Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis, results from degeneration of the cartilage which cushions your bones. When arthritis affects your hands, you may experience pain, stiffness and limited mobility in your fingers. Hand exercises...
If you have problems with mobility, you don't have to opt for a standard wheelchair if it doesn't fit with your lifestyle. Wheelchair alternatives can offer assistance with benefits you may not find in a standard chair. Depending on your...
The use of walking aids such as crutches, canes and walkers can help keep an injured or elderly person on her feet without the help of another person. Knowing how to use your walking aid and having the proper fit can help prevent falls, the...
A bunion is a deformity of the foot that occurs at the point where your big toe connects to your foot. A bump forms around the joint, which can become painful and impedes mobility. A bunionectomy is the term used to describe surgery that excises...
Walking sticks, also known as trekking poles, provide a number of benefits to people who use them for assistance. Benefits include reduced stress on legs and knees, a better overall workout and preventing the blood from pooling in the hands...
Crutches are mobility aids that, if properly fitted, can help you get around while recovering from an injury. According to the National Institutes of Health, if your crutches are improperly fitted, they will be uncomfortable and preclude you from...
Living with osteoporosis means that the possibility of breaking a bone is with you at all times. Seniors especially are threatened, because a fracture can lead to further skeletal weakening and other health complications. Making simple lifestyle...
There are a lot of reasons for deciding to switch birth-control pills. Mood swings, cramping, weight gain, changes in your menstrual cycle and monthly cost are all reasons you might find yourself considering a switch. But all birth-control pills...
No matter how many songs and commercials spout the living forever and remaining young theme, aging is an inevitable part of life. While it is possible to embrace the changes and age with grace, there are some health issues that can arise that come...
Backpacking is a fun and invigorating sport that allows you to get out and see nature and exercise at the same time. Backpacking can bring out the adventurous spirit in anyone. At the end of the day when it's time to set up camp while...
There are lots of advantages to using an automatic blood pressure monitor instead of a manual one. You need to pump up a manual monitor yourself, which can be difficult for people with arthritis or limited hand strength and dexterity. Automatic...
Using diabetic testing supplies is a fairly easy process once you are familiar with the necessary supplies. You will need a lancing device and corresponding lancets. The lancing devices pricks your finger with the lancet inserted into its tip to...
Naprosyn is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID. Doctors prescribe it to relieve pain and swelling that accompany chronic conditions like bursitis, arthritis and gout attacks. You can also find it in over the counter medications such...
Hearing and vision loss, chronic disease and limited mobility are challenges frequently associated with aging. Thanks to technology, many products are available to help compensate for physical limitations, perform tasks and manage activities of...
For people who are born blind, living without sight is a normal part of their life. But for people who have to learn to cope with going blind later in life, it's a huge adjustment. In addition to dealing with not being able to see flowers, a...
Physical therapy rehabilitation centers serve patients recovering from surgery or traumatic injury. The therapists often work with children and adults with degenerative disease or birth defects. The facilities are equipped with the tools needed to...
Although they appear solid, bone is a growing, living tissue that constantly breaks down or remodeled. Bones consist primarily of collagen and calcium phosphate. When this process goes awry due to a disease or disorder, fractures and abnormal...
Four-footed canes, also known as quad canes, offer four points of contact with the ground instead of one. Designed for those who have trouble with walking, balance and strength, the four-footed cane is similar to a traditional cane, but the base...
Road running presents different challenges than other types of running. Running on a track is easier because the path is in front of you; running on the road means watching out for traffic and potholes while still trying to maintain your running...
Good gynecological health is important for women of all ages. Your gynecological health affects your sex drive, reproduction chances and your overall well-being. Regular checkups with the gynecologist, good hygiene and a healthy lifestyle can...
An electric scooter is a new and innovative piece of home healthcare equipment that helps people with limited mobility lead active lives. Electric scooters are small enough to use around the house and in public places like malls and grocery...
Canes and walkers, also known as mobility aids, are not merely devices for the infirm. They also offer support for people with temporary or permanent injuries of the torso or legs, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons....
Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that disrupts your ability to control your body movements. People with Parkinson's can develop uncontrollable tremors, unusual movement slowness, torso and limb stiffness or posture problems. Physical...
Doctors prescribe Suboxone to treat narcotic and opioid drug dependence. It also helps treat dependency on prescription medications like morphine and methadone and illegal drugs like heroin. Suboxone works by preventing the withdrawal symptoms...
Running is a great way to stay in shape and work your upper and lower body at the same time. Running is a sport that just about anyone can do, but it's important to know your body's weak spots and take precautions to avoid injuries. Ankles, knees...
Foot neuropathy is a fairly common problem faced by diabetics. Neuropathy causes tingling, numbness and eventual loss of feeling in fingers and toes. Diabetics with foot neuropathy lose sensation in their toes and the soles of their feet. This...
Oral contraceptives are one of the most reliable and well-known forms of birth control. Most oral contraceptives have a reliability rate of 97 percent, and you only need to take one pill a day, making them convenient and easy to use. In recent...
No matter what your exercise routine, stretching your legs is an important part of pre-exercise warmup. Good leg stretches are important whether you're running, biking, or playing a sport like basketball or tennis. Even if you're just doing...
Positioning your stationary bike in the right place will help ensure an effective and uninterrupted workout. Keep your stationary bike in a room large enough that you can ride unhindered. When you're using a stationary bike, your legs and arms...
