Bursitis is characterized by inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that help to cushion the joints. When this sac, know as bursa, becomes inflamed, movement becomes painful and you may also experience stiffness in the affected joint. Bursitis is...
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are inflamed and enlarged veins in your anus and lower rectum. If you notice bleeding during bowel movements, or itching, pain and swelling around your anus, you may have hemorrhoids. Obesity, a sedentary...
An enlarged prostate isn't deadly, but it won't make your life too comfortable either. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a noncancerous condition in which the prostate enlarges and squeezes against the urethra. Urination is labored, painful...
Located in the foveal region of the retina, the macula is an important part of the visual system, responsible for clear central vision. A damaged macula means distorted vision when looking at objects straight ahead. Macular edema, one type of...
The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland synthesizes and releases growth hormone. This peptide plays an important role in development and reproduction. Several medical conditions feature low levels of growth hormone. Children with disorders such...
Packing on a few extra pounds is not uncommon. A lack of exercise and a poor diet will cause anyone to put on some weight. But, generally weight gain is fairly slow, taking place over a period of months and years, as opposed to days and weeks. If...
Ankle swelling and pain is often the result of an injury to the blood vessels, cartilage and tendons of the leg. Underlying medical conditions such as arthritis are usually associated with pain and swelling of the joints in the lower extremities....
Acromioclavicular osteolysis is a prevalent condition among heavy laborers and power weightlifters. Although the large majority of reported cases occur in men, more women are suffering from this condition if they participate in heavy physical work...
Antioxidants are the body's defense system against free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules in the body that, once formed, produce a chain reaction that causes damage on the cellular level. This cellular damage can manifest as...
Ayurvedic herbs are ancient Indian herbal remedies that are now being clinically tested to verify their effectiveness for various ailments. Before starting any herbal program, check with your doctor or health care provider to see how Ayurvedic...
Among the long annals of folk remedies, the bilberry fruit makes for an interesting story. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), World War II British pilots ate bilberry preserves to increase their night vision. Although...
Vitamin B-12 is an important vitamin essential for teen health. Teens may face health and nutrition obstacles as they transition from childhood to adulthood. A teen can easily deplete his body of important nutrients and vitamins through sports and...
Joint pain is generally caused by injury, infection, illness or allergy in the immune system. Arthritis is a painful, chronic joint condition that can result in stiffness, bone spurs and degeneration of joint cartilage. Papain and bromelain are...
Edema is the medical word for abnormal retention of fluid. This is different from the water weight gain that many women experience when they are premenstrual, as it more extreme and doesn't easily go away. While turmeric may be useful in treating...
Myocarditis is an infection of the heart muscle and can be caused by a number of viral and parasitic infections such as polio, rubella and certain strains of influenza. The symptoms of myocardia can resemble a normal case of the flu in its early...
Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter pain reliever that is useful for the treatment of minor aches and pains. It is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent. According to Drugs.com, fluid retention has been observed in some patients taking...
Cobalt is a nonradioactive metal found in nature from which radioactive isotopes can be produced by linear accelerators (for medical and commercial uses) and nuclear reactors (as a waste by-product). Cobalt-60 is the most common isotope and is...
Sicilian folk remedies can fit into two main categories: verbal incantations and use of plants, including herbs and vegetables. In the first category, healers perform traditional rituals to cure problems from wounds to worms. As for edible...
Some dietary supplements may be helpful in supporting your joints before, during and after power lifting sessions. According to MedlinePlus, numerous factors may cause joint pain, including trauma, overuse and certain medical conditions. If you...
Lexapro, or escitalopram, is a drug classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI. It is an antidepressant medication used to treat brain chemical imbalances that result in depression and anxiety. Herbs that are contraindicated...
Several diseases can affect the tendons. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, or AAFP, an accurate diagnosis of a tendon-related problem requires a health care provider to assess the cause of the patient's pain or...
The burdock is part of the biennial thistles, in the daisy family. This means it blooms and flowers every two years. This plant can grow up to twenty-eight inches and grows prickly heads that eventually disperse seeds. They can be eaten as a root...
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the uterus and can cause symptoms such as pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, anemia, weakness and painful sexual intercourse. The exact cause is unknown, but genetics, too much of the hormone...
Acne -- indicated by pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and cysts -- is a result of skin pores becoming clogged with dead skin cells, inflammation-causing bacteria and excess sebum, or skin oil. Your doctor may treat your acne with oral antibiotics...
Uric acid is a chemical produced when your body metabolizes foods containing purines like organ meats, beans and alcohol. As your body breaks down purines with the help of an enzyme called xanthine oxidase, or XO, it creates uric acid, which is...
Although there are not many scientific studies supporting the efficacy of herbs, practitioners and patients alike have experienced relief from pain and swelling associated with gout while using medicinal herbs. Certain herbs have anti-inflammatory...
Raw honey is unfiltered and unheated, which helps it maintain its full nutritional spectrum. It begins as flower nectar collected by bees. Before the bees place the nectar in their hive, it mixes with the bees' saliva and transforms into honey....
Hemorrhoids are swollen, painful blood vessels in the rectum and anus. The hemorrhoids may stay inside the rectum or begin to protrude. External hemorrhoids may cause symptoms such as itching, bleeding and pain. Common causes of hemorrhoids...
Bone bruising was a phenomenon that was not observed prior to magnetic resonance imaging, according to the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery & Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. Bone marrow edema and bone bruising appear the same on...