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  • How Common Is Hair Loss?

    How Common Is Hair Loss?

    One of the most prevalent hair concerns in patients is hair damage. However, this condition, if not treated, can lead to hair loss. If you want to look good, you must take care of your hair loss. Hair that is dirty or carelessly handled can lead to damage. Although hair loss is part of the hair growth cycle, it is essential to significantly manage the amount to prevent excess hair loss if you are growing your hair. Fortunately, there are scientifically proven ways your hair loss specialist Lakewood Ranch can recommend to minimize hair loss and reverse the psychological effects it has on your confidence.

    What are the causes of hair loss?

     Understanding the different triggers to hair loss is essential to appreciate the different ways you can keep your hair from falling out, especially if you are on a hair growth cycle. Genetics is a risk factor for excessive hair loss. If you have anyone in your family, especially a close relative like a mother or father, with a confirmed diagnosis of hair loss, then you likely got the condition from them.

    Some patients experience hair loss as a symptom of another disease. Hair loss can signify underlying health concerns like anorexia, anemia, thyroid disease, and scalp ringworm. Patients with cancer sometimes experience hair loss, especially when exposed to chemotherapy. Fortunately, these medications do not cause permanent hair loss.

    Women’s hormonal changes may affect the integrity of their hair, causing excess loss. This risk factor is common in women, specifically those who have just given birth. Menopause also contributes to hair loss because a woman’s follicles become thinner and thus vulnerable to damage or breakage.

    What are the different types of hair loss?

    There are different types of hair loss. Your doctor will analyze your scalp to identify the hair loss pattern, which will indicate the type of hair loss you are experiencing and thus determine its root cause. For this reason, patients need to receive an early diagnosis for their hair loss from a specialist who will accurately confirm the root cause and thus develop an ideal treatment plan.

    A  comprehensive hair loss evaluation includes determining if the hair loss is localized, patchy, or affecting the entire head. It may be necessary for your doctor to review old pictures of your hair.

    The main types of hair loss among patients include:

    • Alopecia Areata: This hair loss is due to an autoimmune disease affecting the hair follicles, causing bald patches.
    • Traction Alopecia: Patients with this type of hair loss develop the condition due to tight hairstyles.
    • Trichotillomania: Patients with this condition are urged to pull out their hair.
    • Times Capitis: This fungal infection involves ringworm of the scalp that attacks hair follicles and shaft.
    • Telogen Effluvium: This type of hair loss occurs due to hair thinning.
    • Androgenetic alopecia: Hormones and genetics are the leading causes of male and female-pattern baldness.

    Contact Honest Hair Restoration to determine the type of hair loss and start treatment to grow your hair.

  • What to understand before taking Teeth Whitening

    What to understand before taking Teeth Whitening

    It is a dream of every person to have an appealing appearance. However, there are instances where the individuals suffer regardless of their investment. For example, some people suffer from discolored teeth even though they have adorable faces. This problem has affected their self-esteem; limiting the time they smile and interact with their peers. If you are suffering from yellow teeth, Westfield teeth whitening is the best solution. Before undergoing the procedure, these are the critical things that you must understand.

    What is teeth whitening?

    It is the process of bleaching the individuals’ teeth to make them brighter. Even though the process will not give your teeth a brilliant white appearance, it makes the existing color lighter by using different shades.

    How Long Should the Teeth Whitening Last?

    Normally the impacts of teeth whitening last between six months and 3 years, depending on the person, environment, and daily habits. The factors that can increase the risk of staining your teeth or reduce the teeth whitening process include;

    •         Eating staining foods such as berries and beetroot
    •         Regular smoking
    •         Regularly having dark  such as coffee, red wine, or tea
    •         Drinking water that has staining features

    How to prevent the yellow teeth naturally

    The following are measures you can apply to prevent yellow teeth

    •         Reducing the intake of staining foods and beverages
    •         Reducing your sugar intake
    •         Increasing the amount of calcium in the diet

    Myths concerning tooth whitening

    The following are myths revolving around teeth whitening

    Home whitening kits are similar to the professional whitening kits

    There has been a misinformation that there is no significant difference between the whitening tools used at home and those used by specialists. However, the professionals apply stronger whitening gels with a high content of active ingredients than those used at home. Therefore, teeth whitening should be conducted by professionals since they use the accurate concentration of bleaching ingredients on each tooth.

    The strongest whitening gel is the best

    Individuals prefer stronger whitening gel, claiming that they produce the best results. Nevertheless, the stronger whitening gel produces quick results that may not last long. In some instances, the application of stronger ingredients can also increase teeth sensitivity and pain.

    Veneers and crowns can be whitened together with natural teeth

    Some claim that it is possible to conduct teeth whitening on fixed veneers and crowns. However, teeth whitening only works best for natural teeth. The whitening gel can corrode the artificial tooth since most are made of porcelain.

    It is possible to conduct tooth whitening using the whitening gum

    The whitening gum has ingredients that can remove stains, although they are of low concentration. Therefore, the effects of the application of whitening gum do not always yield visible results.

    Benefits of tooth whitening

    The following are benefits of the exercise;

    •         It boosts self-confidence
    •         It promotes oral hygiene
    •         The exercise is economical and affordable
    •         It is crucial in maintaining overall health
    •         Produces quick results
    •         Elimination of minor tooth imperfection

    Have you been having yellow teeth and looking for a place to boost your appearance? You should worry no more because Dental Studios is here to serve you. Dr. Daniel Butensky collaborates with a team of specialists to offer you personalized services, boosting your smile. Visit the facility today to boost your dental appeal.

  • Spider Veins; What You Ought to Know

    Spider Veins; What You Ought to Know

    Did you know you have a high risk of having spider veins if you have a family history of the condition? Unlike what you may think, spider veins are different from varicose veins. They are small and close to your skin surface, whereas varicose veins are enlarged and protruding from your skin. It’s essential to address the condition to restore your appearance. The Venice spider veins specialist, Adam Phillips, DO, provides comprehensive care to help resolve the spider veins and smoothen your skin. This article entails more about spider veins and their treatments.

    What leads to spider veins?

    Spider veins appear as a tree branch or spider web on your skin’s surface. They usually occur in the legs. They develop in small blood vessels close to your skin’s surface.

    Spider veins occur when the valves malfunction, causing blood to accumulate in the veins. It causes the tiny veins to become enlarged to form reddish-purple veins that roll out to appear as a spider web. Spiders are more common on the legs and the face; however, they may occur anywhere on the body.

    What symptoms are you likely to develop with spider veins?

    Besides being sometimes itchy or causing slight pain in your legs, spider veins may not cause any symptoms. The primary reason people seek treatments for spider veins, is to rectify their unsightly appearance.

    That said, spider veins may still indicate a health problem, including vein health issues like deep vein thrombosis and venous insufficiency. When you experience a group of spider veins on your ankles, you are likely to have chronic venous insufficiency.

    What are your risk factors for spider veins?

    You have increased chance of developing spider veins if you sit for extended periods or crossing your legs without a break.

    Spider veins may also occur due to hormone imbalance, especially in women. The hormone estrogen causes the veins to widen, pulling the valves and weakening them.

    Having excessive weight may also cause valve weakness.

    Treatments for spider veins

    Florida Lakes Vein Center offers advanced care to treat your spider veins. They also advise you on preventing them to occur in the future by controlling your risk factors. The vein specialists provide expert care to eliminate your spider veins, through the following treatments.

    Sclerotherapy

    The sclerotherapy procedure at Florida Lakes Vein Center involves your provider injecting a particular medication into the damaged vein. It causes the closing of the vein leaving a scar behind. The treated vein fades over time while your body absorbs the scar.

    After the sclerotherapy procedure, your provider advises wearing compression stockings to control the pressure on the treatment area.

    Noninvasive laser treatment

    The laser treatment removes the spider veins by exposing the laser to the colored areas of your veins, which prevents causing harm to the rest of the skin. The laser heat destroys the veins, and the body naturally extracts the rest of the waste.

    You are likely to have swelling or redness after the procedure. But, the effects should go away in no time.

    Call Florida Lakes Vein Center today to book your consultation and receive lasting solutions for spider veins.

  • How to Improve Your Facial Appearance

    How to Improve Your Facial Appearance

    It is every person’s dream to have an outstanding face. However, only a small group of people are ready to take care of it to maintain its appearance. For instance, only a few people are ready to look for measures to improve their appearance. However, those who have taken the courage to improve their appearance have enjoyed many benefits. Balle Bliss Luxury Medical Spa has been set up to offer facial aesthetics, which will help people correct imperfections and boost their appearance. Before going for the facial aesthetics, you should understand the following.

    What is a Medical Spa

    It is a combination of both a day spa and an aesthetic medical center. Its main aim is to offer nonsurgical aesthetic medical services. The following services are offered to maximize effectiveness while being supervised by a licensed physician.

    Steps to improve the facial appearance at home

    If you employ the following measures, you will refresh your skin appearance.

    Cleansing

    To increase the effectiveness of the process, you should first clean your skin. If you are wearing makeup, you should first cleanse it using cleansing lotion or oil. After this, you cleanse it with the foaming gel to remove the residue which could be remaining.

    Exfoliate

    The process plays a crucial role in removing the dead skin cells from your skin. This process helps to boost the absorbability of the rest of the products.

    Steam

    You should use the home steamer to steam the skin. Steaming increases the skin temperature, thereby dilating the poles. Furthermore, it melts the hardened oils in the poles increasing the rate of extractions.

    Extract

    When extracting your blackheads, it is crucial to be cautious to prevent damaging your skin and the pores.

    Mask

    You should mask your skin for approximately 10-20 minutes. The most commonly used masks are gel, clay, cream, and sheet.

    Treat

    You should ensure that you treat your skin based on its conditions. For instance, you should use serums if you have wrinkles or pigmentation.

    Moisturize

    You should apply a layer of moisturizer to lock the serums in the skin. You should apply the layer to your skin. For instance, if your skin is dry, you should apply a heavier cream, while if it is oily, you should apply a lighter cream.

    Massage

    Introducing massage to your skin gives you a great feeling. Consequently, it is beneficial since it boosts circulation and lymphatic drainage. The massage also helps minimize skin irritation and dullness. In most instances, using your fingers to massage the skin is advisable.

    Benefits of Facial Massage

    The following are the benefits that you can derive from a facial massage;

    • Anti-aging and wrinkles. It helps to boost the individual’s appearance since it slows aging.
    • Acne. The process helps to boost blood circulation,  reducing the instances of acne.
    • Glowing skin. A massage helps to have bright and glowing skin.
    • Facial rejuvenation. It helps to relieve skin pressure since it promotes relaxation and skin health.
    • Manages scar tissue. For an individual having a scar, it boosts the healing process by increasing the blood flow in the area while loosening the surrounding tissues and flattening those bumps.

    If you are not happy about the appearance of your face and are looking for ways to correct it, you should now relax. Balle Bliss Luxury Medical Spa has been set up to offer the following services. Guljeet Sohal, MD, collaborates with a team of specialists to offer the individuals customized services according to their preferred outcome. Visit the facility and have your desired face.

  • 6 Benefits of Dental Cleaning

    6 Benefits of Dental Cleaning

    Having healthy teeth improves your confidence and quality of life. However, many people suffer from oral diseases and have lost one or more teeth. Regular dental cleanings are the best ways to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Professional dental cleaning by Dana Samet DDS will help enhance your smile and appearance and improve your self-esteem.

    Here are more benefits of dental cleanings;

    1. Prevent plaque and tartar buildup

    Plaque is a sticky coating that forms on your teeth over time and includes thousands of germs. Failure to remove plaque from your teeth will make it harden into tartar, which will be impossible to eliminate. As a result, it will make your teeth discolored and unhealthy-looking.

    Tartar and plaque accumulation is not only unsightly, but they also contribute to tooth damage and gum disease. Therefore visit your dentist for dental cleanings to help remove plaque before it hardens into tartar.

    2.  Eliminate bad breath

    Regular dental cleanings are essential to avoid bad breath. You can have a healthy breath if you floss, brush, and use mouthwash regularly. However, food particles can accumulate in hard-to-reach parts of your mouth over time, leading to germs. This accumulation causes persistent foul breath, which no amount of mouthwash can hide.

    During your dental cleaning, the dentist will clean these hard-to-reach regions to remove bacteria from your mouth, giving you a fresh breath.

    3. You will maintain a healthy smile

    During dental visits, the dentists will thoroughly clean your teeth, making them shine and dazzle even more than they would otherwise.

    In addition, your dentist can inform you which aspects of your oral hygiene, such as not brushing your teeth or weak gums, are causing you problems. This may help you make the required adjustments to keep your smile healthy.

    A healthy smile improves your looks and confidence. Therefore, a dental cleaning may help you feel better about your smile and look.

    4. Prevent tooth loss

    Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup. Plaque spreads further down the tooth as gum disease progresses, causing damage to the jaw’s supporting bone. This might cause your teeth to loosen, and you may lose a tooth. Fortunately, getting your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year can dramatically lower your chance of tooth loss.

    5. Prevents cavities

    During a dental cleaning, the dentist will remove plaque, which is the primary cause of tooth decay. If not removed, plaque will eat away at your tooth enamel, causing cavities.

    Cavities can develop if you don’t start brushing, flossing, and cleaning your teeth. If you let the cavities fester, it may cause a lot of pain, necessitating tooth extraction.

    6. Enhance your overall health

    Your overall health can be impacted by your oral health. Oral health problems can lead to various life-threatening conditions, including heart disease. When you have tooth decay, you may develop terrible toothaches, leading to other health issues such as migraines and insomnia. Therefore, dental cleaning can help to improve your oral health and general health.

    Dental cleaning will help improve your oral health and general health and boost your confidence. Now you know the benefits of a dental cleaning, you should keep in mind skipping a dental cleaning can harm your health.

    Contact Dental Art of South Bay to schedule your appointment for a dental cleaning to improve your smile.

  • Essential Facts on Open Reduction Internal Fixation

    Essential Facts on Open Reduction Internal Fixation

    You might need specialized care after an accident or injury that leaves you with multiple fractures on one bone. An orthopedic surgeon performs Chula Vista open reduction internal fixation procedure, which allows the bone to heal as expected. First, the surgeon opens up the fracture area and aligns the bones before securing them with medically cleared pins, screws, and rods. Then the wound will get dressed, and you will receive advice on things to do and avoid during the recovery process. Here you will learn important facts about the procedure. 

    Who Qualifies For the Procedure? 

    As already outlined above, if you have multiple fractures on a bone, you will need the procedure so that all the bones heal. For instance, you might have various fractures on your arm due to the injury. The surgeon will prefer performing the open reduction internal fixation procedure so that all bones can heal properly. Others who qualify for the treatment include; 

    1. Shifting Fractures 

    If, after the imaging, the surgeon discovers that your broken bones can quickly move after exposure to pressure, you will have to undergo the procedure of stabilizing them. After the treatment, you will heal and manage to use the affected part without feeling pain and weakness. 

    2. Displaced Fractures 

    The magnitude of the accident or injury can cause you to have displaced fractures. Some broken bones protrude outside the skin while others are not in their usual position. Open reduction internal fixation procedure becomes essential in restoring the bones to where they should be before healing commences. 

    3. Cast or Splint Can’t Work

    For some fractures, the doctors recommend that you have a cast or SplintSplint to secure the injured part. However, some severe fractures require more than a cast or a splint. Thus if the orthopedic surgeon evaluates your fracture and certifies it seriously, you will undergo the open reduction internal fixation procedure. 

    4. Bone Healed Wrong 

    At times, it is better to visit an orthopedic surgeon to avoid complications after healing. You might have gotten treatment for a fracture in an emergency setup, but because you are in a hurry to get back to work, you never observed the recovery guidelines. Then you will have a healed fracture, but the bone looks misplaced. You will need corrective surgery from an experienced orthopedic surgeon so that the bone can heal properly. 

    What to Expect During Healing

    The orthopedic will advise you on how to care for the affected part during the healing. You will need to see a physical therapist for exercises to build strength, flexibility, and functionality in the injured leg. Also, you will need to keep off using the injured part during the healing process and use the aids provided.

    If you ever get into an accident and have a severe fracture, you can consider visiting the Otho 1 Medical Group in California for specialized treatment. The team of orthopedic surgeons will diagnose and treat any form of fracture and ensure you return to your routine within the shortest time. Book your appointment today.

  • Cervical Herniated Disc Symptoms and Treatment Options

    Cervical Herniated Disc Symptoms and Treatment Options

    Cervical herniated discs can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. The most common symptom is neck pain, but you may also experience pain that radiates down your arms or legs. Cervical disc disease Roswell can be excruciating and debilitating, making it hard to do the things you love. If you’re dealing with this condition, you might wonder what treatments are available.

    Treatment options for a herniated disc will vary depending on the severity of your symptoms. Living with a herniated disc can be difficult, but there are things you can do to help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Taking care of yourself and learning as much as you can about your condition is an excellent place to start.

    The cervical spine comprises seven vertebrae or bones. The discs act as shock absorbers and allow the spine to move freely. Discs have a hard outside part and a soft interior.

    You should not disregard any of the following symptoms:

    Numbness, tingling, or weakness

    If you have a herniated disc, you may experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs. This is caused by the disc pressing on a nerve.

    Pain that gets worse at night

    If you have a herniated disc, you may find that the pain gets worse at night. This is because you are lying down, putting more pressure on the disc.

    Pain that radiates down your arms or legs

    This type of pain is caused by the disc pressing on a nerve. It might be anything from a nagging ache to a blazing pain.

    These symptoms can vary from mild to severe. In some cases, they may go away on their own; but in other cases, they may require treatment. You should consult a doctor if you experience any of these signs. They can identify the issue and suggest the most effective course of action.

    Now that you know these symptoms, you must learn about the possible treatments:

    Rest and ice

    If your symptoms are mild, you can successfully treat them at home. Try to rest as much as possible and apply ice to the area for 20 minutes.

    Medication

    If your pain is more severe, your doctor may prescribe medication. This can include over-the-counter pain relievers, ibuprofen, or stronger prescription medications.

    Physical therapy

    Physical therapy can help ease the pain from a herniated disc and improve your range of motion. Your therapist will teach you exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles in your lowert back.

    Surgery

    In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to correct a herniated disc. This is usually only done if other treatments have not worked. Surgery involves removing the herniated disc and replacing it with an artificial one.

    These are some of the most common symptoms and treatment options for a cervical herniated disc. If you think you may have a herniated disc, it is important to see your doctor at APEX Spine and Neurosurgery so that they can properly diagnose and treat the condition. Untreated herniated discs can lead to more serious problems, so it is best to seek medical help as soon as possible.

  • Little Known Things about Urinary and Fecal Incontinence

    Little Known Things about Urinary and Fecal Incontinence

    How could you feel if you do not control when to go to the toilet? Regardless of the surprise, the truth is that there are people with urinary and fecal incontinence. These people suffer from self-esteem issues since they involuntarily leak their urine or the bowel anywhere. This makes them look for the measures to correct the condition. The incontinence Wildwood has increased the number of people seeking medical treatment in the region. The following is the crucial information to understand regarding urinary and fecal incontinence.

    Symptoms of Fecal Incontinence

    In most instances, it is usually followed by bowel challenges such as;

    •         Gas and bloating
    •         Diarrhea
    •         Constipation

    When to see a doctor for fecal incontinence

    Most people are reluctant to admit that they are suffering from fecal incontinence due to fear of victimization. However, you should know that there are available treatments, and the sooner you seek the treatment, you will find relief, and the process will be easier to prevent the condition from worsening. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience a frequent or severe inconsistency.

    Prevention of Fecal Incontinence

    According to the cause, these measures could help improve or prevent the condition.

    •         Avoid straining. If you frequently strain when moving the bowel, there is a high risk that you will weaken the anal sphincter muscles or damage these nerves, triggering the condition.
    •         Manage diarrhea. If you suffer from diarrhea, you should take immediate measures to control the condition.
    •         Minimize constipation. You can reduce it by eating more fibers, increasing exercise, and increasing the volume of fluids.

    How to Prevent Urinary Incontinence

    The following measures can reduce the risk of developing the condition;

    •         Engaging in exercises
    •         Avoid smoking
    •         Seek treatment for bladder infections and UTIs
    •         Manage your weight
    •         Have a balanced diet

    Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence

    The following are the common symptoms associated with the condition

    •         Urge Incontinence. This is when an individual feels a sudden urge to urinate, and sometimes the urine leaks.
    •         Overflow Incontinence. This is where the urine dribbles out, and you cannot fully empty your bladder.
    •         Distress Incontinence. In this instance, the urine leaks due to a sneeze, laugh, or cough.
    •         Functional Incontinence. In this instance, the urine leaks due to a disease such as arthritis which delays you from reaching the bathroom in time.

    Risk Factors of Urinary and fecal Incontinence

    The following are the factors that could increase the risk of suffering from these conditions;

    •         Age. Even though the conditions can occur at any age, the risk increases as the person ages.
    •         Gender. The risk of incontinence is higher in women than in men. The main reason is that women are at a higher risk of complications during birth.
    •         Physical disability. If you are physically disabled, reaching the toilet in time could be hard, causing incontinence. Besides, some injuries can damage the bladder and rectal nerve, accelerating the condition.

    Most people suffering from incontinence choose to suffer in silence. Are you a woman who has been suffering from urinary, fecal incontinence, or both? You should now relax since a female incontinence specialist is here to serve you? The facility has vast options that the patients can choose from. Book the appointment today and reclaim your self-esteem.

  • An obstetrician-gynecologist and what they do

    An obstetrician-gynecologist and what they do

    Women’s reproductive health is an essential aspect of general healthcare, especially in recent times. This has come about from their increased relevance in the beginning and maintaining families. Specialists like Dr. John Gomes Garden City have vast expertise and experience in the obstetric-gynecology field and regularly deal with women’s reproductive issues. More about what this doctor does is discussed further below.

    Who is an OB-GYN?

    An OB-GYN is a medical professional who aims to improve the health of the reproductive system through gynecology and obstetrics.

    Obstetrics specialty involves delivering babies and dealing with pregnant women. On the other hand, gynecology deals with issues affecting women’s reproductive system like chronic pain and sexually transmitted diseases.

    An OB-GYN can have specialized or broad training in gynecology and obstetrics. They can offer multiple preventive care services such as STI testing, pap smears, ultrasounds, pelvic exams, and blood work. Questions concerning sex, pregnancy, infertility, reproductive health, and other issues can be addressed.

    It is recommended that women see an OB-GYN annually while it is also possible to use them as their primary physician. This is because the personal nature of what their doctors deal with makes it easier for women to comfortably come to them even with other issues, as they are more approachable.

    Since they are trained as surgeons, some of the procedures that 0B-GYNs can do are among the following:

    •         Childbirth involving instrumental deliveries
    •         Cesarean sections
    •         Getting rid of growths like uterine fibroids
    •         Hysterectomy
    •         Surgery to fix injuries to pelvic organs

    OB-GYNs can do various in-office and routine operations such as:

    •         STI tests
    •         Cervical cancer tests like pap smears
    •         Monitoring pregnancies and checking pelvic organs via ultrasounds
    •         Treatments for fertility like egg-freezing or IVF egg retrievals
    •         Managing urinary problems like urinary incontinence and urinary tract infections
    •         Infertility counseling and treatments
    •         Breast health management and exams involving breast cancer screenings and mammograms

    Your general health needs like prescription fillings for ailments, mental health screenings, bloodwork for typical illnesses, and patient referrals.

    There are many areas an OB-GYN can specialize in as there are multiple fields available. Some OB-GYNs can get additional expertise and train such that they become accredited in areas like:

    Reproductive endocrinologists

    Infertility professionals offer diagnoses and formulate treatment plans for infertility issues, including IVF operations.

    Maternal-fetal medicine specialists

    Maternal-fetal medical professionals focus on high-risk pregnancies. This involves aiming to enhance the health of the baby and mother. A situation like the vaginal delivery of a baby in the breech position is an example of a complicated delivery they can perform.

    Female pelvic specialists

    Reconstructive surgeons partner with these physicians to deal with ailments and injuries to the pelvic floor and associated structures. They may offer pelvic floor physical therapy, treat incontinence, or do surgery to fix prolapsed pelvic organs.

    Gynecologic oncologists

    They deal with reproductive organ cancers, including cervical and ovarian cancer.

    The health of women, especially those who are or would like to get pregnant, is crucial as it aims at protecting the lives of two codependent individuals. For any OB-GYN inquiries, check our website, or call our offices in Garden City, NY.

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; What You Should Know

    Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; What You Should Know

    What is carpal tunnel syndrome? Suppose you have pain and feel numb in your hand, including the thumb and the first three fingers; you might be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. It affects about 1 in every 3 Americans, and it’s most common in women. It causes weakness in your hands, making it hard for you to hold or grasp things. The carpal tunnel syndrome North Austin specialist at Republic Spine and Pain offers effective pain management techniques to enhance pain relief and promote your living. Here we look more into carpal tunnel syndrome and what it involves.

    What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

    A carpal tunnel is a small opening in your wrist where the median nerve extends to your hand. The carpal tunnel includes a solid ring of connective tissue and bone, causing reduced flexibility. When you experience inflammation around your carpal tunnel, it affects the median nerve, causing carpal tunnel syndrome.

    You are likely to develop various symptoms from carpal tunnel syndrome, including weakness, numbness, pain, and tingling sensations. The symptoms occur in your hand or may move up to your forearm. The condition makes it difficult for you to hold objects, making you feel weak and awkward.

    The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome worsen during the night and sometimes causes you to wake up. Usually, many people sleep with their hands and wrists wrapped, compressing the nerves.

    What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

    Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when inflammation in your wrist constricts the carpal tunnel, compressing the median nerve. The condition also often occurs due to repetitive use of your hand, including holding your hand in an extended position for long periods.

    Carpal tunnel syndrome may also occur due to health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or thyroid imbalances. Usually, these conditions trigger the inflammation in your wrist, causing the disease.

    What are the treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome?

    During your visit to the Republic Spine and Pain, your provider performs a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your symptoms. The team uses advanced techniques for diagnosis and treatments.

    They conduct various tests, including Phalen’s and Tinel’s sign tests, to identify whether you have compression on your median nerve. They may also order lab tests, nerve conduction studies, and X-rays to rule out your diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.

    After diagnosis, your provider designs a customized treatment plan to alleviate the symptoms, including the compression in your wrist. Your treatment option depends on your specific needs and may include the following.

    •         Medication management
    •         Physical therapy
    •         Braces and splints
    •         Cortisone injections
    •         Stellate ganglion block

    If you do not find relief from the treatments, your provider may suggest surgery to release the pressure on the median nerve. The available surgical procedures include the open release or endoscopic carpal tunnel release.

    Pain in your hand may mean a lot of things. But you should not hesitate to call your doctor if your pain comes along with numbness, weakness, and tingling sensations. Contact Republic Spine and Pain today to have a thorough evaluation and treatments.