Video Library
Educational videos from the ViewMedica library. Click the buttons below to sort by category.
Achilles Tendon Injuries
The Achilles tendons are thick and powerful bands of fibrous tissue. They connect your calf muscles to your heel bones. The tendons help you walk, run and jump. And that means they are under a lot of stress, making injuries to the Achilles tendons common.
Acne
This common condition causes different types of blemishes that form on or just beneath the skin’s surface. These include things like blackheads, pimples and deep, pus-filled lesions. We see acne on the face, back, shoulders and chest, often during the teenage years. It can be frustrating and embarrassing.
Adjustable Gastric Banding (Laparoscopic Method)
This surgery limits how much your stomach can hold. That helps you eat less and lose weight when diet and exercise don’t work. It can help you avoid serious health problems linked to obesity. Your band can be adjusted or even removed without any lasting changes to your stomach.
After Your Diabetes Diagnosis
You’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes. But what does this mean for you? How will it impact your life? Let’s take a few minutes to see what to do next.
Alcohol During Pregnancy
When you’re pregnant, you need to make sure you don’t do things that harm your baby. One of the most harmful things you could do is to drink alcohol. Let’s learn about how alcohol hurts your baby.
Allergies
You have an allergy when your body believes that something harmless, such as peanuts or pollen, can hurt you. Your immune system overreacts. This can cause uncomfortable or even dangerous symptoms.
Anesthesia (Conscious Sedation)
Conscious sedation is a type of anesthesia that makes the patient feel very relaxed. It reduces painful sensations and the awareness of pain. It is not intended to put the patient to sleep, and will wear off quickly after a procedure. Conscious sedation is commonly used for simple procedures that can be completed quickly.
Anesthesia (General)
General anesthesia makes a person unconscious. People call this “put under” or “put to sleep.” But it isn’t the same as regular sleep. A person given general anesthesia cannot feel pain. And, the person won’t remember what happens during a medical procedure.
Anesthesia (Local)
Local anesthesia makes a part of the body numb to prevent a patient from feeling pain during a medical procedure. Local anesthesia is commonly used for many minor outpatient surgeries.
Anesthesia (Lumbar Puncture, Spinal Anesthesia)
This numbing medication is injected into the cerebrospinal fluid through a fine needle placed near the nerve roots of the lower spine. It can be used to numb the abdomen, groin, legs and feet. It does not put the patient to sleep, but blocks painful sensations during or after a medical procedure.
Anesthesia (Monitored Anesthesia Care, MAC)
Monitored anesthesia care is a type of anesthesia that makes the patient feel very relaxed. It reduces painful sensations and the awareness of pain. It is not intended to put the patient to sleep, and will wear off quickly after a procedure. Monitored anesthesia care is commonly used for simple procedures that can be completed quickly.
Anesthesia (Overview)
Anesthesia is the use of medications to block the pain of a medical procedure. The medications that block this pain are called anesthetics. Different forms of anesthesia are used to prepare patients for different types of procedures.
Anesthesia (Peripheral Nerve Block)
A peripheral nerve block is a type of regional anesthesia. It can completely block sensation in an arm, leg or other area for surgery. A peripheral nerve block doesn’t put you to sleep. However, a nerve block can be combined with sedation or general anesthesia during surgery.
Ankle Sprains
Ligaments are fibrous, elastic bands of tissue that connect and stabilize the bones. An ankle sprain is a common, painful injury that occurs when one or more of the ankle ligaments is stretched beyond the normal range of motion. Sprains can occur as a result of sudden twisting, turning or rolling movements.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear (ACL Tear)
This injury is a tearing of the ACL ligament in the knee joint. The ACL ligament is one of the bands of tissue that connects the femur to the tibia. An ACL tear can be painful. It can cause the knee to become unstable.
Anterior Endoscopic Cervical Microdiscectomy
This minimally-invasive surgical procedure, performed through a tiny hole in the neck, removes the bulging portion of a herniated cervical disc. It is designed to relieve neck and radiating arm pain caused by herniated disc material pressing on nerve roots.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
If you have a disease that’s linked to inflammation, changing your diet may help. That’s because some foods trigger inflammation, and other foods fight it. So if you know which foods to eat and which to avoid, you can reduce your risk of illness.
Are You at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?
If you aren’t as healthy as you should be, type 2 diabetes is something to worry about. That’s a disease you can develop, especially later in life, if you don’t take care of your health. It can cause damage to your heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes and other body parts.
Asthma
Asthma is a long-term lung disease. It causes your airways to swell and narrow. This makes breathing difficult. Asthma often begins in childhood, but people of all ages can have asthma.
Asthma Triggers
Asthma is a lung disease that can make your breathing difficult. The symptoms of asthma can worsen when you are exposed to certain things in the environment. These are called asthma triggers, and they can vary from person to person.
Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis) of the Hip
This is a weakening and collapse of the bone in the head of your femur. That’s the ball that fits in the socket of your hip. As this bone gradually dies and breaks apart, you can develop painful arthritis in your hip.
Biceps Tendon Tear (at the Shoulder)
Tendons are strong bands of tissue that connect muscle to bone. With this injury, one of the tendons anchoring your biceps muscle is torn. It may be torn partially or completely. Because the biceps is attached with two separate tendons, you may find that you can still use your biceps muscle even if one tendon is completely torn.
Biceps Tendonitis
This is a problem with a tendon in your shoulder. Most often, it’s the “long head of biceps” tendon. It travels from the front of your upper arm to the top of your shoulder socket. With this condition, the tendon becomes painfully inflamed or irritated.
Biopsy
This procedure collects a sample of a growth or mass of tissue. There are many types of biopsies. Some are very simple, and some are a bit more complex.
Birth Control (Contraception)
There are many ways to prevent pregnancy. Let’s look at some options.
Breast Cancer in Women
This form of cancer is a growth of abnormal cells in the breast tissue. Let’s take a moment to learn more about this common disease.
Breast Cancer Screening
It’s best to catch breast cancer as early as possible. And we do this with regular breast cancer screening. “Screening” refers to all the ways we check breasts for cancer. Let’s take a moment to learn more.
Bursitis of the Hip (Trochanteric Bursitis)
This is an irritation or swelling of the trochanteric bursa. This small, fluid-filled sac is found on the outer side of the femur. It acts as a cushion for the iliotibial band, a thick tendon in your leg.
Bursitis of the Shoulder (Subacromial Bursitis)
This is a swelling of a fluid-filled sac called the “subacromial bursa.” It’s in the shoulder, between a bony protrusion called the “acromion” and the rotator cuff. You have similar sacs near other large joints throughout your body. They act as cushions between your bones and your soft tissue. Normally they have a small amount of fluid inside them. But sometimes they can swell. We call that “bursitis.”
Caffeine During Pregnancy
You’re pregnant, and you want to make sure your baby is as healthy as possible. One of the things you worry about is caffeine. Is it safe to have a coffee or tea in the morning? What about other sources of caffeine throughout the day? Let’s learn how this energy booster can impact your growing baby.
Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder (Reactive Calcification)
This painful condition occurs when calcium deposits form in tendons of the rotator cuff. These tendons and surrounding tissues in the shoulder become inflamed. Reactive calcification often develops in young people, but it can affect people of all ages.
Cancer (Overview)
The word “cancer” refers to abnormal cells that grow uncontrollably. Cancer is not a single disease. It can involve any type of cell, anywhere in your body. And it starts with a problem in the cell’s genes.
Cardiac Rehabilitation
This plan helps you get stronger after you’ve had a heart attack, heart surgery or some other heart issue. It includes exercise and healthy eating. You may also have to change some of your bad habits.
Cardiovascular Screening
Your heart health matters. And to check your heart health, we use cardiovascular screening. It shows your risk for heart disease, stroke and other problems. It’s an important part of a complete care plan.
Caring for Your Hearing
We all need to be aware of the danger of noise-induced hearing loss. That’s hearing loss that’s caused by loud noise. It tends to happen over time. When you finally notice it, your hearing is permanently damaged. Let’s learn more about this type of hearing loss, and how you can prevent it.
Carpal Tunnel Release (Endoscopic Technique)
This surgery relieves pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. It treats the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel Release (Percutaneous Method)
We can treat the pain of carpel tunnel syndrome by taking pressure off the median nerve. That’s a nerve that travels through your wrist.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Pain, numbness and tingling in your hand may be from carpal tunnel syndrome. It happens when the area around the main nerve to your hand is too tight. The nerve is called the median nerve. And the small space in your wrist where it passes is called the carpal tunnel.
Cervical Facet Radiofrequency Neurotomy
This procedure uses heat from radio waves to treat painful facet joints in your neck. It eases pain that isn’t helped by medications or physical therapy.
Cervical Radiculopathy
This condition is an irritation or compression of one or more nerve roots in the cervical spine. Because these nerves travel to the shoulders, arms and hands, an injury in the cervical spine can cause symptoms in these areas. Cervical radiculopathy may result from a variety of problems with the bones and tissues of the cervical spinal column.
Chest Pain
Do you have an uncomfortable feeling in your chest? Do you feel sharp or dull pain, or crushing or burning sensations? Do you feel vague discomfort? Let’s look at the wide range of problems that can cause chest pain.
Coccydynia
This condition is an inflammation of the tip of the tailbone, called the coccyx. It causes pain and tenderness between the buttocks.
Colposcopy
This procedure, which takes about ten to fifteen minutes to perform, is a visual examination of the cervix with a microscopic viewing device called a colposcope. It may be performed in conjunction with a biopsy or other procedure.
Compression Fractures of the Spine
This is a collapse of vertebral bone. It can affect one or more vertebrae. Compression fractures typically develop in your mid or lower back. This can change the shape of your spine.
Concussion
This is a serious brain injury. It happens when your brain bumps back and forth violently inside your skull. A concussion can affect the way your brain functions. It can cause permanent problems.
Coping With Your Emotions After a Heart Attack
After a heart attack, it’s normal to feel powerful emotions. You may feel anxious and afraid. You may be angry, depressed or lonely. It can be overwhelming, and even make your recovery harder. Well, you need to know that many people experience these emotions. With help, you can cope with them and regain control of your life.
Coping With Your Emotions After a Stroke
Just after a stroke, it’s common for people to experience emotional changes. You may have drastic mood swings from one minute to the next. Your reaction to things may not make sense. This can be surprising and confusing to you and to those around you. But it’s a normal part of recovery.
Coping With Your Emotions After Childbirth
After you give birth, you can experience a range of emotions. You may have moments of great joy and great sadness. You may feel anxious. You may feel exhausted and overwhelmed. These are normal feelings. Let’s talk about some things that can help you manage them.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
This condition, also called “ulnar nerve entrapment,” happens to the ulnar nerve in your elbow. This nerve travels along the inner side of your elbow and down to your hand. It’s the nerve that makes the jolt you feel when you bump your “funny bone.” With this condition, your ulnar nerve is compressed, stretched or irritated.
De Quervain’s Release
This outpatient procedure relieves the symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis by releasing the tendon sheath that wraps around the tendons at the base of the thumb. This relieves pressure and friction on the tendons, allowing them to glide freely.
Degenerative Disc Disease
This condition is a weakening of one or more vertebral discs, which normally act as a cushion between the vertebrae. This condition can develop as a natural part of the aging process, but it may also result from injury to the back.
Depression
Everyone feels sad sometimes. But if deep sadness and hopelessness makes your daily life hard, you may be depressed. Depression can last for a long time. You may have depression many times throughout your life.
Diabetes
This disease makes it hard for your body to use blood glucose (also called “blood sugar”). That’s what your cells use for energy. With diabetes, blood glucose builds up in your bloodstream. This leads to serious health problems.
Diabetes (Type 2)
This is the most common form of diabetes. With it, your body has trouble making and using insulin. That’s the hormone that helps glucose enter your cells to produce energy.
Diabetes and Foot Care
Diabetes can lead to problems with your feet. Loss of feeling in your feet can make it easy to miss an injury. And poor blood circulation can let a small infection turn into a major issue. So let’s learn about proper foot care.
Diabetes and Healthy Eating
If you have diabetes, you know it’s important to keep your blood glucose level within a safe range. One of the best ways to do this is by eating a healthy diet. Let’s take a few minutes to learn about some good eating habits that can make a difference for you.
Diagnostic Arthroscopy (Shoulder)
This outpatient procedure is a minimally-invasive surgical technique commonly used to identify problems in the shoulder joint. It is performed with the aid of a specialized camera called an arthroscope.
Dialysis
This artificial filtering of your blood removes waste from your body. It helps perform the job that your kidneys are supposed to do. If your kidneys don’t function properly, dialysis may be a necessary part of your life. Two methods of dialysis treatments are commonly available.
Digital Mucous Cyst Excision
This procedure removes a mucous cyst from your finger or thumb. A mucous cyst is a small, fluid-filled bump that tends to form near a joint. Removing your cyst treats pain and other issues it may cause.
Distal Radius Fracture (Broken Wrist)
This condition is a break of the radius bone at the wrist. The radius is the larger of the two bones that connect the wrist to the elbow. The other bone is called the ulna. The radius supports the majority of forces at the wrist joint with its large joint surface. A fracture of the distal end of the radius – the end nearest the wrist -is one of the most common types of fractures. It may be part of a complex injury that involves other tissues, nerves and bones of the wrist.
Distal Radius Fracture Repair with Volar Plate
This procedure uses a metal implant to stabilize a fracture in the radius near the wrist. The radius is the largest of the two bones of the forearm.
Dry Eye
With this condition, your tears don’t keep your eyes comfortably moist. This happens if your body doesn’t make enough tears. It can also happen if your tears are of poor quality.
Dry Needling
This is a treatment that helps with the pain of trigger points. Those are small, tender knots in your muscles. They can be very sore when you press them. Sometimes they cause pain in other parts of your body. With dry needling, your therapist targets these knots directly with a thin needle. No medicine is injected.
Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Dry skin can be itchy, flaky and sensitive. For most people, it’s a minor nuisance that’s easy to treat. But in some cases it can be a chronic problem that lasts a long time.
Eczema
This is a name for several forms of swelling of the skin. We also call it “dermatitis.” In many people it affects the cheeks, the insides of the elbows, or the skin behind the knees. You may have dermatitis on your hands or feet, or on your buttocks. It isn’t a contagious condition.
Elbow Bursitis
This is a swelling of a fluid-filled sac in the back of your elbow. This sac is called the “olecranon bursa.” You have similar sacs near other large joints throughout your body. They act as cushions between your bones and your soft tissues. Normally they have a small amount of fluid inside them. But sometimes they can swell. That is called “bursitis.”
Endometriosis
This involves your endometrial tissue. It lines the inside of your uterus. That’s the tissue that breaks down and sheds when you have your period. With this condition, your endometrial tissue begins to grow outside of your uterus.
Epidural Anesthesia
This injection of anesthetic numbs your lower body. We commonly use it for surgeries in the pelvic area and the legs. We also use it to block the pain of childbirth. You’ll be awake and alert during and after this injection.
Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI) in the Cervical Spine
This injection treats the pain of an inflamed nerve in your cervical spine. It relieves nerve swelling. If you have a herniated disc, spinal stenosis or some other problem that’s pressing on a nerve, it may help you.
Eye Exam
Regular eye exams help us find vision problems. And they let us see how your eyes are changing over time. Let’s learn about what happens at an eye exam.
Eye Floaters
These are dark or transparent strands or spots that you see floating in your visual field. They move as you move your eyes. When you try to focus on them, they may drift out of your vision. This can be annoying.
Facet Joint Injections
The facet joints, found on both sides of the back of the spine, can become painfully irritated or inflamed. A facet joint injection may help diagnose the source of a patient’s pain. It can also relieve pain and inflammation.
Facet Joint Syndrome
This is a problem with the facet joints of the spine. These are the joints where one vertebra connects to another. They support your spine, while allowing it to bend and twist. With this syndrome, these joints become stiff and painful.
Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)
This is a problem with the hip joint. In a healthy hip, the ball of the femur is smooth and round. It fits perfectly into the hip socket. But with this condition, the ball, the socket or both the ball and the socket are shaped poorly. They don’t fit together well. When you move your hip, they rub together harmfully.
Finger Fracture
If you’ve fractured a finger, you’ve broken one or more of the finger bones we call “phalanges.” Each individual bone is called a “phalanx.” You’ve got three in each finger, and two in each thumb. They are supported by a network of soft tissues that can also be damaged during a fracture.
Finger Fracture Fixation
This procedure repairs a broken bone in your finger. It stabilizes the pieces of the bone so they heal properly.
Foraminotomy (Lumbar Spine)
This procedure relieves pressure on spinal nerves in your lower back. It makes more room in an opening called a “foramen.” That’s where a spinal nerve exits as it branches away from your spine.
Fracture of the Shoulder Socket (Glenoid Fracture)
This is a fracture of a part of the shoulder blade called the “glenoid.” This is the socket that holds the head of the humerus (the bone of the upper arm). A glenoid fracture can allow the head of the humerus to slip out of the socket.
Fractures of the Shoulder Blade (Scapula)
This condition is a break of the scapula, the large, flat, triangular bone that contains the shoulder socket. Because the scapula is well protected by the muscles of the shoulder, scapula fractures are uncommon.
Frostbite
This skin and tissue damage comes from extreme cold. Frostbite can happen to any part of your body. And it can be very serious.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
This is stiffening of your shoulder. It happens over time, and you may not know what caused it. With a frozen shoulder, it can be hard for you to be as active as you like.
Ganglion Cyst Removal
This procedure treats a fluid-filled lump called a “ganglion cyst.” This type of cyst forms near a joint. We often see it at the wrist.
Ganglion Cysts of the Hand
A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms as a herniation from a joint capsule or tendon sheath. The sac is attached to the joint or tendon sheath by a “stalk” that allows fluid to move into the pouch from the joint or sheath. The stalk functions as a valve and often limits fluid drainage out of the cyst, allowing the cyst to increase – but not decrease – in size. In some cases the stalk functions as a two-way valve, allowing fluid to travel in both directions. This can enable the cyst to increase and decrease in size based on activities.
Gastrectomy
This surgery removes part or all of your stomach. It’s used to treat stomach problems that can’t be helped in other ways. You may need this surgery if you have stomach bleeding or inflammation. You may need it if you have growths we call “polyps.” It’s also used to treat cancer.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
This is a regular irritation of your esophagus. That’s the part of your digestive system that goes from your mouth to your stomach. The irritation you feel is from acid that has escaped your stomach.
Genicular Nerve Ablation (RF Neurotomy)
During this outpatient procedure, the physician uses a radiofrequency device to heat up and disrupt the genicular nerves. These are the sensory nerves that transmit pain signals from the knee to the brain. Disrupting these pathways can provide long term relief from knee pain.
Genicular Nerve Block (G Block)
This outpatient procedure is an injection of anesthetic to the genicular nerves. These are the sensory nerves that transmit pain signals from the knee to the brain. Anesthetizing these nerves can disrupt the pain signals caused by degeneration of the knee. A genicular nerve block can provide temporary pain relief. It may help determine if a patient is a candidate for nerve ablation, which can provide long-term pain relief.
Gestational Diabetes
This is a form of diabetes you can develop when you’re pregnant. It usually goes away after birth. But we need to manage gestational diabetes for your health and for the health of your baby.
Getting the Most From Talk Therapy
Talk therapy, also called “psychotherapy,” is an important part of care for many mental health issues. During talk therapy, you meet with a therapist. You talk about your life and your relationships. Together, you find solutions to your problems.
Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis)
This is an allergic reaction to pollen. Pollen is a fine powder that comes from trees, grass and weeds. Different people are allergic to different types of pollen, and they react to it in different ways. Hay fever can be a real nuisance.
Healthy Eating
Proper nutrition is important for your health. Making good food choices, combined with regular exercise, can help you maintain a proper weight. If you are overweight, making small changes in your eating habits can make a big difference in your health. Follow these simple tips for proper nutrition.
Healthy Eating on a Budget
You want to eat a nutritious diet, but it isn’t always easy. Fast food is cheap and plentiful. But eating a lot of fast food can wreck your health. With a little effort, everyone can find healthy, affordable options. Here’s how.
Hearing Aids
If you don’t hear as well as you once did, hearing aids may help. They make sounds louder so you hear more clearly. They can’t completely fix your hearing. But they can make your hearing much better.
Hearing Loss (Gradual)
This is a loss over time of your ability to hear clearly. For most people, hearing loss is a natural part of growing older. It can cause problems with your ability to communicate with others. It can be frustrating for you and for those around you.
Hearing Loss (Sudden)
This is a form of hearing loss that can develop quickly and spontaneously. You may wake up and find that you have lost hearing in one ear, and you may not know why. This can be a frightening and frustrating experience.
Heart Attack Warning Signs
Fast action during a heart attack can be the difference between life and death. Fortunately, most heart attacks start slowly. Many begin with telltale warning signs. If you know how to spot these signs, and if you act quickly, you can get the help you need before it’s too late.
Heartburn
This is a burning sensation in your chest. It is related to your digestive system. Most people experience heartburn occasionally, and have only mild discomfort. But for some, it can be a chronic and painful problem.
Hernia Repair (Laparoscopic Procedure for Abdominal Hernia)
This surgery repairs a weak spot in your abdominal wall. It prevents organs and tissues from bulging out uncomfortably. That’s a condition we call a “hernia.”
Hernia Repair (Open Procedure for Abdominal Hernia)
This surgery repairs a weak spot in your abdominal wall. It prevents organs and tissues from bulging out uncomfortably. That’s a condition we call a “hernia.”
Herniated Disc
Between the vertebrae of your spine are soft discs. They let your spine twist and bend. They absorb shocks. But if damaged, the disc’s soft center can push through the disc wall. That’s a herniated disc. This bulge presses against nerves in your spine.
Hiatal Hernia
This condition develops when part of your stomach pushes up through an opening in your diaphragm called the “hiatus.” The diaphragm separates your chest from your abdominal cavity. The hiatus is the opening that your esophagus passes through.
Hip Fracture
This is a break of the upper part of your femur. The femur is the long bone in your upper leg. At the top of the femur is the “head.” This is the ball that fits into your hip socket. A hip fracture may happen at the “neck” of the femur (the thin portion of bone under the head). Fractures may also happen below the neck.
How Many Calories Should I Eat?
We know body weight is linked to the calories you eat. But what is a calorie, exactly? How many calories should you consume each day? Let’s take a few minutes to learn about calories and what they mean for you.
How to Put in Eye Drops
Many people have trouble getting eye drops into their eyes. It can be kind of tricky. But with some practice, it isn’t really hard to do. Let’s learn how.
Hyperextension Injury of the Elbow
This happens when you extend your elbow back farther than it’s supposed to go. That damages the bones and soft tissues in your joint. Hyperextension can dislocate or even fracture your elbow.
Hyperthyroidism
This is a problem with your thyroid. That’s a hormone-producing gland in your neck. The thyroid makes hormones that help control many activities in your body. These hormones affect things like your metabolism and heart rate. With hyperthyroidism, your thyroid makes more hormones than your body needs.
Hysterectomy (Overview)
This surgery removes the uterus. That’s also known as the “womb.” Other organs may be removed, too. Let’s learn about the basic types of hysterectomy, and why they are done.
Hysteroscopy (In-Office Method)
This procedure uses a device called a “hysteroscope” to see and treat issues in your womb. With hysteroscopy, we can examine your womb to find the cause of abnormal bleeding or pregnancy issues. We can take tissue samples. We can treat or remove things like fibroids, polyps and scar tissue. And we can place or remove a birth control device.
Inflammatory Arthritis of the Hip
This is a type of arthritis that can affect people of all ages. It’s not the same as the most common form of arthritis, called “osteoarthritis.” That type commonly comes from wear and tear. Inflammatory arthritis can develop without any wear and tear at all.
Joint Pain
Joint pain is a common problem for many people. It can keep you from doing the things you want to do. It can make it hard for you to be as active as you like. Let’s take a moment to learn about the causes of joint pain, and what you can do about it.
Kidney Cancer
This disease, also called renal cancer, is a condition in which abnormal cells grow in one or both kidneys. The kidneys are fist-sized organs that filter blood and produce urine. In adults, the most common type of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma. This cancer develops inside the lining of small tubes found in the kidney’s cortex and medulla regions.
Kidney Failure (Renal Failure)
This is the loss of the function of your kidneys. These are the organs that filter your blood to produce urine. When your kidneys can no longer cleanse your blood, waste builds up in your body. This can be fatal.
Kidney Stones
These are mineral deposits. They form in your kidneys (the organs that filter your blood to produce urine). They can cause excruciating pain, but typically they don’t cause physical harm to your body.
Kidney Stones
These are mineral deposits. They form in your kidneys (the organs that filter your blood to produce urine). They can cause excruciating pain, but typically they don’t cause physical harm to your body.
Knee Pain
Our knees take a lot of force. They support the weight of the body. They keep us upright and stable. They cushion us when we walk and run. So it’s not unusual to feel knee pain at some time in our lives. Let’s learn about knee pain, and what you can do about it.
Kyphoplasty (Balloon Vertebroplasty)
This minimally-invasive procedure repairs a vertebral compression fracture. It helps restore the spine’s natural shape. Some patients experience rapid pain relief after the procedure.
Labral Tear of the Hip (Acetabular Labrum Tear)
If your hip joint hurts, or if it catches or clicks when you move your leg, you may have a torn labrum. That’s a rim of tissue that surrounds the hip’s socket. It helps to deepen the socket and cushion the joint. A torn labrum can keep the hip joint from working smoothly.
Laminectomy
This procedure relieves pressure on the nerve roots in the spine. It is most commonly performed to relieve the pain of stenosis. This is a narrowing of the spinal canal that is often caused by the formation of bony growths that can press against the nerve roots. The surgeon may treat one or more vertebrae.
Laminotomy (of the Lumbar Spine)
This surgery creates more space around your spinal nerves. It gets rid of pressure and pinching. It can relieve pain, numbness and weakness linked to spinal nerve compression.
LASIK Eye Surgery
This improves vision by reshaping your eye’s cornea. That’s the clear outer layer at the front of your eye. LASIK can treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Injury
This is a stretching or tearing of a ligament on the outer side of your knee. The lateral collateral ligament, commonly called the “LCL”, connects the femur to the fibula. The LCL helps stabilize your knee. This ligament, along with the medial collateral ligament, helps prevent excessive side-to-side movement of your knee joint. It helps keep the upper and lower leg aligned properly.
Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
This condition, commonly called tennis elbow, is an inflammation of the tendons that connect the muscles of the forearm to the elbow. The pain is primarily felt at the lateral epicondyle, the bony bump on the outer side of the elbow.
Left Brain Stroke
Your brain is divided into left and right halves, called “hemispheres.” They specialize in different things. Because of this, a stroke on the left side of your brain can be very different from a stroke on the brain’s right side. Let’s look at some symptoms of a left brain stroke.
Limited Palmar Fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s Contracture
This surgery treats a condition called “Dupuytren’s contracture.” That’s a thickening and tightening of the fascia (a tissue layer under the skin of your palm and fingers). This surgery improves your fingers’ range of motion.
Living With a Pacemaker
If you’ve recently been given a pacemaker, you may have some concerns. You may worry that it will keep you from activities you enjoy. But it won’t. Sure, you’ll need to cut back on some things while your pacemaker settles into place. But soon, you’ll be as active as anyone else your age.
Living With Cancer
A diagnosis of cancer changes your life. It changes the lives of your loved ones, too. It may leave you facing some unexpected challenges. But you don’t have to let cancer rob you of your happiness. There are healthy ways to deal with cancer. Here are some coping strategies.
Living With Chronic Kidney Disease
If you’ve been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, you may be facing some unexpected challenges. But kidney disease doesn’t have to take over your life. Use these simple strategies to manage it.
Living With Chronic Pain
If you have pain that lasts for more than six months, you have “chronic” pain. It’s different from the temporary pain you feel when you hurt yourself. With chronic pain, you may not know why you are hurting. Your pain may affect your whole body and your mind, causing problems that ripple through every part of your life. But there is hope. Here are some tips to help you manage chronic pain.
Living With COPD
If you’ve been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, you may be facing some new challenges. But you can live a full life with COPD. You just have to take steps to manage your condition properly.
Living With Hearing Loss
If you’ve lost some of your hearing, you know how frustrating it can be. You may miss parts of what people are saying. And people may leave you out of conversations altogether. But there are some simple things you can do to make communication easier.
Living With Post-Concussion Syndrome
After a concussion, you may have some unexpected physical and emotional effects. You may experience things like headaches, memory problems and depression. We call this “post-concussion syndrome.” You can have this syndrome even if your injury didn’t seem severe. And, these effects can last for a long time.
Living With Sleep Apnea
If you have sleep apnea, it’s important to follow your treatment plan. That’s because sleep apnea is a serious disorder. If you don’t manage it properly, you can have serious complications. It can be fatal. Here are a few things you should think about.
Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection
This injection procedure is performed to relieve low back and radiating leg pain. Steroid medication can reduce the swelling and inflammation caused by spinal conditions.
Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica)
This condition is an irritation or compression of one or more nerve roots in the lumbar spine. Because these nerves travel to the hips, buttocks, legs and feet, an injury in the lumbar spine can cause symptoms in these areas. Sciatica may result from a variety of problems with the bones and tissues of the lumbar spinal column.
Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection
This outpatient procedure is an injection of a steroid-anesthetic medication. The medication can reduce swelling and inflammation of irritated spinal nerves. This procedure is performed to relieve pain in the lower back and pain that radiates from the back to the legs. The injection takes only a few minutes to complete.
Male Infertility
For many couples, male infertility interrupts plans to have children. What causes male infertility? Well, there are many reasons.
Managing Gestational Diabetes
Being diagnosed with gestational diabetes can be stressful. But with proper care and management, you can stay healthy and deliver a healthy baby. In many cases, gestational diabetes goes away on its own after the mother gives birth.
Managing Insomnia
If you have insomnia, your days are hard. You feel exhausted, and you may have trouble at work or at school. But for many people, better sleep habits can make a big difference. Here are some things that may help you get more sleep.
Managing Type 1 Diabetes in Children and Teens
If your child has type 1 diabetes, you’re a key part of their care. It’s an important job. You need to know about things like glucose, insulin and healthy diets. At first, this feels overwhelming. But don’t worry. You’ll quickly become an expert.
Managing Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes requires careful management. If you’ve been recently diagnosed, you will most likely need to make some lifestyle changes. A more active and healthy lifestyle can help you avoid the serious complications linked to diabetes.
Medial Branch Block
This is an injection of numbing medicine. It bathes the medial branch nerves, which attach to the facet joints of your spine. These nerves hurt when facet joints are injured or diseased. The injection helps find the source of your pain. And it may relieve your pain for a brief time.
Medial Branch Block (Cervical)
This is an injection of numbing medicine that bathes the medial branch nerves. These nerves are attached to the facet joints of the spine. Disease or injury of these joints can cause pain in the medial branch nerves. This pain may travel through the neck, shoulders, upper back and head. A medial branch block can help your physician find the source of your pain. It may also provide temporary pain relief.
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury
This is a stretching or tearing of a ligament on the inner side of your knee. The medial collateral ligament, commonly called the “MCL”, is connected to the femur and to the tibia. The MCL helps stabilize your knee. This ligament, along with the lateral collateral ligament, helps prevent excessive side-to-side movement of your knee joint. It helps keep the upper and lower leg aligned properly.
Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)
This condition, commonly called golfer’s elbow, is an inflammation of the tendons that connect the muscles of the forearm to the elbow. The pain is primarily felt at the medial epicondyle, the bony bump on the inner side of the elbow.
Menopause
This is a natural process that most often happens after age 45. Menopause occurs when you haven’t had a period for 12 full months. After menopause you can’t get pregnant. Let’s take a moment to learn more.
Menstrual Cramps
These are pains in your lower abdomen. You may feel them before and during your menstrual period. For most women, they’re not serious. But for some, they can be very painful.
Mental Illness
This is a name we give to disorders of the mind. Depression, anorexia, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are examples of some well-known mental illnesses, but there are a wide range of others. These disorders can affect your mood, and the way you think and act. Some are very disruptive and hard to treat. But most can be managed with proper care.
Mental Illness Warning Signs
There are many forms of mental illness. They affect all types of people and all ages. We don’t fully understand what causes them. But we have learned to recognize them, even in the early stages. That’s because mental illness often triggers dramatic changes. Here are the signs that help is needed.
Mindful Eating
It seems we don’t always have time for traditional meals. We may grab a quick bite while working, or eat while we’re “on-the-go.” We may choose foods we know aren’t healthy. Eating this way isn’t good for you. Junk food is bad for your body. And when you eat while focused on other things, it’s easy to eat too much. To combat these bad habits, you can practice a technique we call “mindful eating.”
Mole Danger Signs
Although most skin moles are harmless, sometimes they turn into cancer. Skin cancer can be deadly, but many types of skin cancer can be treated successfully if caught early. So if you have a mole, it’s important to watch it closely for warning signs of cancer. You can remember the warning signs by remembering “ABCDE.”
Muscle Imbalance in the Shoulder
Some of the muscles in your shoulder have opposing roles. When you move your arm, certain muscles contract while their opposing muscles relax. But when a muscle becomes much stronger than its opposing muscle, your shoulder can become unstable. You may have trouble moving it normally. We call this a “muscle imbalance.”
Myelography (Myelogram)
This outpatient procedure is a diagnostic examination of the spine. It allows the physician to identify problems involving the spine, the spinal cord and the nerve roots.
Narcolepsy
This is a disorder of your brain and nervous system. Your brain has trouble managing sleep/wake cycles. You sleep poorly, and you feel very drowsy during the day. You may fall asleep without warning at inappropriate and dangerous times. This can disrupt your life.
Oral Cancer
This is a cancer that forms in a part of your oral cavity. That includes your lips, tongue, mouth and throat. Oral cancers can be serious and hard to treat. They can spread through your lymphatic system to other parts of your body.
Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Knee pain may keep you from being as active as you like. And it may come from a gradual breakdown of your knee’s cartilage. That’s a protective tissue on the ends of your bones. In a healthy knee, the bones glide smoothly against each other. But in a knee with osteoarthritis, cartilage begins to wear away. Bone rubs against bone. Bony bumps we call “bone spurs” may form.
Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder
Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative arthritis, is a gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints. Cartilage is a tough, flexible connective tissue that protects the ends of bones in the joints. Osteoarthritis of the shoulder can severely impact a person’s lifestyle.
Osteoporosis
As you get older, your bones may get weaker. This is called “osteoporosis.” Weak bones are more likely to break. Osteoporosis can be a problem for anyone, but it is more common in women.
Overuse Injuries of the Elbow
If you are an athlete, or if you work with your arms and hands, your elbows may be at risk for an overuse injury. This is an injury caused by repetitive motions. This type of injury can be a problem for people who play sports such as tennis or baseball. Children also have a higher risk, because their bones are still growing.
Overweight and Obesity
Staying fit is a challenge for many people. Carrying too much body fat is bad for your health. Being “overweight” means you weigh more than what we consider normal for your body type. If you keep gaining weight, you may become “obese.” Let’s take a few minutes to learn about weight and your health.
Oxygen Therapy
This treatment gives you extra oxygen to breathe. We use it for lung conditions. It helps with COPD, pneumonia and asthma. We also use it for other conditions that affect oxygenation of your blood, like heart failure. It’s not a cure for these problems. But it helps you feel less breathless. It may help you stay more active. You need a prescription for this therapy.
Pap Test (Pap Smear)
This test looks for abnormal cells on your cervix. That’s the lower part of your uterus. We do this test to find cells that may become cancer. It also helps us find cancer that is still in its early stages.
Physical Therapy (Overview)
If you have problems moving your body, physical therapy can help. It can control your pain and help you recover from injury or disease. It can help you get better after surgery. It can also help keep you healthy as you get older.
Pinched Nerve
If you have unexplained pain, numbness, weakness or tingling, you may have a pinched nerve. That’s when something presses against a nerve in your body. It stops the nerve from acting the way it’s supposed to.
Pituitary Tumor
Your pituitary gland is found just under your brain. This pea-sized gland makes hormones that affect many of your body’s functions. A pituitary tumor can cause it to release too much or too little of these hormones. This can cause serious problems.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an irritation of the plantar fascia. This thick band of connective tissue travels across the bottom of the foot between the toes and the heel. It supports the foot’s natural arch. It stretches and becomes taut whenever the foot bears weight.
Pneumonia: Recovery
Recovering from a bout of pneumonia can be difficult. Your recovery may take days or several weeks depending on your age, your overall health and the seriousness of your infection. Follow these few simple guidelines to regain your health as quickly as possible.
Pneumonia: Treatment
Pneumonia is a common infection of the lungs. It can be serious, and it can cause you to be hospitalized. The options used to treat you will depend on your age, your overall health and the severity of your infection.
Post-Laminectomy Syndrome
This condition, also called “failed back surgery syndrome,” is a type of chronic pain. It can develop in some people after spine surgery.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injuries
Strong bands of tissue called “ligaments” help stabilize the bones that form the knee joint. One of these ligaments is called the “PCL.” It helps connect the femur to the tibia. If you stretch or tear a PCL, your knee may become unstable.
Postpartum Care After a C-Section
After you give birth, your body needs time to heal. We call this the “postpartum” period. It usually lasts about six weeks. It’s important to follow your care plan during this time so you can make a full recovery.
Pregnancy: Your First Trimester
You’ve begun your first three months of pregnancy. We call this the “first trimester.” It’s the start of some big changes in your life. You may be a little anxious. Let’s learn about what you can expect.
Pregnancy: Your Second Trimester
You’re in your second three months of pregnancy. We call this the “second trimester.” You’re used to the idea of being pregnant. And hopefully the worst of your nausea has passed. But now you’ll see more visible physical changes.
Pregnancy: Your Third Trimester
You’re in the last three months of your pregnancy. We call this the “third trimester.” Your baby is growing rapidly, and your body is getting ready for childbirth. Here are some things you may experience.
Prenatal Care
This is health care you get while you’re pregnant. It helps us make sure that you and your baby are as healthy as possible. And it lets us spot issues along the way.
Prostate Cancer
This is a common cancer in men. It forms in the prostate. That’s a small gland at the base of the male bladder. Prostate cancer usually grows slowly, but it can spread to other parts of your body.
PRP Therapy (Overview)
Platelet rich plasma therapy can help injured joints and other problems. It uses parts of your own blood to reduce pain and speed up healing.
Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)
This is a form of care that focuses on your thoughts and emotions. With psychotherapy, you build a relationship with a therapist. The therapist helps you learn about yourself. You learn how you affect others, and how others affect you. Psychotherapy can help you become aware of problems. It can teach you to manage your feelings and control your actions. You should be open and honest during your therapy. You should be prepared to discuss very personal things. This is how your therapist helps guide you to solutions for your issues.
Pulmonary Hypertension (PH)
This is high blood pressure inside your pulmonary arteries. Those are the arteries that carry blood from your heart to your lungs. With this condition, your heart has to work harder to pump blood to your lungs. This is bad for your heart. It can cause serious health problems.
Radiofrequency Neurotomy of the Cervical Facets
This procedure uses heat from radio waves to treat painful facet joints in your neck. It eases pain that isn’t helped by medications or physical therapy.
Radiofrequency Neurotomy of the Lumbar Facets
This procedure uses heat from radio waves to treat painful facet joints in your lower back. It eases pain that isn’t helped by medications or physical therapy.
Radiofrequency Neurotomy of the Thoracic Facets
This procedure uses heat from radio waves to treat painful facet joints in your upper back. It eases pain that isn’t helped by medications or physical therapy.
Recovering From Childbirth
After you give birth, it’s normal to focus your energy on your new baby. But it’s important to remember your own needs, too. Here are some tips to help you in the days after childbirth.
Reducing Your Risk for Heart Attack
Your risk for heart attack is tied to a lot of factors. Some things (like your age and family history) you can’t control. But you do have control over many others. So if you’re worried about your risk, focus on these aspects of your health.
Reducing Your Risk for Stroke
Your risk for stroke is tied to a lot of factors. Some things (like your age and family history) you can’t control. But you do have control over many others. So if you’re worried about your risk, focus on these healthy habits.
Regional Anesthesia
This is an injection of anesthetic. It blocks pain in a large area of your body. It doesn’t put you to sleep. But along with it, we may give you medicine to relax you or put you to sleep.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
This condition makes you feel like you need to move your legs when you are resting. It can keep you awake at night. And trips in a plane or a car can be uncomfortable.
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
This surgery repairs a damaged shoulder joint. It reverses the position of the ball and the socket. This lets you move your arm with your deltoid muscle, instead of the muscles of the rotator cuff.
Right Brain Stroke
Your brain is divided into left and right halves, called “hemispheres.” They specialize in different things. Because of this, a stroke on the right side of your brain can be very different from a stroke on the brain’s left side. Let’s look at some symptoms of a right brain stroke.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff muscles and tendons hold your upper arm bone in your shoulder socket. A hard fall, repetitive arm motions or problems with the structure of your shoulder can injure the rotator cuff.
Rotator Cuff Repair (Arthroscopic)
This surgery repairs a tear of the rotator cuff in your shoulder. The rotator cuff is group of muscles and tendons. It holds the head of the humerus in the shoulder socket.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (Laparoscopic Method)
This surgery makes your stomach smaller. That helps you eat less and lose weight when diet and exercise don’t work. It can help you avoid serious health problems linked to obesity.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (Open Surgery Method)
This surgery makes your stomach smaller. That helps you eat less and lose weight when diet and exercise don’t work. It can help you avoid serious health problems linked to obesity.
Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Your sacroiliac joints (we call them the “SI” joints) are the places where your hips meet your spine. These joints don’t have a lot of flexibility, but they do move slightly as you move your body. And if SI joints become damaged or diseased, it can be painful.
Safe Exercise During Heart Attack Recovery
After a heart attack, it’s important to get regular exercise. By exercising your heart, you lower your risk for future problems. But you need to make sure you’re exercising safely. Here are some things to keep in mind as you get back on your feet. Of course, before starting any exercise plan, talk to your doctor.
Selective Nerve Root Block (SNRB) in the Cervical Spine
This injection targets a painful nerve in your cervical spine. It helps your doctor find which nerve is pressed on by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis or some other problem. It may give you pain relief.
Selective Nerve Root Block (SNRB) in the Lumbar Spine
This injection targets a painful nerve in your lumbar spine. It helps your doctor find which nerve is hurt by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis or some other problem. It may give you pain relief.
Septic Arthritis (of the Knee)
This is an infection in the knee joint. It causes your knee to become painfully inflamed. Without proper treatment, it can become a chronic problem. It can permanently damage your knee.
Setting Weight-Loss Goals
If you’re planning to lose weight, congratulations! Before you begin, let’s talk about weight-loss goals. Many people set goals that that aren’t well thought out. This leads to failure. But by avoiding common pitfalls, you can set goals you can achieve.
Shortness of Breath
Sometimes you find yourself fighting for air. No matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to get enough. It’s scary. It leaves you feeling worried and uneasy. How does this happen? Well, it’s usually linked to a problem with your lungs or your heart.
Shoulder Dislocation
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball of your upper arm bone fits into a socket in your shoulder blade. If the ball slips out, your shoulder has “dislocated.”
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
This is a painful pinching of soft tissues in your shoulder. It happens when these tissues rub and press against a part of your shoulder blade called the “acromion.” This can irritate your rotator cuff tendons, and also a soft sac called the “subacromial bursa.”
Shoulder Instability
This is a looseness of the shoulder joint. With it, your arm slides around too much in the socket. It may slip out of the socket easily. Instability can happen because the ligaments that hold your shoulder together aren’t tight enough. Or, the cartilage around your shoulder socket may be damaged.
Shoulder Pain
Our shoulders are the most movable joints in the body. They give our arms great range of motion. They allow us to lift and control heavy loads. Shoulder pain is a problem many of us feel at some time in our lives. Let’s learn about shoulder pain, and what you can do about it.
Shoulder Separation
This is an injury of the acromioclavicular joint (commonly called the “AC” joint). This is the joint where the clavicle meets the scapula. A shoulder separation is a stretching or a tearing of the ligaments that support these bones. This allows the bones to move out of position.
Sinusitis (Sinus Infection)
This condition is an inflammation and swelling of your sinuses. These are hollow, air-filled cavities in your skull. They open into your nasal passages. Sinusitis can be a painful condition. For some people, it can become a chronic problem.
Sleep Apnea
This is a breathing disorder. With it, your breathing becomes irregular when you sleep. Your breaths may become shallow. Your breathing may stop completely for extended periods of time. This severely disrupts your sleep.
Sleep Issues During Pregnancy
Many women find it hard to get restful sleep during pregnancy. Let’s take a moment to learn about sleep issues during pregnancy, and how you can manage it.
Smoking and Your Health
We all know cigarette smoking is bad for you. We know it hurts your lungs. But did you know it can hurt you in other ways, too? Let’s learn about the ways smoking affects your body.
Spinal Anesthesia for Childbirth
This injection of anesthetic numbs your lower body. It keeps you from feeling the pain of a C-section, or the pain of childbirth. You’ll be awake and alert during and after this injection.
Spinal Cord Stimulation (Paddle Lead, Medtronic)
Spinal cord stimulation (also called SCS) uses electrical impulses to relieve chronic pain of the back, arms and legs. It is believed that electrical pulses prevent pain signals from being received by the brain. SCS candidates include people who suffer from neuropathic pain and for whom conservative treatments have failed.
Spinal Stenosis
Your spinal nerves travel through your spinal canal and exit through openings we call “foramen.” If any of these spaces are too narrow, your nerves become compressed. We say you have “spinal stenosis.” It’s a problem that most often happens in the neck and lower back.
Spinal Stenosis (Cervical)
This problem affects the spinal nerves in your neck. It’s a narrowing of the spinal canal. That’s the space your spinal nerves travel through. In a healthy spine, the spinal canal protects these nerves. It keeps them free from injury. But with spinal stenosis, the spinal canal is too narrow, and your nerves get compressed.
Spondylolisthesis
This condition occurs when a lumbar vertebra slips out of place. It slides forward, distorting the shape of your spine. This may compress the nerves in the spinal canal. The nerves that exit the foramen (open spaces on the sides of your vertebrae) may also be compressed. These compressed nerves can cause pain and other problems.
Spondylolysis
This is a crack that forms in a narrow bridge of bone at the back of a vertebra. A vertebra is one of the bones that forms your spine. Often, this injury happens in the lumbar spine. It can happen to people of all ages. But, we most often see it in children and teens. That’s because their bones are still growing.
Sports Hernia
This is a strain or a tear of soft tissue. It often involves the muscles and tendons that travel from your lower abdomen to your pubic bone. A sports hernia does not create a hole in your abdominal wall. This injury can be difficult to diagnose, because it does not cause a bulge in your skin.
Staying Motivated While on a Weight Loss Plan
You’re working hard to lose weight, and even though you’ve had some success, it’s not easy. Maybe your weight loss has stalled. Maybe your diet is beginning to bore you. Maybe you’re having cravings you just can’t ignore. You need help to stay motivated. Let’s talk about some tricks that can keep you on track.
Strep Throat
This is a bacterial infection of your throat. It can pass easily from person to person. It is most common in children, but adults can also contract this infection.
Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures are one or more tiny cracks in a bone. These fractures are common in the legs and feet. That’s because your legs and feet have to support your weight and absorb the forces of walking, running and jumping.
Stroke
This is a slow down or blockage of the blood that normally flows to part of your brain. When it happens, your brain cells don’t get the oxygen and nutrients they need. Within minutes, they begin to die.
Stroke Recovery
If you’ve had a stroke, you’re likely facing some unexpected challenges. Strokes affect different people in different ways, and every recovery is unique. But here are some things you’ll need to consider.
Stroke Warning Signs
During a stroke, fast action is key. Getting help quickly can be the difference between life and death. Fortunately, there are many warning signs that show you a stroke is happening. So get help immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms.
Stuffy Nose (Nasal Congestion)
Your nose gets stuffy when blood vessels in the inner lining of your nose become inflamed. You may have a runny nose, too, which makes breathing even harder. For most people, a stuffy nose isn’t a serious problem. But it can be a nuisance.
Subacromial Decompression
This surgery treats subacromial impingement. That’s a pain you feel when you raise your arm. It happens when tendons in your shoulder press and rub against a part of your shoulder blade called the “acromion.” This surgery is commonly done with the help of a special camera called an “arthroscope.”
Substance Abuse
This is when you use alcohol or drugs in a way that harms you or puts you in danger. Abusing a substance can cause you to become dependent on it over time. You may feel powerless to stop using it. This can cause problems for you and your family. It can severely impact your life. It can be life threatening.
Sunburn
This is an uncomfortable and often very painful skin condition. With it, your skin becomes red, tender and warm.
Tendon Repair (in the Finger or Thumb)
This surgery fixes a tendon that has been cut or torn. Tendons are strong bands of connective tissue. They connect muscle to bone. When a tendon is cut or torn, the two ends may pull away from each other. Some tears don’t heal properly without surgery.
Testicular Cancer
This cancer is most often found in males between the ages of 15 and 35. It can form in one or both testicles (also called the “testes”). These reproductive organs make sperm and sex hormones.
Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injection
This outpatient procedure is an injection performed to relieve pain in the upper back.
Throwing Injuries of the Elbow
Throwing overhand again and again puts a lot of stress on your elbow. It can lead to injury. Young athletes, in particular, are at risk. Some play sports all year without learning how to throw properly. And, their bones are still growing. Let’s look at how the elbow can be damaged.
Thyroid Cancer
This is an abnormal growth of cells in your thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland. Your thyroid is located in the base of your neck. The hormones it produces help regulate your metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature.
Thyroid Cancer
This is an abnormal growth of cells in your thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland. Your thyroid is located in the base of your neck. The hormones it produces help regulate your metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature.
Tinnitus
If you hear an annoying buzzing or ringing sound in one or both ears, you have tinnitus. It can bother you a lot. Tinnitus is a problem with your auditory system. That’s the system that lets you hear. The problem may be in the ear. It may be in the nerve that connects your ear to your brain. Or, it may be in the part of your brain that makes sense of sound signals. Usually, tinnitus is not a sign that you have a serious issue.
Total Shoulder Replacement
This surgery fixes a damaged or diseased shoulder joint. The bad parts will be taken out and replaced with artificial parts. The new parts let your shoulder move smoothly.
Ulnar Nerve Transposition
This surgery relieves pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow. It moves the nerve to keep it from being compressed by the medial epicondyle (a bony bump on the inner side of your elbow).
Understanding Your Cancer Prognosis
During cancer treatment, you may wonder how things will turn out. Your doctor can tell you how your cancer is likely to affect you. Your doctor also can explain how you may respond to treatment. This is called your cancer “prognosis.” Your prognosis helps you make decisions about your care.
Urge Incontinence (Overactive Bladder)
This is when you need to urinate often and suddenly. It happens when the muscles that control your bladder have spasms. These spasms can force out urine even when your bladder isn’t full. When you feel the need to go, you may have only a few seconds to get to the toilet.
Urinalysis
This urine test can show a variety of problems in your body. Your doctor may order a urinalysis to check for signs of urinary tract infection or kidney disease. The test can also show signs of diabetes or pregnancy.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
This is an infection of any part of your urinary system, which collects and removes urine. Most UTIs involve the urethra and bladder. But some UTIs involve the ureters and kidneys.
Vasectomy
This is for men who don’t want to father any more children. It’s a form of permanent birth control. It stops sperm from getting into your ejaculatory fluid. You’ll still be able to ejaculate, but the fluid won’t contain sperm.
Weightlifter’s Shoulder (Distal Clavicular Osteolysis)
If overuse has led to pain in the front of your shoulder, you may have an injury we call “weightlifter’s shoulder.” It’s a type of damage that most often affects the end of the clavicle (commonly called the “collarbone”).
What Do the Adrenal Glands Do?
This pair of glands is found in your abdomen. We also call them the “suprarenal” glands, because they sit on top of the kidneys. But what do they do, exactly? Let’s take a look at your adrenal glands.
What Do the Parathyroids Do?
Your parathyroids are a group of four small glands at the base of your neck. But what do they do, exactly? Let’s take a moment to learn more.
What Does an Endocrinologist Do?
An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in diseases that affect your endocrine system. These are the glands and organs that make hormones. Your hormones are chemicals that tell all of your body’s systems how to function. Diseases that interfere with your hormones can have serious effects.
What Does the Pituitary Gland Do?
Your pituitary is a tiny gland deep inside your head. Despite its small size, it plays a big role. It controls many other glands in your body. We often call it the “master gland.”
What Does the Thyroid Do?
Your thyroid is a gland at the base of your neck. But what does the thyroid do, exactly? Let’s take a moment to learn more about it.
Where Lower Back Pain Begins
Lower back pain is a common problem that severely impacts the quality of your life. It can limit your ability to be active. It can cause you to miss work. Many different causes may lead to pain in your lower back.
Where Neck Pain Begins
Neck pain is a common problem that severely impacts the quality of your life. It can limit your ability to be active. It can cause you to miss work. Many different causes may lead to pain in your neck.
Why You Should Avoid Junk Food
You’re hungry, and that bag of chips in the vending machine sure looks good. Maybe you could wash it down with a soda. What’s the harm, right? Well, it depends on how often you indulge. These are what we call “junk food,” and they aren’t good for your body.