarette smoking as the main reason that causes chronic bronchitis in people. Other reasons may be the inhalation of bronchial irritants along with the air. This could include passive smoking, airborne chemicals, industrial pollutants, smog, and dust. Certain infrequent causes may be viral or bacterial infections, several bouts of acute bronchitis or pneumonia, diseases like heart failure, asthma, immunodeficiency and others. Signs of the disease Usually, people above the age of 45, are commonly found to suffer from chronic bronchitis.

Melanoma, or malignant melanoma, is a type of cancer that grows in the melanocytes and can develop anywhere on the skin. Although less common than other types of cancers, melanoma is the most dangerous condition because it can metastasize at a rapid pace and cause a serious illness, leading to death. Typically caused by overexposure to sunlight, the DNA in the skin cells get damaged and begin to grow out of proportion. The condition is widely diagnosed among a larger population of adults under the age of 40. Moreover, people with a lighter skin tone and females have a greater risk of suffering from melanoma. The condition also has a genetic link; people who have a family history of melanoma are likely at risk to be affected. When melanoma spreads to other parts of the body or is at an advanced stage, it is considered as metastatic melanoma. It may also popularly be referred to as stage IV melanoma. In metastatic melanoma, the disease often spreads to the lungs, liver, brain, skin tissues, and lymph nodes. Melanoma occurs on the surface of the skin and thus, it can be can be seen. However, in the early stages, there are no signs and can lead to late detection. In metastatic melanoma, patients are often the first to recognize and diagnose the condition. If one views a spot that changes in appearance over time, he/she must show it to the doctor without any further delay. It is better to take the necessary precautions than be sorry. The symptoms of metastatic melanoma will be noticeable when the disease begins to spread to different body parts. Usually, the first symptom that is seen includes the feeling of hardened lumps of flesh under the surface of the skin. The lymph and nodes appear to be swollen and one will experience pain.

When the normal functions of the large intestine (colon) are disturbed and one experiences crampy abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation or diarrhea, it is due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). When one has IBS, the pattern of bowel movements might change over time, that is, bowel movements may occur either more often (diarrhea) or less often (constipation) than usual, like having more than three bowel movements in a day or less than three in a week. Also, the feces may vary in size and consistency; it may be hard, pencil thin, or loose and watery. The exact cause of IBS is not yet known, but factors like bacterial infections, food allergies, and lifestyle patterns play an important role in the development of the condition. Here’s a list of food and snacks that can help one with IBS: Lactose-free dairy products : The natural sugar found in milk is known as lactose. People having IBS show signs of intolerance to lactose, so they should avoid milk and dairy products. The consumption of milk products can be replaced with foods that are lactose free like oat milk, soy milk, or rice milk, and normal cheese can be replaced with hard cheeses, and brie and camembert cheese. One should check for dairy products labeled as lactose-free products before consuming them. Vegetables : For a healthy and balanced diet, one should eat green vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli cause abnormal bowel movements and should be avoided. Instead, vegetables like green beans, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, and squash should be included in the diet. One should also consume cooked vegetables rather than having them raw as it might disturb the bowel movements. Fruits : The fructose present in fruits can also trigger IBS, so one should avoid fruits that are high in fructose and consume fruits or snacks that help with IBS like bananas, blueberries, grapefruit, oranges, and strawberries, which have low fructose.

Multiple myeloma is a cancerous condition that affects a form of white blood cell known as plasma. The plasma cells are instrumental in warding off infections. They do this by creating antibodies that identify and destroy any germs in the system. This cancer causes cancer cells to amass in the bone marrow where they outnumber the healthy blood cells. Instead of the disease-fighting antibodies, these cells then produce anomalous proteins that can further trigger complications. The treatment for multiple myeloma isn’t always needed for individuals who are asymptomatic. Although, the doctor will regularly keep an eye on the patient’s condition with the help of blood and urine tests. For patients experiencing signs and symptoms, here are the following treatment options for multiple myeloma. Treatment for multiple myeloma Biological therapy The medications used in biological therapy take the help of the patient’s immune system to deal with myeloma cells. They enhance the immune system cells that recognize and kill cancer cells. Typically, these are taken in the form of pills. Targeted therapy In this type of multiple myeloma treatment, the medicines concentrate on specific abnormalities within the rogue cells that enable their survival. These medications then inhibit the action of the element in those myeloma cells that breaks down the proteins, causing them to die. Such therapy can be administered intravenously or via oral medications. Another targeted therapy involves monoclonal medicines that bind on to the cancerous cells, leading to their death. Corticosteroids Corticosteroids are given to regulate the immune system so that the inflammation in the body can be brought under control. Additionally, they also actively work against myeloma cells. These medications can be taken in the form of pills or intravenously. Chemotherapy This method is used to target the rapidly-growing cancer cells. This treatment is given in the pill form or administered through the vein.