Joint pain can be caused by injury affecting any of the ligaments, bursae, or tendons surrounding the joint. Injury can also affect the ligaments, cartilage, and bones within the joint. Pain is also a feature of joint inflammation (arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis) and infection, and extremely rarely it can be a cause…
An ingrown toenail is a common, often unpleasant condition frequently seen in the big toenail. Athletes commonly suffer from ingrown toenails. Improper shoe gear and toe injuries are usually associated with ingrown toenails. In addition, it’s not unusual for an ingrown toenail to recur unless treated appropriately. Conservative treatments include soak, elevation, proper nail cutting,…
Itching is a symptom we have all experienced. Nonetheless, itching can be a challenge for a person to describe to others. While itching symptoms can vary, it usually leads to a peculiarly uncomfortable skin sensation. It may feel as if something is crawling on (or in) your skin. Itching can be diffuse (generalized all over…
Food, water, exercise, sleep: Your body needs a lot of different things to keep it going. One of those things happens every single time you breathe — every “in” breath pulls oxygen into your lungs, where it enters your blood. It then travels throughout your body in your blood vessels, veins and arteries. Some of…
Intestinal worms, also referred to as parasitic worms, are one of the main types of intestinal parasites. Common types of such include: flatworms, which include tapeworms and flukes roundworms, which can cause ascariasis, pinworm, and hookworm infections Here are some of the common symptoms of intestinal worms are: abdominal pain diarrhea, nausea or vomiting gas/bloating…
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that can regularly affect millions of people all over the world. In short, people who are living with insomnia find it a challenge to fall asleep or stay asleep. The effects can be quite devastating. Insomnia can usually lead to daytime sleepiness, lethargy, and a general feeling of being unwell,…
Stings and bites from insects are common. They often result in redness and swelling in the injured area. Sometimes, a sting or bite can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction or transmit pathogens (viruses, bacteria or parasites, for instance) to humans.
Influenza, or flu, is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. Flu is highly contagious and is normally spread by the coughs and sneezes of an infected person. You can also catch a flu by touching an infected person, for instance, shaking hands. Adults are contagious 1-2 days before getting symptoms and up to 7…
Inflammation is a defense mechanism in the body. The immune system recognizes damaged cells, irritants and pathogens, and it starts with the healing process. When something harmful or irritating affects a part of your body, there’s a biological response to try to remove it. The signs and symptoms of inflammation can be uncomfortable but are…
An infection can happen when a foreign organism enters a person’s body and causes harm. The organism uses that person’s body to sustain itself, reproduce and colonize. These infectious organisms are known as pathogens. Examples of pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi and prions. Pathogens can multiply and adapt quickly. Some infections are mild and barely…