Definition

Conjunctival Hyperemia is a medical condition in which the sclera of the eyes is characterized by redness. What happens is that the blood vessels of the eyes become dilated, hence the characteristic aspect.

Symptoms of Conjunctival Hyperemia

Apart from the characteristic redness, these are the most common symptoms associated with conjunctival hyperemia:

• Pain in the eye
• Blurry vision or loss of vision
• Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Systemic symptoms (swollen lymph nodes, fever, nausea and vomiting) are encountered in acute cases (suggestive of infection)
• Discharge from the eye
  • Green, purulent in case of bacterial infection
  • Watery discharge if the main cause is an allergy (associated with tearing and nasal congestion)
• Facial rash might also be present in case of infection or allergies
• Tenderness upon palpation of the eyes or the eye might feel hard to the touch (closed eyelids)
• Significant differences in the pressure of the eyes (glaucoma in one eye)
• Sensation of having something in the eye (patients describe this sensation as ‘sand’ or ‘dust’ in the eyes)
• Severe throbbing sensation (acute glaucoma)
• White infiltrate under the corneal epithelium (infection)
• Inflammation of the eyelids margins (blepharitis)
• Dry eye, with reduced production of tears
• Diffuse or limited inflammation of the sclera.

Causes

These are the most common causes that lead to the appearance of conjunctival hyperemia:

• Exposure to irritating substances (chemicals, dust, debris)
• Conjunctivitis
  • Infectious – bacterial, viral; gonococcal, chlamydial
  • Recurring (chronic conjunctival hyperemia)
  • Allergic – direct exposure to different allergens (pollen, dust mites or dander from pets)
• Trauma or injury
• Endogenous ocular health problems (suggestive of a systemic disease)
• Inflammation of the eye sclera (scleritis or episcleritis)
  • Leads to the dilatation of the blood vessels in the eye
  • Commonly associated with autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Keratitis – most commonly caused by bacterial or viral infection
  • Associated risk factors include: wearing contact lenses, trauma to the eye, surgical intervention on the cornea, reduced immunity
• Intraocular inflammation
• Subconjunctival hemorrhage
• Sepsis (especially if there are systemic symptoms present)
• Systemic autoimmune disorders
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Connective tissue diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome)
• Medication
  • Anticoagulants (aspirin, other NSAIDs, warfarin)
• Intraocular surgery
• Wearing contact lenses
• Glaucoma (with or without increased intraocular pressure)
• Corneal abrasion
• Infectious corneal ulcer
• Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid margins, caused by bacterial infection – most common: staphylococcus)
• Anterior uveitis (inflammation of the anterior segment of the eye)
  • Potential causes – infectious microorganisms, autoimmune disorders, exposure to toxic substances, cancer, trauma or injury
• Chemical burns
  • Rapid penetration of the chemical substance into the cornea
• Other conditions
  • Cancer (sebaceous cell carcinoma)
  • Senger’s disease
  • Amyloidosis
  • Occupational or environmental factors
  • Foreign bodies in the eye.

Treatment

These are the most efficient measures of treatment recommended for conjunctival hyperemia:

• Compresses
  • Cold compress – recommended for the relief of the symptoms caused by eye allergies or in case of inflammation
  • Warm compress – recommended in patients who have red eyes because of blepharitis (+ excellent hygiene for faster recovery)
• Eye patching
  • Recommended to be worn as a protective measure in case of corneal abrasion (+ topical antibiotics)
  • Variant – eyeshield – recommended to prevent the contact with the eye (suspicion of globe rupture)
  • Removal of the eye patch is possible when the condition improves
  • Double eye patching + dim light + analgesic medication – treatment protocol for burns of the cornea caused by the intense or prolonged exposure to UV rays
  • Eye patches – not recommended in patients diagnosed with infectious conjunctivitis
• Removal of foreign bodies (visible with the naked eye)
  • Before the foreign body is removed, a local anesthetic is going to be removed
  • Antibiotic ointment – reduce the risk of secondary bacterial infections
• Elimination of the medication that caused the eye to become red
  • The patient should talk to the doctor about the possibility of using other similar medication, one that does not have such side-effects
• Antihistamines
  • Recommended in case of allergies
  • Administration – oral and topical
  • Avoidance of the allergen
  • Other medication for eye allergies includes:
    • Topical vasoconstrictors
    • Mast cell stabilizers (cromolyn)
    • Topical corticosteroid ointments
    • Steroid eye drops
    • NSAIDs (ketorolac)
• Protective sunglasses
  • Recommended measure for those who suffer from the dry eye syndrome
  • Artificial tears, anti-inflammatory medication (corticosteroids, cyclosporine)
• In case of chemical exposure:
  • Irrigation with saline solution (high quantities)
  • Pain management (depending on the intensity of the pain – narcotics or NSAIDs)
• Antibiotics
  • Recommended for acute cases of bacterial conjunctivitis
  • Available for oral and topical administration
  • Broad spectrum antibiotics are generally prescribed (gentamicin, tobramycin)
  • Severe cases – topical administration of fluoroquinolones (ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin)
  • Antibiotic eye drops – for persistent or recurring cases of conjunctivitis
• Miotic drops
  • Recommended for acute glaucoma.

As you have seen, conjunctival hyperemia can either by caused by acute or chronic conditions. Recognizing the early signs and symptoms of different conditions is essential, so as to prevent the more serious complications that can occur with the passing of time (loss of vision, chronic glaucoma). It is also important to understand that there are many external factors that can lead to the appearance of such problems, such as airborne allergens, occupational or environmental exposure to different toxins and so on.

If you work in an environment with a high risk of exposure to chemical or toxic substances, you need to wear protective gear. Don’t take your chances and think that such things will not happen to you. It is for the best that you protect yourself – it is often easier to prevent rather than treat. Also, if it happens that you are in accident and someone close to you has a foreign body in the eye, avoid handling such problems yourself. Wait until the ambulance arrives and let the doctors handle the removal of the foreign body. By trying to remove it yourself, you will probably do a lot of damage to the respective eye, causing the permanent loss of vision. Plus, you will cause a lot of pain to the person. With such matters, it is for the best to leave matters in the hands of specialists. The eye remains one of the most sensitive parts of the human body and you need to always remember that.

Pictures of Conjunctival Hyperemia

Definition

Hemarthrosis can be defined as the hemorrhage inside the joints, leading to other symptoms such as joint pain and inflammation. In making the diagnosis of hemarthrosis, the doctor will take into consideration the medical history of the patient and the results of the physical examination. The confirmation of the diagnosis is made after performing the procedure known as joint aspiration.

Hemarthrosis Symptoms

These are the most common symptoms of hemarthrosis:

• Inflammation around the affected joint
• Pain or tenderness upon palpation
• Depending on the severity of the inflammation and the amount of intra-articular bleeding, the area can also appear red and warm to the touch
• Tingling sensation can also be present
• Repeated episodes of intra-articular bleeding can lead to symptoms such as chronic pain and inflammation
• Difficult movement or reduced range of motion in the affected joint
• Excessive bruising in the area corresponding to the affected joint
• Broken blood vessels around the joint

Causes

These are the most common causes that lead to the appearance of hemarthrosis:

• Trauma or injury
  • Sprain
  • Trauma or injuries of the extremities, affecting the major joints
• Predisposition to hemorrhage
  • Medication – anticoagulants such as warfarin
  • Hemophilia – hereditary condition, in which the blood clotting mechanisms are impaired
• Knee joint arthroplasty
• Infection
  • Leptospirosis – infectious disease caused by spirochetes (genus Leptospira)
  • Clutton joint – symmetrical inflammation of the joints, encountered in patients who have been diagnosed with congenital syphilis
• Hemorrhagic syndrome
  • Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever
    • Viral etiology
    • Tick-borne condition
    • Endemic in parts of Africa, Middle East, Asia and Europe (Balkan region)
• Neurologic deficits
• Osteoarthritis / hemophilic arthritis
  • Degenerative joint disease
  • Both the bone and the cartilage are affected by the degenerative changes
  • Joint pain and stiffness are common symptoms of this condition, apart from the hemarthrosis
• Cancer – neoplastic growths
  • Acute leukemia – bone marrow cancer
  • Chondrosarcoma – cancer of the cells that constitute the joint cartilage
  • Synovioma – malignant or benign cancer, involving the tendon sheath
• Vascular damage
• At the level of the knees
  • Traumatic
    • Ligament injury – anterior or posterior cruciate ligament
    • Fracture (chondral, intra-articular)
    • Patella dislocation or fracture
    • Tear of the meniscus
    • Joint capsule tear (deep portion)
  • Non-traumatic
    • Pigmented villonodular synovitis – joint disease, caused by the excess growth of the synovial membrane (leading to inflammation, pain and hemarthrosis)
    • Synovial hemangioma – rare and benign vascular malformation, affecting the synovial membrane lining the inside of the joints
• Other causes
  • Anemia (sickle cell)
  • Charcot neuropathic joint – loss of sensation in the joints, commonly encountered in patients who suffer from diabetes
  • Myeloproliferative disease (associated thrombocytosis) – diseases of the bone marrow
  • Hemorrhagic thrombocytopenia
  • Vitamin deficiency
  • Ruptured aneurysm (popliteal)
  • Arteriovenous fistula – abnormal connection formed between a vein and an artery
  • Factor X deficiency – inherited bleeding disorder, characterized by a defect in the factor X gene
  • Factor VII deficiency inherited bleeding disorder, characterized by a defect in the factor VII gene
  • Von Willebrand’s disease – genetic condition, characterized by coagulation abnormalities
  • Bleeding diathesis – unusual susceptibility to bleeding.

Treatment

The treatment of hemarthrosis depends first of all on the underlying cause that has contributed to the appearance of such problems. Below, you will find the most common treatments recommended for hemarthrosis:

Synovectomy

• Removal of the interior lining of the joint (synovial membrane)
• Classic approach or through arthroscopy
• Arthroscopy – minimally-invasive procedure, better recovery and faster healing, reduced risk of complications

Meniscectomy

• Keyhole surgery
• Partial or complete removal of the meniscus (protective cartilage of the tibio-femoral)
• The partial removal means that the frayed edges of the meniscus might be trimmed or the meniscal rim will be removed
• The complete removal refers to the fact that the entire meniscus is going to be removed, along with the meniscal rim
• Arthroscopic approach for less severe cases (minimally-invasive, reduced stay in the hospital)

Osteotomy

• Removal of bone wedge in the area of the affected joint, with the purpose of redirecting the weight away from the area that has been damaged
• The procedure can bring the necessary pain relief in patients who suffer from hemarthrosis, improving the overall mobility in the affected joint
• Most commonly performed at the hip or the knee joint
• Requires a longer period of rehabilitation

Ablation

• This procedure is performed with the purpose of debriding any diseased tissue that might be causing the intra-articular bleeding
• Often recommended as a procedure in those who suffer from sacroiliac joint pain, with associated hemarthrosis

Joint replacement

• In several cases, the surgeon will decide to perform partial or complete replacement of the joint
• The joint is going to be replaced with an artificial prosthetic device

Mild cases

• Depending on the joint – crutches or sling (protection of the damaged articulation) + rest

Hemarthrosis in hemophilic patients

• Clotting agents – intravenous administration
  • Clotting factor VIII (for hemophilia A)
  • Clotting factor IX (for hemophilia B)
  • Recombinant clotting factors
• Replacement therapy – prevent excess bleeding
• Gene therapy

Physical therapy

• In the first phase – useful to reduce the inflammation and pain
• Other objectives – increase the range of motion in the affected joint, strengthening of the muscles surrounding the joint
• Prevents contractures from developing
• Improve the overall functioning, which is necessary for the daily living activities
• The physical therapist can also teach you which are the movements that should be avoided, so as to reduce the pressure and physical stress on the affected joint

Complications

These are the complications that can occur in patients with hemarthrosis:

Cartilage damage

• Encountered in those who suffer from different injuries (knee ligaments, capsule)
• Depending on how extensive the damage is, in time, one can suffer from arthritis (progressive and degenerative condition).

In conclusion, this is a condition that can be successfully managed by treating the underlying disease. Physical therapy remains a valuable help for patients who are suffering from chronic clotting disorders, such as hemophilia.

Definition

The Nociceptive pain can be defined as the pain that occurs in response to a harmful stimulus. Among the most common stimuli, there are: extreme temperatures, intense pressure or irritating substances. What happens is that the pain receptors (nociceptors) are activated by the above-mentioned stimuli and send the pain signals to the cells of the central nervous system. The brain recognizes the threat and takes action, withdrawing the respective part of the body from the different stimuli.

Nociceptive Pain and Neuropathic pain

The nociceptive pain occurs when there is damage done to the tissues of the body or when the body comes into contact with stimuli that have the potential for damage. There are different words that could be used in order to describe nociceptive pain – depending on each person experiencing it, you may hear it being described as ‘sharp’, ‘throbbing’ or ‘aching’. In general, both benign and malignant pathologies are capable of causing this kind of pain; in case of cancer, the nociceptive pain can be caused by the spreading of the tumor to different parts of the body (metastases). In certain patients, the nociceptive pain is caused by a blockage that occurs at the level of an organ or as there is a blockage in one of the major blood vessels.

It is important to understand that the nociceptors are the ones identifying pain at any part of the body, sending the signals to the brain. The pain signals are transmitted through the peripheral nerves to the spinal cord and further to the brain. The pain can be present at the level of the skin or it can be visceral (involving the internal organs). As it was already mentioned, blocked blood vessels can also lead to the appearance of nociceptive pain. When the nociceptive pain is present at the level of the skin, it has a specific localization and it is constant. The visceral nociceptive pain, on the other hand, comes and goes, having an indefinite localization. Nociceptive pain responds quite well to the pain medication, including to opioids (even though these can only be administered only for short periods of time, due to the high risk for addiction).

In the situation of neuropathic pain, it means that somewhere in the body a nerve or a bundle of nerve fibers is subjected to physical stress. The actual damage comes from the compression of the respective nerves. Apart from the neuropathic pain, patients described a wide range of other symptoms, including: numbness, paresthesia, burning sensation and muscular weakness. Among the major causes of neuropathic pain, there are: neuro-degenerative disc disease, disc hernia, infection or inflammation causing the compression of spinal nerves. The neuropathic pain generally appears on the territory that corresponds to the compressed nerve root. Cervical and lumbar radiculopathies are known to lead to the appearance of neuropathic pain, more frequently than the rare thoracic radiculopathy.

The neuropathic pain appears in response to an injury or due to the poor functioning of the central or peripheral nervous system. Tumors, excessive scar tissue from previous spinal surgical interventions and viral infections can cause the neuropathic pain to appear as well. In more severe cases, the pain can be elicited just by simply touching the patient. As opposed to the nociceptive pain (acute), the neuropathic pain is chronic, persisting for months or even years. The treatment response to medication can be reduced, this being the reason why surgical intervention is commonly recommended for the improvement of the symptoms. Depending on the cause that has led to the appearance of the neuropathic pain, the surgeon might choose either the open approach or the minimally invasive procedure. Physical therapy can also be useful in bringing relief from the neuropathic pain.

Examples of Nociceptive pain

These are several examples of nociceptive pain:

• Cut on the skin
• Broken bone (fracture)
• Ligament sprains
• Chemical or thermal burns
• Bruises on the skin
• Inflammation – infectious causes or inflammation from autoimmune disorders
• Different blockages inside the body (at the level of internal organs or major blood vessels)
• Myofascial pain – suggestive of an abnormal physical stress on the muscles
• Jamming your finger in the car door
• Touching something extremely hot (immediate withdrawal reaction of the affected limb)
• Putting your feet or other part of the body in hot water
• Nociceptive pain that results from intense physical effort (pulled muscles)

Treatment

These are the most common treatment solutions for nociceptive pain:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication
  • Most common – acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen
• Opioid medication
  • Most common – morphine, diamorphine, pethidine, oxycodone, tramadol
  • Other opioids – codeine, methadone, dihydrocodeine
  • Best way of administration – intravenous route
  • Cannot be used for prolonged periods of time, due to the increased risk for addiction
  • Can be used in combination with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication in patients who suffer from renal colic or pain in the joints/bones.

The tingling sensation felt at the level of the face can be general or partial. It can manifest itself in more than one way, affecting either the entire face or only part of it. In many situations, the tingling sensation generates a lot of discomfort and sometimes it is also accompanied by pain. The sensation can be more acute when the face is touched or it can be present at all times, no matter if it’s touched or not. It can also be accompanied by a wide range of other modifications, including numbness sensation, liquid-filled blisters or changes in the color of the skin.

Many patients describe the feeling as if someone stuck pins in their face. Often times, the tingling sensation is connected to nerve problems but this is not the only cause. As a matter of fact, depending on the cause, there might be important variations whereas the duration and the severity of the tingling sensation are concerned. The onset is also different, according to the existent cause. For example, in case of an injury, the patient can experience a sudden onset of the condition. On the other hand, if there is an underlying condition, the tingling sensation can develop gradually. This means that the symptoms are going to progress with the passing of time.

Apart from the symptoms that were already mentioned, the tingling in face sensation can also be accompanied by a burning sensation. The area can be affected by paralysis (nerve damage) or, in case of an injury, it can be red, warm and swollen. The skin in the affected area can be highly sensitive to the tough or characterized by loss of sensation. In more severe cases, the patient might also present neurological symptoms, such as lack of balance, muscle weakness or tingling sensation in other parts of the body.

Causes of Tingling in Face

These are the most common causes that lead to the appearance of the tingling sensation in the face:

• High levels of stress
  • Tingling sensation at the level of the face is caused by the release of adrenaline
• Abnormal levels of anxiety or stress-related emotions
• Nerve problems
  • Pinching or injury to the trigeminal nerve – apart from the tingling, the patient might also present numbness sensation or even paralysis
  • Severity of the symptoms – according to the level of damage done to the nerve
  • Nerve damage can result in car accidents, when neck injuries occur
• Cerebrovascular stroke
  • The face tingling can be a rare symptom of stroke
  • May be accompanied by numbness or even paralysis
  • Other symptoms of stroke can be present: speech becomes blurry, movement impaired
• Exposure to extreme temperatures
  • Those who are sensitive to cold can experience tingling in the face when exposed to such temperatures
• Exposure to harmful chemicals
  • The harmful substances contained by a wide range of chemical products (including household items) can lead to such symptoms
• Vitamin deficiencies
  • Vitamin deficiency (B, magnesium) can be a cause of face tingling, as the lack of vitamins can cause the muscles to contract inefficiently and the nerves to send the wrong signals
• Medication
  • The tingling sensation in the face can appear as an adverse reaction to certain medication
  • Before taking any medication, be sure to read the prescription and discover what side-effects are mentioned
  • Ask your doctor for an alternative medication that does not have this side-effect
• Multiple sclerosis
  • Chronic disorder that includes nerve damage among other modifications
  • Face tingling can be a rare symptom of multiple sclerosis, depending on what nerves have been damaged
  • Other symptoms present may include difficulties in walking and speaking, followed by the tingling sensation present in other parts of the body
• Head injury
  • The tingling sensation can appear as a post-injury complication
  • It represents a sign of nerve damage
• Brain tumor
  • If a brain tumor presses on a nerve related to the territory of the face, then the tingling sensation might be present
• Migraines
  • These powerful headaches are accompanied by a wide range of symptoms, including face tingling, nausea and vertigo
• Shingles
  • This viral infection is quite serious and the lesions often appear on the pathway of a nerve
  • If the facial nerve is affected by shingles, then the tingling sensation in the face might be present, along with sharp pain and other modifications.

Treatment

Often times, it is sufficient for the underlying condition to be treated, in order for the tingling sensation to disappear. These are the most common courses of treatment undertaken for the above mentioned causes:

• For stress, emotion & anxiety
  • Psychological counseling
  • Breathing and relaxation techniques
  • Yoga
  • Medication – antidepressants, mood modulators
  • Stress coping strategies
• Nerve damage
  • Surgery is often chosen as a course of treatment for nerve pinching or entrapment
  • Physical therapy might be recommended during the recovery period, as it will guarantee faster healing and prevent any functional deficits
• Stroke
  • Depending on the severity of the stroke, the patient might be administered oxygen
  • Medication to prevent the brain from swelling is going to administered
  • Administration of intravenous liquids to keep the body hydrated
• In case of exposure to chemicals
  • The face should be thoroughly washed and cleaned with a soft towel
  • The patient is going to be instructed to refrain from touching the affected area
  • A dressing can be applied to the area in order to protect it from infection
• In case of vitamin deficiency
  • Administration of vitamin supplements
  • Intravenous administration is recommended in more severe cases
• Multiple sclerosis
  • Specific medication to slow down the progression of the disease
  • Physical therapy to deal with the physical consequences of the condition
  • Occupational therapy for daily living activities
  • Speech therapy in case of speech impairment
• Head injury
  • Emergency medical intervention – ensure the vital signs are stable
  • Surgery
• Brain tumor
  • Chemotherapy/radiation therapy
  • Surgical removal
• Migraines
  • Anti-inflammatory medication – Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen
• Shingles
  • Anti-viral medication.

What are Natural Diuretics?

In general, diuretics are prescribed to the patients who suffer from excess fluid accumulation in their bodies. They are administered as treatment, so as to improve the functioning of the kidneys. However, the majority of the prescription diuretics can cause a wide range of side-effects. This is where natural diuretics come in. These are recommended by the doctor as well, the main advantage being that they are 100% natural. This means that they will not cause any side-effects; the important thing is that you talk to your doctor about taking them, as excessive usage can lead to dehydration.

Natural diuretics are recommended to help the body get rid of all the excess fluid. They are indicated for patients who suffer from high blood pressure or congestive heart failure. They are also prescribed for patients who have been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver, dysfunction of the kidneys or kidney stones. They can also reduce the excess fluids in patients with edema or diabetes. Natural diuretics are used, as you can see, as treatment for a wide range of medical problems. This is because they contain phytochemicals, which have diuretic properties. They stimulate the kidneys to produce more urine and thus eliminate the excess water.

List of Natural Diuretics

These are the most commonly recommended natural diuretics:

• Lemon
  • Indicated for those who suffer from high blood pressure
  • Also useful for those who suffer from kidney dysfunctions or infections of the urinary tract
• Oats
  • Diuretic properties
  • Perfect choice for breakfast
• Celery
  • Can be consumed fresh or blended with other healthy vegetables as a smoothie
• Brussels sprouts
  • Apart from their diuretic properties, Brussels sprouts also contain healthy antioxidants
  • They represent the perfect garnish to any meal, as they are both delicious to the taste and visually appealing
• Ginger
  • Often recommended for detoxification purposes, given its diuretic properties
• Beets
  • Beets not only have diuretic properties but they also contain healthy antioxidants
  • Fresh beets are recommended to be consumed (alternative – pickled)
• Apple cider vinegar
  • Natural diuretic, improves the function of the kidneys
  • There are plenty of recipes that can benefit from the addition of apple cider vinegar
• Cabbage
  • Cabbage soup has amazing diuretic properties
  • Cabbage salad is also a recommended choice
• Cranberries
  • Most recommended – cranberry juice
  • Also contains healthy antioxidants
• Eggplants
  • Perfect side dish, given its diuretic properties
• Parsley
  • Perfect addition to any salad, has amazing diuretic effects
  • Contains healthy antioxidants
• Caffeine
  • Although it has diuretic properties, one must consume it with care and in moderate quantities (otherwise, it can lead to dehydration)
• Water
  • Drinking water will help you eliminate excess fluids in the body
  • Add lemon or ginger to the water for better effects
• Tomatoes
  • Raw tomatoes have diuretic properties
  • Can also be consumed as juice
  • Contains healthy antioxidants – protection against cancer
• Cucumber
  • Cucumbers contain a high percentage of water, which makes them perfect for someone who need a natural diuretic
  • They are often include in detoxification programs
  • Should be consumed fresh
  • Recommended for patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes or cancer
  • Contain healthy antioxidants and minerals that the body needs
• Watermelon
  • Contains a high percentage of water, which makes it worthy of being a natural diuretic
  • Those who have high glucose levels should refrain from consuming watermelon, as this also contains high levels of sugar
• Carrots
  • Baby carrots – perfect addition to a salad
  • Regular carrots – side dish to any meal
  • Carrot juice – amazing diuretic properties
• Garlic
  • Diuretic properties
  • Can be included in a wide range of dishes
  • Also possesses antibacterial properties
• Artichoke
  • Powerful diuretic properties
  • Often included in weight loss diets
  • Contains many healthy nutrients and vitamins
• Asparagus
  • Can be used on account of its diuretic properties
  • Contains healthy antioxidants that are beneficial for the body
• Dandelion
  • Diuretic properties – stimulates the functioning of the kidneys
  • Increases the frequency of the urination, helping with the elimination of the excess fluids
  • Best consumed – dandelion tea
• Hawthorn
  • Powerful diuretic properties
  • Recommended for those who have been diagnosed with congestive heart failure
  • Increases urinary output, stimulating the functioning of the kidneys
• Horsetail
  • Diuretic properties
  • Active stimulation of the kidneys
  • No side-effects
• Juniper
  • Increases the volume of urine
  • No effect on the levels of potassium (unlike prescription diuretics)
• Tea
  • Green and black tea – amazing diuretic properties
  • Successful elimination of excess fluids from the body
• Hibiscus
  • The filtration of urine in the kidneys is increased
  • Significant diuretic properties of the hibiscus plant have been recorded
• Pineapple
  • Natural diuretic
  • Fresh pineapple can help the kidney function
  • Pineapple juice is also recommended to be consumed for its diuretic properties
  • Africa – dried pineapple root – remedy for edema
• Corn silk
  • Natural diuretic (rich in potassium)
  • Increases the rate of urine production, stimulating the kidneys
  • Contains active phytochemicals, which contribute to the elimination of excess fluid from the body
• Stinging nettle
  • Diuretic properties – reduces the level of water retention in the body
  • High potassium content
  • Contains healthy antioxidants as well
  • Recommended in patients who have been diagnosed as having kidney stones
  • Also indicated in patients who suffer from gout-related edema

In conclusion, there are many fruits, vegetables and plants that can be used as natural diuretics. It is highly important to remember that simple water can also help with such problems and that one should never refrain from drinking water. The doctor can make the correct diagnosis and help the patient decide on the best diet with diuretic properties. Keep in mind that these natural diuretics can leave the body dehydrated and that one has to drink enough water to counteract this effect. It is for the best to choose a balanced diet and include the natural diuretics, following the advice of the doctor.

Inner thigh pain can cause a lot of discomfort, preventing the sufferer from performing simple daily activities. Its duration and severity are dependent on the exact cause that led to the pain in the first place. The inner thigh pain can last from as little as a few minutes to a couple of hours. It can manifest itself as a generalized type of pain or it can affect specific areas of the inner thigh. Sometimes, it appears a stabbing pain, keeping the patient awake at night. This particular type of pain often appears in persons who do a lot of physical exercise but it can also appear as the consequence of an underlying health condition.

As it was already mentioned, the inner thigh pain can be so severe that it will prevent the person from performing daily tasks. Physical training is also going to be difficult, if not impossible. Sleeping can be affected by the sharp pain and the person might also experience difficulties when it comes to walking or using the stairs. The pain can radiate to other parts of the body, such as knee or the groin. Sometimes, it can extend so far as to cover the entire leg. The inner thigh pain can be present at all times (constant) or it can come and go (intermittent). Apart from the actual pain, the person can also present swelling, stiffness (the movements of the leg are restricted partially or totally) and a burning sensation. Identifying the exact cause is essential for the right treatment to be provided.

Causes of Inner Thigh Pain

Lower inner thigh pain causes

These are the most common causes of the lower inner thigh pain:

• Hamstring injury or strain
  • Sudden and violent contraction of the hamstring muscles can result in injuries or straining
  • Often appears when the hamstring muscles are less developed than the quadriceps muscles
• Compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve
  • Sharp pain accompanied by burning sensation
  • Tingling or numbness might also be present in the area
  • Can irradiate to other parts of the leg
  • Often appears just on one side of the body
  • The patient is extremely sensitive when being gently touched in the area (handles firm pressure better)
• Cartilage tear (knee)
  • Meniscus tears (complete or partial) can cause lower inner thigh pain
  • Mobility in the knee is restricted
  • The patient appears to have the knee ‘blocked’
• Osteoarthritis (knee)
  • Inflammatory process
  • Pain is felt in the knee and can irradiate to the lower part of the inner thigh
  • Swelling and warmth might also be present
• Surgery – knee replacement
  • Inner thigh pain can appear during the recovery period
  • Consequence of muscle straining during surgery
  • Can appear because of the immobilization of the knee after the surgery
• Excessive physical exercise
  • Strained muscles are responsible for the lower inner thigh pain
• Cancer – osteosarcoma
  • Pain appears in the latter stages of the cancer
• Septic arthritis
  • Infectious organisms are fixed in the joint, causing pain at a local level
  • The pain can radiate to the lower inner thigh
• Lipoma
  • Pain can occur in case of bigger lipoma present on the lower inner thigh
• Edema
  • Accumulation of excessive fluid can lead to pain

Upper inner thigh pain causes

These are the most common causes of the upper inner thigh pain:

• Osteoarthritis (hip)
  • Inflammatory process
  • Pain is felt in the hip and can irradiate to the upper part of the inner thigh
  • Swelling and warmth might also be present
• Surgery – hip replacement
  • Inner thigh pain can appear during the recovery period
  • Consequence of muscle straining during surgery
  • Can appear because of the immobilization of the hip after the surgery
• Excessive physical exercise
  • Strained muscles are responsible for the upper inner thigh pain
• Pubis dysfunction
  • Dysfunctions related to the pelvic floor are often associated with pain, as this can radiate to the upper inner thigh
• Groin pull
  • Often seen in athletes
  • High level of pain and reduced mobility
• Cancer – osteosarcoma
  • Pain appears in the latter stages of the cancer
• Septic arthritis
  • Infectious organisms are fixed in the joint, causing pain at a local level
  • The pain can radiate to the upper inner thigh
• Sciatica
  • Sciatic nerve irritation
• Lipoma
  • Pain can range from mild to severe
• Hernia
  • Inguinal hernias are obvious physically and they cause a lot of pain
• Pregnancy
  • Can lead to upper inner thigh pain, due to the growing uterus
• Edema
  • Accumulation of excessive fluid can lead to pain
• Adductors pull
  • Excessive physical exercise and sudden movements lead to pain

Treatment

These are the most common methods of treatment recommended for inner thigh pain:

• For muscle strains, the general protocol is R.I.C.E
  • Rest
  • Ice
  • Compression
  • Elevation
• Physical therapy
  • Warm up exercises
  • Thigh and butt exercises
  • Inner thigh exercises
  • Gentle stretching exercises – especially recommended for groin or adductor pulls
• Hydro-physical therapy
  • Movements are easier under water than in the air
  • Faster recovery, better healing
  • Recommended for pregnant women and also for those suffering from pelvic dysfunctions
• Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Recommended as symptomatic treatment, bringing pain relief, reducing the inflammation and redness in the area
  • Common recommendations include Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen
  • Anti-inflammatory creams or ointments are also recommended for inner thigh pain but these have limited effects, especially when the pain is intense
• Massage
  • Relieves the muscle tension
  • Stimulates the blood circulation, which in turn promotes healing
• Cold applications
  • Ice packs are recommended in order to reduce the inflammation
  • These should not be applied directly to the skin, as they can cause circulatory problems
  • The ice packs should be maintained for maximum 30 minutes
• Heat applications
  • These are recommended because of the pain relieving properties
  • If the area is already warm to the touch, the one should refrain from applying heat
• Elastic bandages
  • Support the strained muscles
  • Pain relieving effect.

Chills are generally described as a normal reaction of the body when exposed to cold temperatures. However, there are a lot of people who experience chills, without any explainable cause. The skin presents a characteristic aspect – ‘goose bumps’ and the person can describe the sensation as freezing. What happens is that the body tries to produce the necessary amount of heat by increasing the internal temperature of the body. This occurs through the contraction of muscles, which in turns leads to shivering and goose bumps on the skin. Most people describe chills as being an abnormal sensation of coldness. The paradox is that chills can appear independent of fever; when measured, the body temperature is between average levels.

Causes of Chills without Fever

These are the most common causes of chills without fever:

• Exposure to extremely cold temperatures
  • Skin has a characteristic aspect – goose bumps
• Infection (bacterial/viral)
  • Gastroenteritis
    • Bacterial or viral infection
    • Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps
  • Common cold
    • Most often – viral
    • Runny nose, coughing
  • Mononucleosis
    • Also known as glandular fever or the ‘kissing disease’
  • Influenza
    • Viral infection
  • Meningitis
    • Infection of the meninges (membrane that protects the brain)
  • Pneumonia
    • Inflammation of the lungs
    • Coughing, fever or difficulties breathing
  • Strep throat
    • Infection with streptococcus
    • Throat feels sore, swallowing is difficult
  • Infection of the urinary tract
    • Pyelonephritis – bacterial infection (can be life-threatening)
  • Gallbladder stones
    • Calculus accumulation in the gallbladder
    • Symptoms include biliary colic, pain in the abdomen (middle or right upper part of the abdomen), nausea
  • Bladder infection
    • Most commonly – bacterial infection
    • Urination can become difficult
  • Acute bronchitis
    • Chest cold
    • Inflammation of the large bronchi
    • Can be caused by bacteria or viruses
  • Dehydration
    • Not drinking enough water can cause the muscles to contract and chills to appear
  • Vitamin deficiency
    • Vitamin B deficiency (B12 in particular)
    • Can be improved through a proper diet
  • Food poisoning
    • In rare cases, the person who suffers from food poisoning can present chills without fever
    • Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps
  • Low glycemic levels
    • If the blood sugar level is too low, then the person will experience chills without fever
    • Other symptoms might include excessive sweating, rapid heart beat and headache
    • Dizziness can also occur, ranging from mild to severe
  • Medication
    • There are certain medications that can lead to the appearance of chills, this being a side-effect
    • The dosage might need adjustment for the symptoms to improve
  • Thyroid dysfunction
    • If the thyroid hormone is produced in low levels, then the person might experience chills
    • The condition is known as hypothyroidism and it is market by excessive sleepiness
  • Toxoplasmosis
    • Parasitic infection
    • High susceptibility – low immune system
    • Other symptoms include general weakness, muscle pain and swollen lymph nodes
  • Insect/spider bites
    • Chills can appear as an allergic reaction to the insect or spider bites
    • Emergency intervention might be required to prevent life-threatening symptoms
  • Mental disorders
    • Anxiety or stress disorders – panic attacks (chills appear along other symptoms, such as the feeling of death and lack of control)
  • Anemia (iron deficiency)
    • Low levels of iron in the blood can cause a person to experience chills
    • The chills are present even when it is warm outside
    • The hands and the feet of the person suffering from iron-deficiency anemia are usually cold.

Treatment

For the person to stop experiencing chills without fever, it is important to treat the underlying condition. These are the most common courses of treatment undertaken for the above mentioned problems:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
  • Intravenous administration is recommended in more serious cases
  • Recommended for bladder infections as well
• Antiviral medication for viral infections
  • Sometimes the flu is not treated with anything – the patient is advised to drink plenty of warm fluids and stay on bed rest
• Symptomatic treatment can address the symptoms of pneumonia
  • Nasal decongestants
  • Cough expectorants
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
• Vitamin supplements and changes in the diet can improve existent vitamin deficiencies
• Emergency medical intervention is necessary in case of food poisoning
  • Intravenous administration of fluids prevents dehydration
• Synthetic thyroid hormones can help with hypothyroidism
• Antimalarial drugs are often used as treatment for toxoplasmosis cases
• Anti-venom drugs are commonly administered in case of spider or insect bites
• Relaxation and breathing techniques, plus psychological counseling are recommended for anxiety or stress related disorders
• Surgical removal of gallbladder stones (recommended in case of big sizes, which cannot be corrected through medication)
• Iron supplements can correct the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.

How to control chills?

Below, you will find a series of recommendations on how to control chills. If you will follow them, you will never have to suffer from such problems.

• When exposed to extremely cold temperatures, be sure to wear adequate protective clothing. Make sure that your extremities (hand, feet and head) are properly insulated from the cold temperatures.
• When you go to bed a night, make sure that you wear pajamas that are made from fabrics that keep you warm. Also, make sure that your blanket covers the entire body.
• Drinking hot tea is a good idea to protect yourself from chills. It will keep your body warm and also ensure that you are hydrated. Make sure that you choose the tea according to the moment of the day, avoiding stimulating teas (green or black) at night.
• Moderate physical exercise is also recommended, as it increases the temperature of the body and it allows for the prevention of the chills.
• Warm showers are a great way to increase the body’s temperature, reducing the chances for chills.
• Eating healthy will ensure that you do not suffer from any vitamin deficiency and it will keep the chills under control. The same goes for adequate sleeping; if the body is tired, then there is a very good chance for the chills to occur again.