What is a metatarsophalangeal arthrocentesis? Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) of the metatarsophalangeal joint (in the foot) extracts synovial fluid to help diagnose arthritis. Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) of the metatarsophalangeal joint (in the foot) is a diagnostic procedure involving the extraction and analysis of the synovial fluid in the joints. A relatively quick procedure, it is an...
What is osteoporosis? The best exercises for osteoporosis include those in high-impact exercise, low-impact exercise, strength training, and water-based exercises. Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens your bones. It results from slowed bone growth and faster bone loss. As you age, you grow new bone tissue at a slower rate. Women’s bones break down at...
What is a knee injury? Knee injuries can happen at any age. The most common types of knee injuries are stress fractures, dislocation, ACL injury, meniscal tearing, and tendonitis. The knee is the largest and one of the most complex joints in the body. Whether you’re moving or sitting throughout the day, your knees can...
What is osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis (OA), or degenerative joint disease, has four stages. The higher the grade indicates more severe signs of OA and the need for surgery. Osteoarthritis (OA), also called "wear and tear" arthritis or degenerative joint disease, is a common joint disease affecting over 32.5 million US adults. The joints affected with OA...
What is Sever’s condition? Picture of the metatarsal (foot) and calcaneus (heel) bones, the plantar fascia ligament, and the Achilles tendon of the lower leg and foot Sever's condition is an inflammation of the growth plate of the bone at the back of the heel (apophysitis of the calcaneus). The inflammation of Sever's condition is...
Facts you should know about spondylolisthesis Lower back pain is the most common symptom of spondylolisthesis. Spondylolisthesis is a forward or backward slippage of one vertebra on an adjacent vertebra. Causes of spondylolisthesis include trauma, degenerative, tumor, and birth defects. Symptoms of spondylolisthesis include lower back or leg pain, hamstring tightness, and numbness and tingling...
Rheumatic fever (acute rheumatic fever or ARF) facts Rheumatic fever is an autoimmune disease that sometimes occurs after strep throat. Rheumatic fever is an autoimmune disease that may develop after a strep throat infection, especially in children ages 5-15, although older teens and adults may develop the disease. The revised Jones criteria help physicians make...
Facts you should know about relapsing polychondritis Redness and swelling of the ears is a common sign of relapsing polychondritis. Relapsing polychondritis is an uncommon, chronic disorder of the cartilage. Relapsing polychondritis is characterized by recurrent episodes of painful inflammation. Relapsing polychondritis can involve all types of cartilage. Typical cartilage tissues affected include the ears,...
Source: MedicineNet Raynaud's phenomenon facts Raynaud's phenomenon is a type of vascular disease characterized by a pale to blue to red sequence of color changes of the digits, most commonly after exposure to cold. Raynaud's phenomenon occurs because of spasm of blood vessels. The cause of Raynaud's phenomenon is unknown, although abnormal nerve control of blood-vessel...
What are steroids? Readers Comments 5 Share Your Story A syringe and an assortment of steroid pills; photo by iStock Steroids (short for corticosteroids) are synthetic drugs that closely resemble cortisol, a hormone that your body produces naturally. Steroids work by decreasing inflammation and reducing the activity of the immune system. They are used to...