What is joint aspiration (arthrocentesis)? Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) is a diagnostic procedure that involves the extraction and analysis of the synovial fluid in the joints. It is an important procedure used for diagnosing arthritis and differentiating inflammatory arthritis from noninflammatory arthritis. Joint aspiration is a relatively quick and inexpensive procedure to perform. It can be done in a clinic or...
What Are the Different Types of Knee Injections? Pain Management
What are knee injections? Knee injection is performed to treat the pain arising from various diseases of the knee joint. Knee injection is a procedure in which medications are injected into the knee joint to treat the pain due to various causes. There are different types of knee injections. The most common type of intra-articular knee injection is corticosteroids. Other...
Vitiligo Causes, Treatment, Symptoms, Definition & Pictures
Vitiligo facts Picture of Vitiligo on Back Vitiligo facts* medically edited by Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Vitiligo is a disease in which the pigment cells of the skin, melanocytes, are destroyed in certain areas. Symptoms and signs of vitiligo include loss of skin color in the form of depigmented, or white, patches of skin in any location on the body....
How Is Knee Arthrocentesis Performed? Pain Relief
What is knee arthrocentesis? Knee arthrocentesis is a relatively quick procedure but may be performed under local anesthesia to avoid pain. Arthrocentesis (joint aspiration) is a diagnostic procedure in which fluid is drained from a joint (synovial fluid) using a sterile needle and syringe. Knee arthrocentesis is an important procedure used for diagnosing arthritis and differentiating inflammatory arthritis from noninflammatory...
What Is the Difference Between Electrocardiogram vs. Electrocardiograph?
What is an electrocardiogram? An electrocardiogram or electrocardiograph (ECG or EKG) is the same thing. An electrocardiogram or electrocardiograph (ECG or EKG) is the same thing. An EKG is a test that examines the heart function by measuring the electrical activity of the heart. With each heartbeat, an electrical impulse (or wave) travels through the heart. This wave causes the...
Dog Bite Treatment, Prevention, Infections
Dog bite definition and facts In the U.S., there are about 4.5 million dog bites a year. Dog bites account for up to 90% of all animal bites. 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the U.S., and more than 27,000 victims require reconstructive surgery. Injuries may involve structures deep beneath the skin including muscles, bones, nerves, and blood...
Sprains and Strains: Difference, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Test
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 are common signs and symptoms...
Haldol (haloperidol) vs. Abilify (aripiprazole): Antipsychotic Uses & Side Effects
Haldol (haloperidol) vs. Abilify (aripiprazole): What’s the difference? Haloperidol and Abilify (aripiprazole) are antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia and Tourette's syndrome. Haloperidol is also used to treat acute psychosis. Abilify is also used to treat bipolar disorder, irritability associated with autistic disorder, and it is used with other medications to treat major depression in adults. A brand name for...
Sprains and Strains: Difference, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Test
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 are common signs and symptoms...
IT Band Syndrome: Treatment, Exercises, Symptoms, Recovery Time
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. There should be no twisting...