Sprains and strains facts Is it a Sprain or Strain? A sprain is abnormal stretching or tearing of a ligament that supports a joint. A strain is abnormal stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon. Sprains and strains may be caused by repetitive activities or by a single overuse injury. Pain, swelling, and bruising...
Iliotibial band (IT band) syndrome facts A. Hands are held on the waist, and the injured leg is crossed behind the good leg. B. The arm on the same side as the injured leg sweeps up and over as the hips are moved laterally toward the good side, allowing a lateral bend at the waist....
What is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation? TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) delivers current to sore muscles, reducing pain for many. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a therapy that provides short-term pain relief using low-voltage electric current. It is noninvasive, inexpensive and can even be self-administered. It is one of the most popular forms of...
What is a discography? A lumbar discography is an imaging test to identify damage to a spinal disc discs in the lower back causing pain or discomfort. A discography, or discogram, is an imaging test of the spine to determine which particular disc is causing a patient’s back pain. The doctor injects a dye into...
Iliotibial band (IT band) syndrome facts A. Hands are held on the waist, and the injured leg is crossed behind the good leg. B. The arm on the same side as the injured leg sweeps up and over as the hips are moved laterally toward the good side, allowing a lateral bend at the waist....
What is photodynamic therapy (PDT)? Readers Comments 50 Share Your Story Levulan stick (photosensitizer medication) Application of Levulan to the face Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a medical treatment that utilizes a photosensitizing molecule (frequently a drug that becomes activated by light exposure) and a light source to activate the administered drug. Very thin superficial skin...
What is yeast? What is a yeast infection? Both men and women can get a yeast infection in the vagina and penis. Yeast are microscopic fungi consisting of oval cells that reproduce by forming buds. There are many types of yeast. Some yeast types are important in baking and brewing (baker's yeast, brewer's yeast). Thus,...
Gestational diabetes facts Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Learn about tests and treatments for, and signs and symptoms of gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is diabetes that occurs in pregnant women. Risk factors for gestational diabetes include obesity, a history of gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy, a family history of type 2 diabetes, and...
Septic shock facts Share Your Story Septic shock is a potentially life-threatening condition. Septic shock describes a catastrophic situation where infection overwhelms the body's immune system and potentially causes organ failure and death. By definition, blood pressure is low, organs like the heart, lung, kidney, and liver fail to work properly, and medications are required...
What are yeast infections and diaper rash in infants, babies, toddlers, and children? Share Your Story A yeast diaper rash infection can be caused by many things. Yeast infections are infections by fungi (yeast) predominantly of the genus Candida, species albicans that may, depending on the health of an individual's immune system, cause superficial infections of mucocutaneous...