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Get liberty from painful and frustating frozen shoulder.

Get liberty from painful and frustating frozen shoulder.

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The shoulder stiffens and loses mobility as a result of the common condition known as frozen shoulder. Additionally called sticky capsulitis.

Although these two illnesses are unrelated, the term “frozen shoulder” is sometimes used improperly to refer to arthritis. Arthritis can apply to one or more joints, whereas frozen shoulder particularly refers to the shoulder joint.

It often affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60, and women are more prone to develop it than males. About 3% of persons are thought to be affected. One or both shoulders may be impacted.

Three bones that make up your shoulder connect together in a ball and socket fashion. They are your collarbone, shoulder blade, and upper arm (humerus) (clavicle). Additionally, the tissue that surrounds your shoulder joint holds everything in place. The shoulder capsule is what we refer to as.

When a shoulder is frozen, the capsule grows to be extremely thick and rigid. Bands of scar tissue develop, and the synovial fluid needed to keep the joint lubricated is reduced. These things further restrict motion.

Symptoms of frozen shoulder

The major signs of a frozen shoulder are pain and stiffness, which make moving it challenging or impossible.

You’ll probably have a dull or aching pain in one shoulder if you have frozen shoulder. The shoulder muscles that surround the top of your arm may also be painful. Your upper arm can have the similar sensation. It might be difficult to fall asleep at night if your pain gets severe.

Typically, a frozen shoulder will go through three stages. Each has its own own timing and set of symptoms.

Freezing phase:

  • Every time you move your shoulder, a pain (sometimes quite intense) develops there.
  • Over time, it gradually grows worse and could hurt more at night.
  • This may last for six to nine months.
  • Your shoulder’s range of motion is constrained.

Frozen stage:

  • Although your pain may lessen, your stiffness will only get worse.
  • It gets increasingly challenging to move your shoulder and more challenging to carry out normal tasks.
  • 4 to 12 months are possible during this stage.

Thawing phase:

  • You begin to regain your normal range of motion.
  • It could take anywhere from six months to two years to complete.

Causes of Frozen shoulders

Three bones make up the shoulder: the humerus, which is the upper arm bone, the collarbone, and the shoulder blade. A ball and socket joint is present in the shoulder. The upper arm bone’s rounded head slides into this socket.

The shoulder capsule is a band of connective tissue that encircles the joint. The joint can move freely thanks to synovial fluid.

The formation of scar tissue in the shoulder is hypothesised to cause frozen shoulder. As a result, there is less movement possible due to the capsule of the shoulder joint becoming thicker and more rigid. It could become unpleasant and stiff to move.

The actual cause is not always known and cannot always be determined. But the majority of those who have frozen shoulder have been immobile recently due to an accident or fracture. Patients with diabetes frequently experience the condition.

Who is at risk?

  • Adults, typically between the ages of 40 and Adults, typically between the ages of 40 and 60.
  • Gender: More prevalent in women than in men.
  • Recent shoulder injury: Any operation or damage to the shoulder that necessitates immobilisation (by using a shoulder brace, sling, shoulder wrap, etc.). A rotator cuff tear and fractures of the shoulder blade, collarbone, or upper arm are two examples.
  • Diabetes: Frozen shoulder affects between 10 and 20 percent of those with diabetes mellitus.
  • Stroke, hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland), hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland), Parkinson’s disease, and heart disease are among the other illnesses and ailments. Because a stroke may impede arm and shoulder movement, it is a risk factor for frozen shoulder. The risk of having a frozen shoulder is higher in certain illnesses and circumstances is not clear.

How is frozen shoulder diagnosed?

In order to identify frozen shoulder, your doctor will:

  • Review your medical history and talk about your symptoms.
  • Examine your shoulders and arms physically:
    • Your shoulder will be moved in all directions by the doctor to determine its range of motion and whether it hurts when you move it. Finding your “passive range of motion” involves an examination in which your doctor moves your arm rather than you.
    • In order to determine your “active range of motion,” the doctor will also watch you move your shoulder. The two motions are contrasted. The range of motion for those who have frozen shoulders is constrained, both actively and passively.
  • In order to confirm that another shoulder issue, like arthritis, is not the source of the symptoms, normal shoulder X-rays are also taken. In most cases, frozen shoulder can be diagnosed without the use of sophisticated imaging techniques like ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They might be examined to rule out other issues, like a torn rotator cuff.

Treatments for frozen shoulder

Until the early phase has passed, treatment typically consists of pain management techniques. If the issue continues, rehabilitation and surgery can be required to restore motion if it doesn’t happen naturally.

Several straightforward remedies are:

  • Compresses, both hot and cold. These aid in reducing swelling and pain.
  • Medications that lessen swelling and pain. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), which include acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®). Your doctor might also recommend more painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications. Injections of steroids may be used to treat more severe pain and edoema. Direct injection of a corticosteroid, such as cortisone, into the shoulder joint.
  • Physical treatment. Exercises for stretching and range of motion given by a physical therapist.
  • Exercise regime at home. Maintain your home workout routine.
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Using a tiny battery-powered device to block nerve impulses and so lessen pain.

After roughly a year of testing, if these straightforward treatments haven’t reduced discomfort and shoulder stiffness, alternative techniques may be explored. These comprise:

  • Anesthesia-induced manipulation: During this procedure, your doctor will make your shoulder move by forcibly sedated you. As a result, the joint capsule will either stretch or rip, releasing the tension. The range of motion will consequently grow.
  • During a shoulder arthroscopy, your doctor will make incisions through your joint capsule’s tight spots (capsular release). Your shoulder is sliced in small places, and tiny pencil-sized instruments are implanted.

For better outcomes, these two techniques are frequently combined.

Can frozen shoulder be prevented?

Physical therapy should be started as soon as possible following any shoulder injury that causes painful or problematic shoulder movement in order to prevent or at least reduce the likelihood of developing a frozen shoulder. An exercise regimen can be created by your physical therapist or orthopaedic physician to suit your individual requirements.

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Quick peek on causes and symptoms of Hypothyroidism.

Quick peek on causes and symptoms of Hypothyroidism.

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Thyroid

When the thyroid does not produce and release enough thyroid hormone into your bloodstream, it is known as hypothyroidism. Your metabolism becomes slower as a result. Hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid, can make you feel exhausted, put on weight, and have trouble handling cold weather. Hormone replacement therapy is the primary method of treatment for hypothyroidism.

What is hypothyroidism?

When your body doesn’t create enough thyroid hormones, hypothyroidism develops. The thyroid is a little gland with a butterfly form that is located in front of the windpipe. Hormones that aid in energy regulation and use are released.

The actions of your digestive system and your heartbeat are among the processes that thyroid hormones assist regulate. The natural processes of your body slow down if you don’t have enough thyroid hormones.

Hypothyroidism, often known as an underactive thyroid, typically affects adults over 60 and is more prevalent in women than in males. After symptoms appear or during a regular blood test, it might be identified.

The term used to describe an early, mild version of the illness is subclinical hypothyroidism. It’s crucial to understand that treatment for hypothyroidism is regarded as straightforward, secure, and efficient if you have lately obtained a diagnosis.

The majority of treatments focus on adding synthetic hormones to your low levels of natural hormones. These hormones will take the place of those your body isn’t manufacturing on its own and assist in restoring normal bodily processes.

How common is hypothyroidism?

The condition of hypothyroidism is pretty typical. Nearly 5% of Americans between the ages of 12 and 60 suffer with hypothyroidism.

With age, the disease becomes increasingly prevalent. It strikes more commonly in people over 60. The prevalence of an underactive thyroid is higher in women. Actually, 1 in 8 women will experience thyroid problems.

Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism

The physical symptoms of hypothyroidism frequently range between individuals and might be challenging to pinpoint. The timing and severity of the signs and symptoms are also influenced by the condition’s severity.

Fatigue and weight increase are two early signs. Note that regardless of how well your thyroid is functioning, these both grow more prevalent as you age. As a result, you might not identify these changes as thyroid-related until additional symptoms manifest. For instance, these could include the scaly, rough, and dry skin and brittle nails linked to hypothyroidism.

The most typical hypothyroidism warning signs and symptoms are generally as follows:

  • fatigue
  • gaining weight
  • depression
  • constipation
  • being chilly
  • reduced perspiration
  • reduced heartbeat
  • increased cholesterol levels
  • arid skin
  • thinning, dry hair
  • a weakened memory
  • muscular tremor
  • stiffness, pains, and tightness in the muscles
  • joint discomfort and stiffness

The majority of persons experience a slow progression of symptoms over many years. The signs may be easier to spot when the thyroid slows down more and more. Naturally, many of these symptoms also increase in frequency as we age.

Consult your doctor if you think a thyroid issue is the cause of your symptoms. To find out if you have hypothyroidism, they can ask for a blood test.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism in adulthood

Research suggests that in addition to the most typical hypothyroidism symptoms, men may also experience erectile dysfunction.

Additional signs of hypothyroidism in women include:

Hypothyroidism can also manifest themselves while a woman is pregnant. Typically, hypothyroidism symptoms are consistent with other hypothyroidism patients.

Young individuals with hypothyroidism

Younger people are less likely to develop hypothyroidism, but it is still possible. Children with the syndrome may develop more slowly, while teenagers with it may have early puberty.

Congenital hypothyroidism, which refers to a lack of thyroid function at birth, is another possibility. Infants with hypothyroidism may exhibit the following signs:

  • more sleep than normal
  • constipation
  • difficulty with feeding
  • sluggish growth (if the condition is untreated)

Babies with hypothyroidism occasionally don’t exhibit any symptoms.

Severe signs of hypothyroidism

If hypothyroidism is not addressed, other symptoms could appear:

  • sensitive, swollen face
  • hoarseness
  • anaemia
  • decline in hearing

Rarely, severe hypothyroidism can cause myxedema coma, a life-threatening illness that needs immediate medical attention. Although the condition does not truly cause a coma, you could encounter:

  • fatigue
  • hypothermia
  • reduced blood pressure
  • minimal heartbeat

Causes of Hyperthyroidism

Both main and secondary causes can contribute to hypothyroidism. A disorder that directly affects the thyroid and makes it produce insufficient amounts of thyroid hormones is a key reason.

The pituitary gland’s malfunction, which prevents it from sending thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to the thyroid to regulate thyroid hormones, is a secondary reason.

There are a lot more prevalent primary causes of hypothyroidism. The most typical of these root causes is Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder. This inherited illness is also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (passed down through a family).

The thyroid is attacked and harmed by the body’s immune system in Hashimoto’s disease. As a result, the thyroid is unable to produce and release adequate thyroid hormone.

The following are some of the other main causes of hypothyroidism:

  • Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid).
  • hyperthyroidism treatment (radiation and surgical removal of the thyroid).
  • Iodine insufficiency refers to a lack of iodine in the body, which your thyroid needs to produce hormones.
  • Hereditary disorders (a medical condition passed down through your family).
  • Thyroiditis occasionally develops during a pregnancy (postpartum thyroiditis) or a viral disease.

Risk factors of hypothyroidism

The following elements can raise your risk of having hypothyroidism:

  • being a woman
  • 60 years of age or older
  • receiving radiation therapy for your chest or neck
  • being recently pregnant
  • having thyroid issues run in one’s family
  • possessing autoimmune disorders like Sjögren’s illness and type 1 diabetes

What happens if hypothyroidism is not treated?

If you do not receive treatment from a healthcare professional, hypothyroidism can develop into a serious and life-threatening medical disease. Your symptoms could worsen if you receive no treatment and could include:

  • Developing mental health issues.
  • having difficulty breathing
  • being unable to keep a healthy body temperature.
  • having cardiac issues
  • acquiring a goitre (enlargement of the thyroid gland).

Myxedema coma, a dangerous medical condition, is another possibility. When hypothyroidism is not treated, this may occur.

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Top causes of Gastroparesis you need to know about.

Top causes of Gastroparesis you need to know about.

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What is Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis, which literally translates to “partial paralysis of the stomach,” is a condition where your stomach is unable to properly empty itself of food. If you have this problem, your muscles and injured nerves won’t work with their usual strength and coordination, which will hinder the passage of food through your digestive tract.

Long-term diabetics frequently have this syndrome, however it can also happen in other circumstances. Gastroparesis can be misdiagnosed and occasionally confused with an allergic reaction, heartburn, or an ulcer. The problem can be related to acid reflux in those without diabetes.

What causes gastroparesis?

Injuries to the nerves, including harm to the vagus nerve, can result in gastroparesis. The vagus nerve normally causes your stomach muscles to contract (tighten) in order to aid in the passage of food through your digestive system. Your vagus nerve is harmed by diabetes in cases of gastroparesis. As a result, food cannot pass from your stomach to your intestines because the muscles in your stomach and intestine are unable to function properly.

Gastroparesis can also result from:

  • surgery caused vagus nerve damage
  • a deficiency in thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism)
  • stomach virus infections (gastroenteritis)
  • medications, including some antidepressants and narcotics
  • Parkinson’s condition
  • a number of sclerosis
  • Rare diseases like scleroderma and amyloidosis (protein deposits in tissues and organs) (a connective tissue disorder that affects your skin, blood vessels, skeletal muscles, and internal organs)

Diabetic gastroparesis

Diabetes, notably diabetes that isn’t well-controlled, is a common factor in nervous system impairment that impairs digestion.

This is due to the fact that sustained high blood sugar levels can harm neurons, especially the vagus nerve, which regulates the passage of food through the digestive tract.

One of the most effective ways for diabetics to manage the symptoms of gastroparesis is to maintain healthy blood sugar levels by implementing dietary and lifestyle adjustments.

What are the symptoms of gastroparesis?

Dehydration and malnutrition can result from gastroparesis symptoms including vomiting and decreased appetite. Malnutrition and dehydration can lead to a wide range of issues, including:

  • Elevated electrolytes
  • reduction in blood pressure
  • elevated heart rate
  • quickly breathing
  • reduced urine production
  • a lowered immunological response
  • sluggish wound healing
  • muscular tremor

Food staying in the stomach for too long due to gastroparesis might lead to an overgrowth of microorganisms. Additionally, the meal has the potential to solidify into bezoars, which can clog the stomach and produce nausea and vomiting.

Keeping blood glucose levels under control is crucial for diabetics. It may be more difficult to control those levels if you have gastroparesis.

Should I change my diet if I have gastroparesis?

Changing your everyday eating habits is one of the best methods to help manage the symptoms of gastroparesis. For instance, you could consume six little meals throughout the day rather than three. By doing this, you will have less food in your stomach, which will make you feel less full and make it simpler for the food to pass through your system.

The texture of the dish is another crucial element. Your doctor might advise drinks and low-residue foods (you should eat applesauce instead of whole apples with intact skins). Additionally, you should stay away from fiber- and fat-rich foods because they can cause gastrointestinal problems (which is difficult to digest).

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