March 2022

Blepharoplasty is a correction surgery in the eyelid, and it is done for functional and cosmetic reasons. This procedure can be done on either eyelid. The eye is surrounded by delicate skin, losing its elasticity with time. This will weaken eye muscles and will make the eyes look saggy. This condition’s long-term result is that it affects proper vision. A blepharoplasty procedure will help you remove droopy eyelids to restore your youthful looks. Feel free to reach out to a post-blepharoplasty repair specialist to book your surgery.

Below we discuss the benefits of blepharoplasty.

1. Promotes Better Vision

Saggy eyelid is a cosmetic problem for some, but people with this condition in their genes have a worse droop. This drooping can become serious enough that it distracts your vision. Changes caused by drooping eyelids are hard to notice, meaning you should have frequent checkups.

2. Restores Your Youthful Appearance

Saggy eyelids are a sign of aging. The skin loses collagen with time, and this makes the eyelids droop. This condition might be serious for people exposed to drooping eyelids. Blepharoplasty is a good way to remove these drooping eyelids and restore your youthful looks.

3. Increases Confidence

Most people feel self-conscious due to their drooping eyelids. They always have discomfort that decreases their confidence. This also impacts your social life when ignored. It is advisable to use blepharoplasty to change your appearance and let you have more positive interactions

4. It Increases Your Social Interactions 

Your eyelids are to blame if someone ever tells you that you seem to be in a bad mood. A frown occurs when you narrow your eyes, limiting your interactions. When the skin over your eyelids sag, your eyes will look smaller and have the same effect. This surgery will reshape your face, and you will be shocked about its impact on your interactions. You will look friendlier, meaning people will initiate conversations with you. 

5. You Will Spend Less Time Looking At Yourself In the Mirror

Everybody deals with facial aging in their own way. Some people use tricks to make it unnoticeable. Makeup contouring is the technique used to conceal eyelid sagging. This means you spend minutes in front of your mirror trying to make the eyelids appear younger. Eyelid surgery will help you abandon that morning routine. Your eyebrows will be in your desired state, and you will not have to create them using an illusion.

 

6. It Entails Customizable Options

Aging is frustrating because it affects your appearance in many ways. Most people do this surgery for other reasons besides removing the saggy eyelids. It is advisable to combine this surgery with other treatments for the best results.

7. It Has Great Improvements

Patients must choose from all cosmetic surgeries available. This decision is easier when it comes to eyelid surgery. A surgeon will make small incisions that will not be visible on the eyelid.

Blepharoplasty is an eyelid surgery that restores the eye’s appearance. It is a common procedure, with cases rising annually. This surgery is efficient and has long-term results. Feel free to contact us for the best blepharoplasty services. We also offer guidance to help you during recovery.

There are many reasons to consider an ultrasound in Silver Spring, Maryland, but the first one that needs to be addressed is safety. There’s no risk of cancer or radiation exposure with an ultrasound, and it can even help identify problems before they cause any symptoms. The second reason for considering an ultrasound is the cost. Ultrasounds are often covered by insurance plans, which means you could save hundreds on co-pays if you need them done more than once a year. Here are the main reasons to find a Silver Spring ultrasound facility.

Viewing the Uterus and Ovaries

A doctor can review the uterus and ovaries during an ultrasound, a standard method for determining the most fertile days of the month. Also, ultrasounds can identify polycystic ovarian syndrome because these cysts are too small to feel. Identifying problems because it’s non-invasive, ultrasounds are often used as the first line of defense in identifying problems. 

Ultrasounds can identify uterine fibroids, cysts, masses, and potential deformities. This means ultrasounds could detect cancerous cells earlier than other tests, which is critical when dealing with this kind of growth since early diagnosis increases the treatment rate.

Examination of Other Organs or Structures Within Your Body

Another reason to consider an ultrasound is the chance to examine other organs or structures within your body. Ultrasounds can examine blood flow, inflammation, and even lumps and bumps on the skin. Sometimes ultrasounds are a critical component of diagnosing more severe conditions such as endocarditis or pancreatitis because they can show how these organs function.

Viewing the Fetal Heartbeat

Ultrasounds can detect the fetal heartbeat, which is critical if you’re pregnant or think you might be. Your baby will likely be monitored during pregnancy to ensure their heart is working correctly and at a safe rate for their growth. Pregnancy ultrasounds can also reveal the gender of your baby and help predict the delivery date. If you’re pregnant, ultrasounds can give you a better sense of what to expect as the pregnancy progresses.

Evaluating the Blood Flow

Ultrasounds can also be used to monitor the blood flow in your body and determine how it impacts specific functions. For example, ultrasounds could monitor blood circulation through your heart and lungs. It’s important because it can help doctors determine if you’re experiencing any blockages or irregularities with your heart valves. Ultrasounds can also show the amount of blood flow in your kidneys, an early indicator of potential kidney disease.

Examining Lumps in Breast Tissue

Another area where ultrasounds are commonly used is the breast. Ultrasound technology is often prescribed for women with lumps in their breast tissue because it can show whether or not the lump is cancerous. 

Moreover, ultrasounds are also sometimes used to measure the general hardness since this can help indicate how aggressive it might be and what type of treatment may be necessary. Ultrasounds can also detect tumors in the lymph nodes and lungs, making them a critical part of any cancer diagnosis.

Ultrasounds can be a critical component of diagnosing more severe conditions such as endocarditis or pancreatitis because they can show how these organs function. Ultrasounds can detect cancerous cells earlier than other tests, which is crucial when dealing with this kind of growth since early diagnosis increases the treatment rate.

Oxnard is a mid-sized city in California, situated around 50 miles from Los Angeles. Its population lies just below 200,000 inhabitants. It lies next to the Pacific Ocean, and its location has been a significant factor in its economic development. There is a substantial number of people in Oxnard with vascular disorders. An increasing problem is vascular disorders in Oxnard. It can affect anyone at any age. The causes of vascular disorders vary from person to person, but the most common cause is atherosclerosis. Individuals with vascular disease may be treated by several different methods depending on whether or not they show symptoms and which part of their body.

The following are some of the most common treatments for vascular disorders:

Anticoagulants

Antiplatelets are used to prevent blood clots that cause strokes and heart attacks. Antianginal drugs are used in treating congestive heart failure. Antihypertensives are given to control high blood pressure. Dialysis or renal dialysis is used when kidneys fail or can’t function properly. Anticoagulants will keep the blood flowing smoothly through your body. The medication you’re given will depend on the location of your vascular disorder. These may include warfarin, heparin, ticlopidine, or clopidogrel. This treatment is used for women with developing heart disease and men who have already had a heart attack or stroke caused by a blood clot.

Lifestyle Changes

A healthy and active lifestyle and a diet low in cholesterol can help limit the development of vascular disease. Smoking cessation, stress control, and weight loss are crucial components to maintaining a healthy lifestyle that will reduce your likelihood of getting vascular disorders. You should also be aware of symptoms such as chest pain, swelling, or leg aches. If you experience these symptoms, you must seek medical advice immediately. If you make healthy choices, you’ll experience many benefits, including having more energy to chase after your kids or get through your day. Several diets have been proven to promote heart health by reducing the risk for vascular disease. You must maintain a healthy body weight and lead an active lifestyle, which will help reduce the chances of developing cardiovascular disease.

Surgery

Surgical treatments are required for dealing with vascular disorders that doctors can’t treat with medication or lifestyle changes.

Angioplasty is an invasive procedure used to open up blocked blood vessels. An angioplasty is performed by inserting a thin tube into an artery in the groin. The end of this tube is then passed through the narrowed or blocked section, and a tiny inflatable balloon is used to open up the blockage and restore blood flow.

A stent may also be placed inside your vessel to strengthen it further and prevent future narrowing of your coronary arteries because of plaque buildup. The stent is a mesh tube that holds open the artery after being supplemented with angioplasty. Stents are used to keep the vessel open, so it doesn’t close up again immediately.

Atherectomy involves using a cutting device to remove atheroma, fatty deposits that build up on your arterial walls, which can cause blockages. A catheter passes through an artery in your leg to the site of the atheroma, and a wire is used to break up the plaque. The material can then be suctioned out of your artery.

Vascular disorders are more common in adults. Your lifestyle choices have a great deal of power in determining the overall health of your vascular system. If you’re over the age of 50, you should get screened every year for vascular disorders.

In a world where medical procedures are becoming less invasive, and doctors are trying their best to prioritize patient comfort, cardiac catheterization has been an exception since its inception. The process entails inserting a tube into a vein in the groin area and threading it up towards the heart, followed by inserting a second tube into the artery. X-rays are then taken to determine what is causing any possible heart problems, and various dye solutions are injected into the bloodstream to ascertain the functionality of the valves. Keeping all this in mind it has never been more critical for patients to consult with Tomball cardiac catheterization to determine whether this procedure is necessary.

Why Do You Need Cardiac Catheterization?

The primary purpose of cardiac catheterization is to determine what is causing any possible heart problems. Not all patients are advised to get this done. Still, if specific indicators suggest the need for it, then the patient must not hesitate before consulting a cardiac catheterization specialist. A few indicators may be chest pain when physical activity, a family history of cardiac problems, and vibrations.

In most cases, you may need it due to coronary angiography. A non-invasive technique generally used to diagnose possible heart problems. It also involves injecting dye directly into the coronary arteries to evaluate their functionality, as this shows any irregularity or abnormality that may be taking place.

Balloon angioplasty is another common reason why people go for cardiac catheterization. This entails the insertion of a balloon-tipped catheter into the artery, which is then used to clear out any blockage instances by expanding. Stenting may be performed in cases where the arteries are so clogged up that even this doesn’t help.

What to Expect During Cardiac Catheterization?

Installing a catheter is not an easy task, and it requires proper preparation and the right appliances to ensure that everything goes smoothly from start to finish. A cardiac catheterization nurse will first assess the patient’s medical history to evaluate whether allergies or sensitivities may arise during the process. 

Your doctor will swab the skin with alcohol to disinfect it and prevent any damage. Next, patients must wear a gown before the catheter is installed through their groin areas, which would involve some pain due to the needle. Once everything is done, a specialist would make sure that the catheter is positioned correctly before taking x-rays to determine any errors with positioning or procedures.

A cardiac nurse will also care for you after your cardiac catheterization. The catheter will be pulled out from your groin area, and the specialist will carefully analyze all the x-ray images. And once you’re done, a cardiac nurse will explain to you how your diagnosis goes and what the next course of action would be.

In summary, cardiac catheterization is necessary for everyone exhibiting possible symptoms of heart trouble. You may need it for balloon angioplasty or coronary angiography. A specialist will analyze your medical history to determine if you are a candidate. They also take care of you after the procedure.

Experiencing a single miscarriage can be upsetting, but experiencing several miscarriages can be traumatic and demoralizing. Luckily, experts at Noble Fertility Center use state-of-art technology to determine the underlying cause of your New York recurrent miscarriage and create a personalized care plan to help you achieve your family goals. Recurrent miscarriages should not make you give up on having your bundle of joy when there are experts who can help you.

Can you have a healthy pregnancy after several miscarriages?

If you have had three or more miscarriages consecutively, your condition is known as recurrent miscarriages. Most of the women who have experienced recurrent miscarriages have a chance of delivering their baby the next time they conceive. This is possible even without a diagnosis of the root cause of the recurrent miscarriages.

What causes recurrent miscarriage?

Several factors may contribute to recurrent miscarriages, and in some cases, your doctor may not be able to identify the root cause. Your recurrent miscarriages may be due to genetic issues, cervix or uterus problems, and a blood clotting disorder. Dr. Chang may conduct thorough tests to rule out the following medical conditions.

• Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)

Antiphospholipid syndrome refers to a disorder that develops when your immune system erroneously produces antibodies that increase the clotting ability of your blood. Abnormal clotting can cause pregnancy complications that may eventually cause a miscarriage. Dr. Chang diagnoses APS by measuring your antiphospholipid levels. In most recurrent miscarriages, it is always about 15-20%.

• Genetic problems

You and your partner may possess a genetic trait that may not be a medical issue until your infant inherits it. Medical experts claim that chromosomal problems cause 2-5% of recurrent miscarriages.

• Advancing age

The chances of experiencing a miscarriage increase with age. After turning 35 years old, the quality and quantity of your eggs start declining. The age of the paternal parent is also a vital factor to consider. These factors can affect the fertilization process leading to a chromosomal abnormality. This increases the chances of recurrent miscarriages.

• Thrombophilia

Thrombophilia has a higher likelihood of increasing the risk of blood clotting as compared to APS.

•  Uterine or cervical problems

Weakness in your cervix or uterine abnormality may also increase your risk of recurrent miscarriages.

• Polycystic ovaries and hormone imbalance

Polycystic ovary symptom is a reproduction disorder that causes hormonal imbalance due to excessive androgens. Hormonal imbalance can interfere with pregnancy causing recurrent miscarriages.

How can your doctor detect the underlying cause of recurrent miscarriages?

During your appointment at Noble Fertility Center, Dr. Chang may conduct an ultrasound, chromosomal analysis, and order blood work to determine the root cause of your miscarriages. The team at the facility uses cutting-edge diagnostic tools to provide accurate diagnoses. After selecting the cause of your miscarriages, they may educate you on the available treatment options and recommend the most effective.

If you are experiencing recurrent miscarriages, do not hesitate to contact the Noble Fertility Center office or schedule an online appointment for consultation and diagnosis.

Psychiatry is a field in medicine that involves the study, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions. Mental health conditions are very common and have affected many people worldwide. The facility for psychiatry in Glendale, AZ, offers treatments that help manage your mental health condition. Finding a solution for your mental disorders can help improve your overall health. We will look at things you need to know about psychiatry.

What is psychiatry?

Psychiatry focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing behavioral, emotional, and mental disorders. A psychiatrist is a doctor who specializes in mental health conditions. People seek psychiatric help for some reasons like thoughts of suicide, panic attacks, hallucinations, hearing voices, anxiousness, or feelings of sadness.

Diagnosing

Mental suffering is not similar to other forms of illness. When the body gets sick, it affects the body. But when your mind is sick, it affects every part that makes you whole. Mental illness comes with negative feelings that dig deep into your sense of fear, helplessness, and loneliness. Psychiatrists need to do some tests to find a solution for these conditions.

Psychiatrists perform full psychological and laboratory tests after discussing the patient’s physical and mental state. They understand the relationship between medical and emotional illness and relationships with genetics, which helps them diagnose and come up with treatment plans for their patients.

Treatments used by psychiatrists

They use various treatments, such as psychotherapy, psychosocial treatments, and medications. Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, involves a talking relationship between the patient and the therapist. It treats a wide variety of mental and emotional disorders. Its main goal is to control and eliminate the extent of the problem. You will need a few sessions within two weeks. Psychotherapy can be done as a couple, family, or individually.

Many medications are used the same way to treat conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. After completing exams, your psychiatrist will prescribe some medications that specifically treat mental disorders. If you are on long-term medication, you will have to periodically meet with your psychiatrist to monitor your progress and note if there is a need to change your medication if the previous one is ineffective.

Mental disorders that require psychiatric care

Depression

Depression is one of the very common conditions that cause disability worldwide. It is caused by sadness, loss of interest, guilt, or poor concentration. Depression can be long-lasting, affecting your ability to function well and cope with daily life.

Dementia

Dementia causes deterioration in the ability to process thoughts. It affects thinking, learning capacity, memory, and judgment. It is caused by various diseases and injuries affecting the brain, like stroke.

Bipolar disorder

This disorder consists of depressive and manic episodes. Manic episodes involve rapid speech, decreased need for sleep, and over-activity. If you have panic attacks and don’t experience depressive episodes, you are said to have bipolar disorder.

Your mental health is as important as your overall health. If you feel like you have a mental problem, make sure you see a psychiatrist to avoid suicidal thoughts. At the 2nd chance treatment center, we offer the best psychiatry care to our patients to help them manage both mental and emotional health. Contact us today and book an appointment.

Sweating is normal and good for your overall well-being. However,  sweating excessively should not be taken normally. Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating mainly due to an overactive sweat gland. The Plainview hyperhidrosis specialists evaluate and assess the situation to find a treatment option for the condition. The exact cause of excessive sweating is not known but mainly occurs due to stress. But certain common factors can also contribute to the condition, and understanding them is a step towards finding the right way to manage your condition. You might be sweating excessively due to the following reasons.

Medication Effect

Some medicines and drugs can cause excessive sweating. Therefore, it is crucial to speak about your medications during your initial consultation, especially if you are under treatment for a psychiatric condition or blood pressure. Your provider might prescribe another alternative medicine with less sweating effect.

Injury or Infection

Hyperhidrosis can result from certain infections or injuries. Abscess, bone infection, HIV, and tuberculosis are some of the infections commonly known to cause excessive sweating. Some cancer types like malignant and lymphoma tumors can also trigger excessive sweating. Also, you could sweat excessively if you experience spinal cord injuries.

Heart Attack

Excessive sweating is one of the main factors that prompt the need to seek medical attention for a heart attack. When you suddenly experience excessive sweating, you might be experiencing a heart attack, and you should seek immediate help. A heart attack will occur when the blood supply nourishing your heart is cut off and may also cause a flight response to your nervous system, which could cause hot flashes or excessive sweating.

Obesity

If you are obese or generally have a BMI of over 30, it could be leading to your condition. Obesity could cause you to sweat due to several reasons. Remember that you have to physically exert yourself when performing even simple daily tasks, probably overheating you. Also, your surface area is low in weight when you are obese, instigating your body to overwork to cool itself down. It will result in more sweating.

Diabetes

You could sweat more if you have diabetes. Remember that diabetes affects how the body utilizes blood glucose or sugar, resulting in low levels. Low blood sugar levels might prompt a flight response in your nervous system, which triggers the release of certain hormones, including adrenaline responsible for excessive sweating. Additionally, enduring prolonged low blood sugars can cause nerve damage, including those that control the sweat glands.

Hyperthyroidism

This is a condition where your body produces more hormone thyroxine responsible for regulating your heart rate, body temperature, and metabolism. Interrupting the normal levels of hormones in your body can result in excessive sweating. If this condition is causing your excessive sweating, you will probably experience other symptoms like fatigue, sudden weight loss, heart palpitations, heat intolerance, menstrual changes, or tremors.

Menopause

Women in menopause have greater chances of developing hyperhidrosis than young women. One of the common side effects of menopause is hot flashes which cause excessive sweating. But this can also occur during the perimenopause phase. The hormonal fluctuations during menopause cause warm feelings, which results in sweating.

Everyone sweats, but excessive sweating means something is not right somewhere. You can contact the MDCS: Dermatology Medical Cosmetic & Surgical Specialists today for help. Your dermatologist will evaluate your sweating to help you understand why it is occurring. It becomes easier to treat the condition with understanding the underlying cause. Book your appointment online for directions.

Gastrointestinal surgery is one of the most common procedures for humans. Many gastrointestinal surgeries are performed on different digestive tract areas, including the lips, esophagus, stomach, small intestines, large intestines, rectum, and anus. Digestive system disorders that can be corrected by gastrointestinal surgery include cancer, blockage or obstruction of the intestine, gallstones, and ulcers. Anesthesia is typically used during gastrointestinal surgeries. If you have a condition that requires gastrointestinal surgery, you need to ensure that you get it done by a doctor specializing in gastrointestinal surgery in Sebring. Here are some conditions you can get relief from with gastrointestinal surgery.

Stomach Ulcers

Stomach ulcers are the most common reason for gastrointestinal surgery. These ulcers can occur anywhere in the stomach, but they are most commonly found at the junction of the stomach and small intestine (duodenum) or the pyloric sphincter. A doctor may use an endoscope to find out whether there is any damage to the stomach lining. Other tests include a breath test, x-rays, electrocardiogram, and blood tests. The doctor will recommend the proper treatment depending on the severity of the ulcer.

Stomach Cancer

Cancers of the stomach are classified as adenocarcinomas, lymphomas, and sarcomas. They originate from the cells that secrete hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes. The early stages of these cancers do not have any symptoms. If a doctor suspects cancer, they will recommend tests such as computed tomography (CT), barium swallow, ultrasound, and endoscopy. If cancer is detected, the doctor will suggest surgery to remove part or all of the stomach.

Hernias

Hernias are caused by the protrusion of contents from a weak spot in the abdomen wall. These bulges can occur anywhere, but they’re most common in areas where ligaments and tissues supporting internal organs (such as bowels and blood vessels) weaken. Surgery is required to repair the hernia and prevent a recurrence.

GI Cancers

A doctor will recommend surgery to treat GI cancers depending on the location, severity of symptoms, and type. The abdominal cavity is opened up during the surgery. If cancer has spread to other parts of the body, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may also be required after the surgery.

Polyps

Polyps are non-cancerous growths that grow on the lining of the intestines. They are rounded and bumpy and can get infected or turn cancerous if not removed during surgery. The doctor may recommend a biopsy to determine the cause of polyps. Some polyps require removal, while others do not need any treatment.

GI Tract Blockages

A blockage in the intestines can cause serious problems, which is why it’s crucial to get treated right away. A doctor will recommend a treatment plan depending on the type and severity of the blockage. For example, if a patient has swallowed something blocking the intestines, they may need an endoscopy for foreign objects or surgery to remove intestinal obstructions.

In summary, gastrointestinal surgery is a surgery that targets the gastrointestinal system. It can help treat various conditions, including stomach ulcers, stomach cancer, polyps, and other GI cancers. It can also help patients with hernias or blockages in the digestive system. If you need gastrointestinal surgery, make sure you have it done by a specialist to avoid complications.

Sports trauma or teeth grinding contribute significantly to injuries in the cheeks, tongue, and gums. There are various reasons why your dentist may recommend Midtown mouth guards, including night protection from bruxism. However, choosing the right mouth guard can be challenging, especially if you do not know what to look for. Working with your dentist can help you have the ideal device that will suit your unique needs.  

What to consider when selecting a mouth guard

Thanks to their small size, mouth guards can be confusing. You start thinking of the kind that might best suit your unique needs, depending on the size and the specifications. For instance, your healthcare provider might suggest a device that suits your sports or for general purposes. Choosing the right mouth guard entails:

• Select the right fit

Mouth guards come in three types:

• Mouth-adapted mouth guards

Mouth-adapted devices adapt to your mouth’s features. Also referred to as boil-and-bite mouth guards, you will need to immerse the mouth guard in hot water to soften its inner layers before biting on it to create the shape. Thus, they give you the chance to tailor your mouth guard to your perfect fit. Thanks to their adaptability, healthcare providers mostly recommend them to athletes.  

• Ready-made

Also referred to as instant fit mouth guards, the devices do not need adjustments to fit. Thus, you take the guard out of the box and wear them without alterations. Though these types are easy to wear and remove, they can be bulky and less secure.    

• Custom-fit mouth guards

Unlike the other devices, you might need to contact your dentist for fitting. The medical expert will mold the mouth guard to your teeth for an exact fit. 

• Choose a mouth guard that will give you protection and comfort

Do not opt for a device that prompts you to choose between comfort and safety. While assessing the right fit, you might ask yourself questions like:

• Will I breathe and talk comfortably? If the device prevents you from sustaining a conversation or makes it challenging for you to breathe, then it is not your size.
• Does it fit securely? You do not need to bite your teeth to keep a fitting mouth guard in place. Additionally, you should not find it easy to loosen the device with your tongue.
• To what extent does the mouth protection cover? A good mouth guard should protect all your teeth, excluding your back molars. Though the device should cover parts of your gum, it should not overwhelm your jaws or extend far into your mouth as it might result in gagging.

• Ensure the mouth guard has features fitting your sport

Besides the color, size, and type, you should also consider your sport and how you play the game. For instance, a boxer might need a mouth guard with a higher level of protection than a field hockey player. Your healthcare provider might recommend a convertible mouth guard if your sport entails wearing additional gears like a helmet or a brace-compatible mouth guard if you have braces to protect the braces and your teeth.

Contact your dentist for more inquiries about mouth guards. 

Chronic pain can be debilitating, making it challenging to go about your day-to-day life. If medication and other treatments haven’t been successful in reducing your pain, an interventional pain specialist in Eugene, OR, may be able to help. This doctor has specialized training in diagnosing and treating chronic pain with various techniques, including injections and nerve blocks. Here are indicators that you need help from an interventional pain specialist in Eugene, OR.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting millions of people in the U.S. It is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain and loss of joint function. Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects the hands, knees, hips, and spine. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion.

There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but many treatments can help relieve symptoms. These treatments include medications, physical therapy, and surgery. If you are experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Bursitis

Bursitis is inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints. When bursae develop tiny tears or become clogged with inflammatory cells, it can cause pain and stiffness in the affected joint. 

The most common type of bursitis is known as “heel pain” (also called plantar fasciitis.) This painful condition causes inflammation at the bottom of the foot, where a pad of fat and connective tissue known as the plantar fascia supports your arch. Other types of bursitis include knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, and wrist bursitis.

Treatments to reduce swelling and pain from bursitis include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy. If these treatments don’t help relieve your pain, see your doctor for further diagnosis.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common causes of lower back pain. Over time, normal wear and tear on the spinal discs can lead to deterioration and possible damage to a spinal disc. When a spinal disc bulges or ruptures, it places pressure on nearby nerves. 

If you have degenerative disc disease caused by arthritis, you may experience pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. Other symptoms include muscle spasms, cramps, and damage to the nerves that travel out of your spine.

Facet Joint Syndrome

Facet joints are located in the spine where the vertebrae meet. They help maintain the stability of the spinal column and allow us to move. When facet joints become inflamed, they can cause radiating pain, stiffness, or tenderness in your upper or lower back. The condition is known as facet joint syndrome.

If you have chronic lower back pain that isn’t relieved by rest or medications, see your doctor to diagnose facet joint syndrome.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a condition that happens when spinal discs start to collapse, and the spine becomes narrow. If the spinal canal gets too little, it can pressure nerves traveling out of your spine. Over time, this pressure can cause pain, numbness, weakness in your legs or arms, and difficulty with bladder control.

If you seek relief from chronic pain that is not alleviated by traditional treatments, an interventional pain specialist may help. These doctors have specialized training in diagnosing and treating chronic pain with various techniques, including injections and nerve blocks. An interventional pain specialist should be your target if you have medical concerns such as osteoarthritis, bursitis, and spinal stenosis.