Leg cramps can be caused by: humid weather, pregnancy, dehydration, overuse of a muscle (muscle strain), blood pressure medication (diuretics) or drugs used for lowering cholesterol levels. However, leg cramps can also signal an underlying medical condition known as inadequate blood supply to the legs in which case medical advice and treatment for leg cramps Missouri clinics offer should be sought as soon as possible. Moreover, unexpected leg cramps can also signal metabolic problems such as type one diabetes, kidney failure, hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, hyperthyroidism, anemia, cirrhosis and chronic kidney disease. In addition, leg cramps can even be a sign of potential heart problems or stroke because poor circulation in the arteries of the legs can also mean poor circulation in the heart arteries as well.             Other known causes of leg cramps include low levels of electrolytes (such as magnesium, potassium and...

If you’re a woman of childbearing age, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of fibroids. Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) growths that develop in the uterus and affects an estimated 20-70% of women in their lifetime. Though fibroids usually do not cause symptoms or require treatment, some women with fibroids may experience heavy vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and other problems. For women who suffer from symptomatic fibroids , there are many treatment options available, including surgical removal of the fibroid (myomectomy) or the entire uterus (hysterectomy). However, surgery may not be an option for women who want to remain fertile, are a poor surgical candidate, or prefer to avoid surgical intervention altogether. For these women, uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) provides an excellent alternative to surgery. What is UFE? UFE is a minimally invasive procedure that treats symptomatic fibroids by shrinking the fibroids and relieving related symptoms such as heavy bleeding and...

The main three quick home remedies for lower back pain are: bed rest, mindful pain management and exercise to loosen muscles and reduce discomfort. However, before exercising, it is very important to remember stretching in the morning. Gentle stretching the hamstring muscles located in the back of the thighs is essential for limiting lower back pain during physical activity.               There is a lot that bed rest can help with. Restorative sleep is required for the tissue to heal properly and for energy levels to recharge quickly. In order to improve sleep quality, you can make lifestyle changes or try sleep medication.             In terms of physical activity, it is important to try exercises that engage your core muscles. Moreover, aerobic exercises can release inner endorphins that can help block signals from registering pain in your brain. They can also alleviat...

Spinal compression fractures are osteoporotic and vertebral fractures that can alter the strength and shape of the spine. If too much stress is placed on a vertebra, it can collapse and cause debilitating symptoms that impact quality of life. In three months, spinal compression fractures can heal on their own, but they do not always heal properly. You can lose height and have a more bent back afterwards. Besides fractured bones that do not heal properly, complications of compression fractures also include: damage of nearby vertebrae, blood clots in the legs, decreased mobility, permanent spinal cord injury, nerve damage, abnormalities in the spine and paralysis.             After undergoing an MRI exam that identifies the spinal compression fracture, it is advisable to seek medical treatment. Spinal compression fractures can become less painful with pain medication and rest. Moreover, you can also try physical therapy and back bra...

Knee embolization is also known as genicular artery embolization and it is meant to alleviate knee pain and target inflammation. GAE (genicular artery embolization) is a minimally-invasive procedure that can help reduce pain for patients with osteoarthritis. It is an outpatient procedure that only requires mild sedation. Moreover, it is safe, effective and FDA-approved.             For those that do not want to undergo GAE, few options are left. The main one is taking painkillers such as ibuprofen and diclofenac that block enzymes which cause pain and swelling. The strongest of the two is diclofenac. It is a very effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Its main brand names are: Cambia, Cataflan, Zorvolex, Zipsor and Voltaren (which is a topical gel that is available over the counter).             Another option is undergoing therapy that strengthens the muscles around...

Femoral artery word cloud concept An endovascular specialist treats the intricate system of veins and arteries. If you are obese, diabetic or a smoker, it is very important to be seen by this type of specialist. Moreover, if you suffer from high blood pressure or vascular disease, it is also essential to pay the endovascular specialist a visit.             An endovascular specialist is an Interventional Radiologist trained in minimally invasive procedures that address issues with the vascular system which is an intricate network of vessels that our bodies fully rely on. Furthermore, these specialists are also trained in wound care.             The main common signs of circulation problems include pain in the legs and numbing or burning sensation in the toes. These are signs of narrowed arteries diminishing blood supply to the legs, which could, ultimately, signal PAD. ...

PAD can be diagnosed by taking blood tests that check: diabetes, cholesterol levels and triglycerides. It can also be diagnosed by means of ankle-brachial index (ABI) which compares the blood pressure in the ankle with the one present in the arm. Once diagnosed, it is important to take these steps: monitor your diabetes, exercise regularly, quit smoking, take care of your mental health and make important lifestyle changes.             The main three tips on what to do if diagnosed with PAD entail: employing treatment strategies from a peripheral artery disease doctor Kansas City offers , making lifestyle changes to ease symptoms and managing PAD medically in order to reduce complications.             Treatment strategies include enhancing walking abilities, reducing cardiovascular risk, stopping atherosclerosis. They can also consist of: cather-directed thrombolysis, exercise...

Common signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids include: backache, heavy period flow, constipations, leg pain, frequent urination, urinary tract infections, pelvic pressure or a vague discomfort felt as heaviness in the lower abdomen. The main cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, but it is well documented that the estrogen hormone promotes the growth of abnormal muscle cells that end up turning into benign tumor cells called uterine fibroids.             You can know whether you have uterine fibroids just by identifying symptoms such as: pain during intercourse, abdominal bloating, chronic pelvic pain and severe cramping. Moreover, uterine fibroids can also cause fatigue or make you feel dizzy, tired and nauseous.             Natural remedies for uterine fibroids include green tea which is rich in a bioflavonoid called EGCG. It reduces inflammation and the number of fibroids. ...