Rheumatoid arthritis vs. arthritis: What’s the difference? Arthritis is a general term for joint inflammation, and rheumatoid arthritis is a specific autoimmune disorder that starts in the joints. Arthritis is a general term used to describe joint disease. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of arthritis in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing chronic inflammation. Rheumatoid...
Thyroiditis: Facts About Symptoms of This Condition
Thyroiditis facts *Thyroiditis facts medically edited by: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Thyroiditis is inflammation or swelling of the thyroid gland. There are several types off thyroiditis; Hashimoto’s, postpartum, silent or painless and subacute. Symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may include fatigue, depression, cold intolerance, weight gain, dry skin and hair, muscle cramps, constipation, decreased concentration and sleepiness, leg swelling, puffy...
Radon: Learn About Mitigation and Testing
The Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family From Radon Are You Exposed to Radon in Your Home or Workplace? Exposure to Radon Causes Lung Cancer In Non-smokers and Smokers Alike Lung cancer kills thousands of Americans every year. Smoking, radon, and secondhand smoke are the leading causes of lung cancer. Although lung cancer can be treated, the survival rate...
Penis Pump: Get the Facts on Vacuum Constriction Devices
A vacuum constriction device (VCD) is an external pump with a band on it that a man with erectile dysfunction can use to get and maintain an erection. The VCD consists of an acrylic cylinder with a pump that may be attached directly to the end of the penis. A constriction ring or band is placed on the cylinder at...
Purpose of Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) Surgery
A BBL can lift your butt and make it appear more shapely For many women, a pert, round, gravity-defying butt is a must-have on their wish lists. A toned butt adds to your curves and makes the money spent on those jeans worthwhile. But what if your genes, diet or lifestyle mean that a sculpted booty is out or reach?...
Thyroid Disorders: Types, Symptoms, Treatment, Causes & Curable
What are thyroid disorders? Readers Comments 39 Share Your Story Picture of Thyroid Gland Thyroid disorders are conditions that affect the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. The thyroid has important roles to regulate numerous metabolic processes throughout the body. Different types of thyroid disorders affect either its structure or function. The thyroid gland is...
How Do You Get Rid of Restless Leg Syndrome?
What Is Restless Leg Syndrome? Restless Leg Syndrome is an often uncontrollable urge to twitch and move your legs – especially when sitting or lying down. It isn’t curable and the cause is unclear, but it’s a neurological problem that researchers theorize may result from a lack of iron in the brain or a physiological in processing and using iron....
Piriformis Syndrome Exercises, Treatment, Test, Causes & Symptoms
Piriformis syndrome facts Piriformis syndrome causes pain that radiates down the back of the leg along the sciatic nerve. Piriformis syndrome is an uncommon cause of pain and other symptoms in the buttocks and/or lower back that can radiate down the leg to the foot. Piriformis syndrome is usually due to compression or contraction of the piriformis muscle on certain...
Postherpetic Neuralgia Treatment, Definition & Duration of Symptoms
Facts you should know about postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) PHN is a painful complication that occurs after a shingles infection. PHN is caused by viral damage to nerve cells. PHN is diagnosed by the patient's history and physical exam. Treatment often requires more than one agent to reduce pain. PHN may last one to two months, but some patients have PHN...
Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization: Facts on Treatment
TMR is a new procedure used to treat inoperable heart disease in people with persistent angina that isn’t relieved by any other method. Most people with coronary artery disease are treated with angioplasty and stenting or, coronary bypass surgery and medications to improve blood flow to the heart muscle. If these procedures do not eliminate the symptoms of chest pain...