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9 warning signs of poor blood circulation

9 warning signs of poor blood circulation

Poor blood circulation develops when the arteries that supply blood to the body are narrowed or blocked. If left untreated, poor circulation can lead to health complications like aches, nerve damage, or peripheral artery disease—a condition where poor blood circulation affects the arms, legs, and feet. One may also be at risk of developing a stroke due to insufficient blood flow. So, here are the warning signs of poor circulation one should not overlook:

Causes
Many issues can affect blood circulation. For instance, the spike in blood glucose levels associated with diabetes can damage the blood vessels carrying the fluid. High body mass and high blood pressure can also slow down blood flow. High cholesterol may get accumulated around the blood vessels and restrict the flow. The buildup of plaque in the arteries, which is a condition called atherosclerosis, can also limit circulation. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle and aging can weaken the circulation system.

Warning signs
Cold hands or feet
Healthy blood circulation keeps the body warm. But if the blood flow is restricted due to nerve damage or other reasons, one may feel their hands and feet turning cold even in warm weather.

Joint pain or stiffness
Poor blood circulation may lead to fluids accumulating in certain body parts, like the legs, ankles, and feet. This can lead to stiff joints and throbbing or stinging pain in the limbs. One may also experience cramps in the legs or feet due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients.

Numbness or tingling sensation
Nerve damage due to reduced blood flow can lead to a pin-pricking or tingling sensation and even numbness in the feet, hands, or legs. Applying too much pressure on one part of the body, like sleeping on one arm for too long, can also disrupt blood flow and cause numbness. But if one experiences these symptoms without exerting pressure, it can indicate an underlying health concern.

Hair loss
Restricted blood flow to body parts can lead to a lack of nutrient supply and less or slower-than-usual hair growth in certain areas.

Dry or cracked skin and discoloration
Healthy blood flow supports the formation of new cells. In its absence, the skin may become dry or cracked. One may also notice that the skin has turned paler than usual.

Dizziness
If one experiences light-headedness or dizziness after standing up or during any physical activity, it may be a sign of poor circulation to the brain.

Slow healing
As the blood carries oxygen, nutrients, and white blood cells to the damaged tissues, wounds heal faster when this supply remains uninterrupted. When the circulation is compromised, one may notice that the wounds or cuts are slower to heal than usual.

Fatigue
Lack of blood flow drains energy. So, feeling unusually fatigued, tired, or unwell in general without any lifestyle changes triggering the exhaustion can be a sign of restricted blood flow.

Digestive problems
The stomach relies on healthy blood flow to digest food, so if one experiences gastrointestinal issues, it could be a sign of disrupted blood flow. One may also experience constipation, cramps, or abdominal pain.

Blood flow can also be hampered by certain conditions like heart diseases, hemophilia, and diabetes. Gene therapy is an FDA-approved treatment that modifies the genetics of the cells to treat such conditions. The treatment introduces healthy genes into the patient’s body to replace or repair defective ones.

One can find treatments and remedies to boost blood circulation but should consider consulting a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action. Doctors can recommend suitable lifestyle changes and treatment options to deal with the issue.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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7 warning signs of eczema to be aware of

Eczema is a skin condition that weakens the skin’s barrier function, which may cause it to become dry, itchy, and bumpy. There are several types of eczema based on the skin functioning it affects. These are atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, neurodermatitis, nummular eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis. It can affect people at any age, but symptoms generally appear during childhood. It is important to know its warning signs to recognize eczema. Itchy skin Feeling itchy is one of the most common signs of an eczema flare. Generally, the symptom precedes the redness and may be mild or severe. This occurs because, during a flare, there is an increase in inflammation, which also increases the blood flow, generating an itchy sensation. Dry skin People with atopic eczema often have dehydrated skin because their skin cannot retain any moisture. This can exacerbate during a flare, causing painful cracks or even bleeding in some cases. Rashes Rashes are also a common symptom for most people with eczema. They occur as a result of inflammation during a flare and are generally accompanied by itchy and dry skin. They occur in response to a trigger, which can vary from person to person. The most common triggers include irritants such as soaps and detergents, environmental factors and allergens such as cold weather, dust mites, pet fur, pollen, or mold, food allergies, sensitivity to certain materials such as wool or synthetic fabrics, hormonal changes, and skin infections. Bumps on the skin The emergence of small spots or bumps on the skin is one of the earliest warning signs of nummular or discoid eczema. These bumps may quickly join together to form larger patches that may appear red or pink. This type of eczema can affect any part of the body, but it usually does not affect the face and the scalp. Thick, leathery patches Thick, leathery patches appear as a result of constant itching. This is a common symptom for people with neurodermatitis. Itchy spots generally develop on the neck, wrists, forearms, legs, or groin area. One may also experience open sores that bleed, discolored, wrinkled genital skin, or raised, rough patches of inflamed skin, as a result of neurodermatitis. Flaky, scaly, or crusty skin Those with seborrheic dermatitis experience scaly, oily patches of skin that may look like dandruff flakes. These patches generally appear around the hairline, scalp, upper back, nose, and groin. This form of eczema occurs as a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Swelling Swelling is one of the most common symptoms of stasis dermatitis, which occurs when fluid leaks from weakened veins onto the skin. People with stasis dermatitis are most likely to experience swelling in the lower part of their legs, especially during the day. They are also likely to develop varicose veins and open sores on their lower legs and the tops of their feet. Other symptoms of this condition also include redness, itching, and pain. Eczema is not contagious and looks different for each person. Treatment for this condition is generally focused on symptom management by avoiding triggers and using therapies like skin-friendly moisturizers, topical ointments, and light remedies.

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Everything you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
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What you should know about depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that results in bouts of continuous sadness. A clinical mood disorder can lead to physical and emotional suffering, and can also change one’s behavior. Frustration, anger outbursts, lack of energy, sleep issues, anxiety, disinterest in eating, concentration issues, and suicidal thoughts are also common symptoms of this disease. Depending on its severity, the illness can challenge one to lead a normal life, too. Diagnosis There are many different methods a medical professional can use to determine if one is affected by depression. Psychiatric evaluation is the most common way to determine if one is suffering from the disease. The mental health doctor will interview the affected person to understand their thought process, mood, and other symptoms. Some doctors may compare symptoms with the ones listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This makes it easier for them to understand the condition. A physical exam is also performed to determine if any physical health issue is caused due to this mental condition. Stages of depression Depending on the level of sadness, the stages of depression can be divided into five stages: Stage 1 Even though the signs of mental disease are hard to miss, for most people, it starts with denial.
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Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
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Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

Gout or gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis that commonly occurs in the joint located at the base of one’s big toe. It can also be seen in other joints and results in swelling, sudden pain, and tenderness. It can happen to anyone and occur at any moment, even suddenly in the middle of the night. The good news is that it can be prevented and treated. Diagnosis of gout Multiple medical tests can be used to determine if one has this form of arthritis. Below is a list of the most common tests. Joint fluid test The doctor uses a needle to collect fluid from one’s joint and test the same under a microscope. If urate crystals are found in the fluid then they have the condition. Blood test For gout detection, the doctor may suggest a blood test. The amount of creatinine and uric acid present in one’s blood indicates if they have it or not. However, the result of the blood test may not always be conclusive. X-ray imaging If one has joint inflammation, the doctor can use X-ray imaging to determine if it is caused by any other reason or gouty arthritis. Ultrasound A musculoskeletal ultrasound test is used to determine if one has gout or any other form of arthritis.

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