Ishat Narain

Toenail fungus can spread relatively fast if not treated, damaging your nails and the surrounding skin. The condition can aggravate underneath your nails, causing more severe symptoms. The team at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center, under the leadership of Ruben Nieto, DPM, provides effective treatment for toenail fungus in Bakersfield to ensure you eliminate toenail fungus at the first sign of it. This will help avoid more damage to your nails and skin. For more information, call or book an appointment online today. Telehealth, same-day and next-day appointments are available.

What is Toenail Fungus?

Also known as onychomycosis, toenail fungus is caused by particular yeasts, bacteria, and molds. The condition starts as a small yellow or white spot underneath your nail. The fungus penetrates the nails via small breaks and cracks, and when left untreated, it can spread and cause damage even to the surrounding nails.

How Do You Know if You Have Toenail Fungus?

You might be having toenail fungus if any of your nails are distorted, brownish or yellow, crumbling, filled with debris, thickened, or breaking easily. When the toenail fungus starts to aggravate, it can begin to get a foul smell. If your toenail has pus or blood discharge, you might have an infection that needs treatment by a diabetic foot and wound care specialist. More so, if you have diabetes, chronic venous insufficiency, or other chronic health conditions that negatively affect your blood circulation, wound care services can help prevent infections and other possible complications. The Diabetic Foot and Wound Center team provides wound care services appointments to treat any of your conditions.

What Are the Common Risk Factors for Toenail Fungus?

Anyone can get toenail fungus infections. However, the condition is more common in individuals with sweaty feet and older adults with thickened toenails. Other risk factors of toenail fungus include wearing unclean socks, walking barefoot in locker rooms, a history of athlete’s foot, diabetes, skin conditions such as psoriasis, and a weakened immune system. You are also at risk of getting toenail fungus if you use public swimming pools frequently.

What Are the Available Treatments for Toenail Fungus?

In most cases, toenail fungus is easily eliminated by using topical solutions such as medicated nail polish. However, if the fungus has spread, you might require oral medications to treat the condition. If the fungus does not respond to topical treatments, the doctor might recommend surgical interventions to remove the fungus completely. The Diabetic Foot and Wound Center team provides debridement to keep the infected nail separated from the tissue underneath. They might, in some cases, recommend removing the nail completely to easily apply the antifungal medication underneath directly.

How Can You Prevent Getting A Toenail Fungus Infection?

If you are susceptible to fungal infections, maintaining your feet dry and clean always can considerably decrease your probability of getting a toenail fungus. Regular trimming of your toenails can also help in preventing the bacteria from being trapped underneath your nails.

In conclusion, early toenail fungus intervention at the first sign can result in easy and successful treatment. If you are experiencing any of the listed symptoms of toenail fungus, call or schedule an appointment online with Diabetic Foot and Wound Center at Bakersfield, CA today.

Men have unique health complications such as reduced testosterone levels which can affect one’s life significantly. Reduced testosterone levels are one of the main issues concerning men’s health in Coconut Creek, and you are not alone if you suspect you are suffering from the condition. But there are several ways to tell if you are encountering reduced testosterone levels as it causes some physical and psychological complications, mainly as you age. Look at the following common symptoms of reduced testosterone levels to be enlightened more.

Low Sex Drive

While it is expected to experience fewer erections as you age, it is not normal to lose sex interest or fail to sustain an erection. Therefore, chat with your doctor if you are experiencing this, as reduced testosterone levels could cause it. Additionally, lowered testosterone levels can cause decreased sperm counts, decreased and low-quality erections, erectile dysfunction, low libido, and possible infertility. Watch out for such symptoms and report to your doctor.

Abnormal Body Changes

Experiencing body changes as you age is normal as it is expected that your testosterone levels will decrease gradually as you age. However, you should not experience any abnormal changes, and you should report the changes you are noticing to your doctor. You might notice your testicles have become small, and your breast is tender or swollen. If you are a young adult, you might look younger than your chronological age, and you might be void of facial or body hair. Additionally, you can experience hot flashes, changes in blood lipids, and decreased muscle mass, strength, and endurance.

Behaviour Changes

Reduced testosterone levels can cause you to experience some behavioral changes, and you might feel fatigued, experience change in your sleep pattern, or have difficulty sleeping. You can also experience some mood changes like anxiety, depression, and irritability. To some extent, you might also suffer issues with concentration, memory, or a sudden decrease in self-confidence.

Aging-related Symptoms

Aging influences your testosterone levels significantly, and it is good to understand what you can expect as you age. After age 30, research proves that your testosterone levels decrease by 1% every year, and by the time you are 45, you will have low testosterone levels. However, these levels are normal and may not have significant side effects on you. That is why you should watch out for abnormal symptoms you experience and report to your doctor to understand if they are normal.

Risk Factors

Several factors increase your chances of experiencing reduced low testosterone levels, and if you notice them in your life, you have a high chance of enduring the condition. If you are an alcoholic, please discuss with your doctor ways to reduce your intake or avoid alcohol completely to reduce your chances of experiencing low testosterone levels. Other issues associated with reduced testosterone levels include:

• Testicular cancer
• Testicles injuries
• Cholesterol and high blood pressure
• Hormonal disorders
• Infections like HIV/AIDS
• Chronic opiate medication use
• Type two diabetes

Low testosterone levels in men are common, causing several issues, but the good news is that it is treatable. Reach out to Broward Specialty Group today to schedule a consultation appointment. Your provider will discuss your treatment options after your diagnosis to help you lead a quality life. 

Everybody takes pride in a full head of hair which makes hair loss a major concern. But the good news is that several measures can be put in place for hair restoration in Pasadena if you experience any degree of hair loss. Therefore, it is not like you do not have a choice but to let it happen. You can work with a hair restoration specialist to determine the best treatment for you. You can also employ several helpful strategies to reduce hair loss, including hair care routine and lifestyle changes as outlined herein. Follow through.

Learn How to Wash and Dry Your Hair

The way you wash and dry your hair can contribute to hair loss. Some practices such as rubbing and scrubbing can cause fallout of individual hairs. Therefore, try to be nice to your hair if you want it to hang around. Adapt to washing your hair with warm water and gently massage shampoo with your fingertips. It is advisable to let the hair air dry if possible, but if not, you can use a soft towel to dry it but avoid rubbing it vigorously.

Work Out Tangles Carefully

Sometimes you can get the urge to yank out tangles and knots, but be careful and avoid the urge. If you have to work out the tangles, use a wide-tooth comb to protect the healthy hairs. Also, carefully brush the hair and work it through until it is loose. Additionally, you can reduce the likelihood of experiencing the tangles by using a leave-in conditioner or spraying a detangler after every shower or bath.

Avoid Tight-Pulled Hairstyles

Some hairstyles repeatedly pull tight some hairs, which become more likely to fall out. Therefore, avoid braids, cornrows, pigtails, buns, tight ponytails, and other styles that can cause traction alopecia, a state where the hair falls out for being pulled too tight for too long. Look for more relaxed hairstyles and only use the tight-pulled hairstyle sparingly if you have to. Although initial hair loss caused by these styles can be temporal, you can eventually end up experiencing permanent hair loss.

Reduce Use of Harsh Hair Treatments

Some hair treatments like some chemical treatments and those using heat sources can weaken your hair and eventually cause permanent hair loss. If you have to use hot irons, curlers, combs, and blow dryers, do it sparingly as they strip moisture from your hair which weakens individual strands. Also, straighteners, colorants, relaxers, and perms can significantly weaken your hair when used occasionally. Only use such treatments for special occasions only.

Reduce Your Stress Levels

Finding ways to reduce your stress levels improves your performance and general health, greatly impacts good hair health, and reduces hair loss. Research has found that high stress levels can be attributed to certain types of hair loss. Therefore, consult your doctor about some stress-reducing practices like breathing deeply, practicing yoga, taking long walks, meditating, and journaling.

Invest in a Protein-rich Diet

Eating healthy can nourish your hair alongside the rest of your body and prevent hair loss especially taking a protein-rich diet. Therefore, add more fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to your diet and cut back on saturated fats and processed foods. Additionally, consuming more iron can also help you combat hair loss.

If you are experiencing hair loss, there is hope for you. Reach out to Sasaki Advanced Aesthetic Medical Center to explore hair restoration options that may benefit you. Your provider will also offer some tips to reduce or prevent hair loss in the future.

Joint pain is either inflammation, discomfort, or general pain in parts including muscle, tendons, cartilage bone, and ligaments. At Pacific Sports and Spine in Eugene, OR, we provide patients with expert interventional pain plans. For joint injections in Eugene, contact our experienced physicians for sessions and consultations. 

You could also visit our team, which guarantees to provide you with different joint injections designed for various pain treatment regimens. We want to facilitate your comprehensive understanding of joint injections through this overview but feel free to consult our offices for specific case treatment. 

 What Are Joint Injections?

Joint injections could be the last plan your doctor might use when other existing anti-inflammatory treatments fail. They are effective treatments used on inflamed joints for patient recovery and comfort. During its administration, the pain management specialist injects an anesthetic and steroid into a painful joint. We recommend the invasive medication to patients that have exhausted conventional treatment, including pain relievers.

What Are the Different Types of Joint Injections?

Our pain management facility works with professionals that give various joint injections, including:

• Facet Joint Injections- Irritation of facet joints located along the spine might cause back pain. Getting the facet joint injection facilitates the finding and eliminating the source of the pain. 

• Sacroiliac joint injection- This specific injection treats any pain along the sacroiliac region. When untreated, this joint pain might cause pain in your glutes, legs, groin, or lower back area. 

• Knee steroid injection- These steroid injections alleviate any knee pain. As a joint especially attacked by arthritis, Pacific Sports and Spine specialists provide their patients with this pain-relieving treatment. 

• Hip joint injections- Our team might administer this injection when a patient experiences pain caused by hip damage or arthritis. 

Apart from these injections, we also offer other injections to reduce ankle, elbow, and shoulder pain. 

What Does a Joint Injection Procedure Involve?

The treatment takes up less than one hour each session. Your pain management practitioner might instruct you to lie down on the exam table for certain procedures. The team might also administer an anesthetic that numbs the injection site before proceeding with your scheduled joint injection. 

Our doctors use X-ray guidance imaging throughout the session to insert the needle in the affected joint for accuracy. They proceed to inject a clinically approved contrast agent which facilitates visibility enhancement. The specialist then injects the corticosteroid to provide relief.

After your injection, we recommend staying at our office for short-term monitoring before going home. However, you could walk after the joint injection; our physicians tell patients to have someone drive them home. 

When Should I Start Noticing Changes?

You should realize some improvement within two to seven days after your injection. Its effects on your joint pain could vary from a few days up to months. 

If the treatment proves effective, our team recommends repeat procedures when your joint starts aching again. 

Takeaway

To lead a better life, you might require joint pain management injections in intervals. Contact us to receive treatment from experienced physicians at our Eugene offices. You could also reach our administrators online to book your appointment today.

Do you wake up with a stiff neck every morning? Is it so bad that sometimes it hurts to turn your head in either direction? You are not alone. Neck pain is a common problem that affects many people at some point in their lives. There are many reasons for neck stiffness or pain; one of the most common is poor posture while sitting or standing. Other reasons include age-related degeneration of joints caused by osteoarthritis, trauma such as whiplash injury from a car accident, pressure on nerves due to tumors, or herniated disks. Dev Sen, MD, applies different interventions for pain management in Fredericksburg, VA, to help improve patients’ quality of life. Here are the causes of neck stiffness and pain, how to get quick relief, and what steps to take if the pain persists.

Causes of neck stiffness and pain

Most people describe neck stiffness as sudden jerking where the pressure makes it impossible to move your head. A muscle strain on your spinal cord’s supporting structures can cause difficulty moving the neck, leading to stiffness and sharp pain in the muscles. These symptoms can last for several days, and if the pain does not subside with massage and pain medication, you can seek medical help.

Bad posture

A sprain on your neck can occur due to bad posture or the lack of an ideal pillow to support your neck as you sleep. Likewise, turning your head vigorously during certain activities such as swimming can lead to stiffness. Also, if you stay in front of a computer without a break, it can lead to headaches and pressure on your neck muscles.

Cervical spine problems

 Another cause of neck stiffness and pain is a defect on the cervical spine, which may interfere with the mobility or flexibility that exists on each vertebra. A specialist may diagnose this condition through a series of tests or examinations and recommend various treatment options such as surgery.

Infections

Infections such as meningitis can cause an inflammation of the neck alongside other symptoms such as headache and fever. Therefore, you should seek medical help if you experience a stiff neck as it can be an early sign of meningitis. In addition, injuries from a car accident or a mishap during sports or training can lead to injuries and strains on your neck ligaments.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can lead to stiffness and the inability to move the neck. Treating the symptoms may not be sufficient as the pain may temporarily disappear before recurring. You can book an appointment with the physician who conducts several tests, including an X-ray, before recommending the best treatment.

Getting treatment

Before seeking treatment, you can try home-based therapies such as massage, simple neck exercises, and over-the-counter pain medication. However, if the pain does not go away within 2 to 3 days, it is essential to seek medical intervention. After diagnosis, your doctor treats underlying causes, and hence there is no single universal treatment.

Individuals can benefit from a wide range of interventions by seeking treatment early. Book an appointment with a specialist at Prime Regenerative and Pain Management for diagnosis and treatment.

Every year, Americans spend more than $325 billion on alcohol and opioid addiction. This figure considers how much individuals pay for healthcare, how much time they miss on the job, and the expenses of alcohol and drug-associated offenses. However, the cost per person of addiction is tough to determine, and it frequently deprives you of much more than your cash. If you are battling with addiction and are willing to quit, arrange an appointment with East Village addiction medicine specialist Matt Pabis, MD, by calling the office or using the online booking service.

What Exactly Are Opioids?

Opioids are a drug class that encompasses pharmaceutical medications fentanyl, codeine, oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone. Opioids are pain medications that are harmless when used as directed by a physician for a short period.

However, they could develop a severe physical reliance similar to its illegal cousin, heroin, with time. Opioids, due to their significant risk of addiction, must be used with caution and only as recommended by your physician.

How Can Opioid Addiction Develop?

Opioids are intended to cause the secretion of endorphins. Endorphins are feel-good chemicals in your brain, which act by suppressing pain signals while enhancing pleasure senses.

This response produces a strong sensation of wellness, but it is just momentary. Whenever the sensation fades, you might want it back immediately. This pattern of a strong yearning for opioids accompanied by the pleasure of a dose creates a template in your mind for subsequent addiction.

What Exactly is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism could be difficult to identify, both for you and for medical experts. Fundamentally, with recurrent or lengthy alcohol exposure, the brain’s communications network begins to function as if your brain will always have a specific alcohol amount. Whenever there is no alcohol detected, your brain implies there is an issue.

Alcoholism could be either physical or psychological. You could be an alcoholic if you catch yourself doing any of the following:

• You have a strong desire for booze
• You are unable to restrict the amount of alcohol you consume
• Drinking excessively causes you to miss critical moments
• Are drinking alcohol in dangerous settings, like when driving

If you have a family history of substance abuse or have already battled with other dependencies, your likelihood of being an alcoholic is significantly higher. Obtaining therapy for alcoholism is frequently an emotional and thoughtful procedure, but it may have a hugely positive effect on your life if healthcare specialists direct you.

What is the Procedure for Beginning Addiction Treatment?

Addiction is an incurable disease, yet it is treatable. Although there are numerous approaches to overcome the grip that alcohol or drug addiction has on you, most therapeutic approaches begin in the very same place:

v  Detoxification

Detoxification, sometimes known as ‘detox,’ is the process of draining out all residues of the addictive chemical from your system.

Based on the intensity of your addiction, you could undergo detoxification in the privacy of your own home. In outpatient detoxification, you might see Dr. Pabis on a daily basis for medicine and counseling, but you could be free to live and work as usual.

v  Controlled Detoxification

Bodily withdrawal symptoms might range from anxiousness and chilly sweats to excruciating trembling and vomiting in severe addiction. If you are concerned that your withdrawal symptoms will be extreme, you should inquire about undertaking a supervised detox when under the supervision of a physician.

Because the need to fulfill your addiction will be particularly potent throughout the detoxification process, this might be a fantastic approach to start your rehabilitation on the best foot whilst still ensuring your comfort and safety.

v  Suboxone

Suboxone or a related medicine could sometimes aid in the detoxification process. Suboxone is useful for detoxing from opioids, which would cause a particularly unpleasant combination of withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines are also frequently used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, and could also help with the emotional trauma that the procedure could create.

If you are determined to get support for your addiction, schedule a consultation with Dr. Pabis through mobile or request online today to get started on your path to rehabilitation.