Osteoarthritis, or OA, affects more than 27 million Americans making it the most common form of arthritis. Known as the “wear and tear” arthritis, it occurs when the cushioning (cartilage) between the joints breaks down causing symptoms like pain, swelling, and stiffness. Many factors come in to play when it comes to determining whether or …
Psoriasis is a common, chronic skin condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells causing them to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. This results in scaly red patches that can be itchy and painful. Approximately 7.5 million people in the U.S. suffer from this skin condition that usually affects …
Osteoarthritis can leave joints feeling stiff and uncomfortable. For some, this can get even worse in the summer months. It might surprise you just how much some people are affected by changes in the weather. Our joints contain sensory nerves called baroceptors which respond to changes in the weather. How do baroceptors work? When the …
Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease characterized by symptoms such as dry mouth and dry eyes. The body’s immune system basically attacks the healthy cells that produce saliva and tears. While dry eyes and mouth are common symptoms, many people with Sjogren’s also experience fatigue, joint pain, and even dysfunction of some organs like kidneys, …
Joint pain and stiffness. Tender, swollen joints. Fatigue, and even bouts of fever and weight loss. Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA) is no walk in the park. This chronic inflammatory disorder is actually an autoimmune disease that can do a number on your body. Aside from your joints, you may notice changes in your skin, lungs, and even …
Psoriatic arthritis affects nearly 30 percent of people living with psoriasis. The inflammatory arthritis is marked by joint pain and stiffness, and can also lead to other changes in the body like fatigue, swelling, and changes in fingernails. The autoimmune disease can affect anyone, but most people initially develop symptoms between the ages of 30 …
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension or HBP, occurs when the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels (arteries), as your heart pumps blood, is consistently too high. We are able to gauge blood pressure by taking a blood pressure reading. Blood pressure readings are written like a fraction with one …
Atopic Dermatitis, or eczema, causes a red skin rash that leaves skin itchy and dry. The patchy rash most commonly occurs on the arms and behind the knees, but can appear anywhere. Winter is often dreaded by eczema sufferers as dry air and harsh temperatures can trigger an eczema flare. While eczema flare-ups are common …
Surviving the holiday season can be a stressful task on its own. When you add gout to the mix, it certainly kicks things up a notch. The pain the accompanies a gout attack can be excruciating. Redness, swelling, and inflammation in the affected joints are all symptoms you may experience. While the big toe is …
Over 85 million Americans have high blood pressure. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension or HBP, usually has no symptoms but can increase your risk for developing heart disease and stroke. Obesity, smoking, heavy drinking, and family history are all determining factors for developing hypertension. Managing HBP can be difficult all year round, but …
