How an Achilles Tendon Rupture Is Treated Without Surgery

AnAchilles tendon ruptureis a traumatic injury that can cause significant disability after it occurs. This condition typically happens without warning and can make it challenging to walk or bear weight through your leg. While many people end up having their tendon surgically repaired after a tear, this is not always necessary. Oleg Breslavtsev/ Getty Images Oleg Breslavtsev/ Getty Images What Is an Achilles Tendon Rupture? This important structure is both the thickest and strongest tendon in the human body....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 363 words · Richard Knox

How an IgE Blood Test Checks for Allergies

If levels are too high, it indicates an allergy. Boy_Anupong / Getty Images Who Should Be Tested? This requires placing an allergen directly on the skin. Boy_Anupong / Getty Images First, a healthcare provider will insert a small needle into one of the veins in your arm. After insertion, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. There is no preparation for an IgE blood test....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 317 words · Gary Wilson

How an Itchy Scalp Is Treated

Treatment for itchy scalp depends on the exact cause. Often, home remedies can provide effective relief. These remedies include: Some cases of itchy scalp may require prescription treatment. Verywell / Katie Kerpel This article discusses the different treatments for itchy scalp and when to see your healthcare provider. If poor hygiene is the culprit, confirm you clean your hair and rinse off any products. It’s also important to maintain a regular hair-washing routine....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 380 words · Justin Skinner

How an Organic Disease Differs From a Functional Disorder

A disease can sometimes be described as being organic or functional. Many diseases fall under the umbrella of being either organic or functional. This article explains the difference between organic and functional diseases and why the distinction is important in medical practice. TommL / Getty Images Or, it could be due to a functional cause likechronic fatigue syndromefor which no measurable test is available. As the scientific understanding of a disease advances, the way in which that disease is categorized can change....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 417 words · Bethany Gaines

How an Osteotomy Procedure Can Treat Arthritis

But, which surgical option should you consider? Which surgical procedure would most effectively relieve your pain and improve mobility? When most patients think of joint surgery, they think of a total joint replacement. PredragImages / Getty Images But, there are other procedures you should know about. Here, we will concentrate on osteotomy. Osteotomy Explained Osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves bone-cutting. The surgeon removes a wedge of bone located near the damaged joint....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 193 words · Lisa Robertson

How Anabolic Steroids and Corticosteroids Differ

Corticosteroids refer to a class of drugs used to treatinflammatory arthritisand other inflammatory conditions. However, while they share some molecular properties, the two are quite different. The causes may include undescended testicles, testicle injury, pituitary disorders, obesity, and advanced HIV infection. The majority of people who misuse steroids are male weight lifters in their 20s or 30s. Steroid misuse is much less common in women. Corticosteroids act on the immune system by blocking the production of substances that trigger allergic and inflammatory responses....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 375 words · Terry Smith

How Anal Fissure Is Treated

A break or tear in theanusis called an anal fissure. It can occur at any age but is more common in babies and children. If constipation is the cause, treating that problem will be important to healing the fissure. Henadzi Pechan / Getty Images Other treatments include home remedies such assitz baths, topical and oral medications, injections, and surgery. This article will discuss the various forms of treatment that may be used for an anal fissure....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 308 words · Misty Hill

How and When to See a Psychiatrist

Psychologists are mental health providers with an advanced degree, who treat mental health disorders withpsychotherapy. Mental health conditions are treatable, and getting prompt care leads to better outcomes. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911. Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health Psychiatrists and other mental health professionals are available at hospitals through emergency departments. How to Find a Psychiatrist Finding a psychiatristmay begin with an appointment with a primary care practitioner....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 284 words · Dr. Anita Duncan

How and When to Use Chest Seals

They play a critical role in triage first aid for these types of injuries. They are simple to use and are included in many modernfirst aid kits. It’s important to know what items you’ll have at your disposalbeforeyou need to use them. Amazon Chest seals are simple, effective treatments that can save lives if you know whenand howto use them. This information is important to know, even if you aren’t a healthcare professional or in the military....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 594 words · Mackenzie Larson

How Anemia Is Diagnosed

Certain physical signslike pale skinmay provide clues that you have anemia. Sometimes, the appearance of your RBCs under a microscope can help point to the cause of your anemia. Once you are diagnosed with anemia, you may need further testing to identify the reason for your anemia. vitapix / Getty Images Specialized diagnostic studies can distinguish medical issues like low RBC production in your bone marrow or intestinal bleeding. Common symptoms and signs of anemia include:...

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 491 words · Karen Miller

How Anemia Is Treated

If you have been diagnosed with acute or chronicanemia, know that it can be corrected. Sometimes anemia is treated with vitamin replacement so the body can make its own RBCs. A major component of your anemia treatment involves managing the cause. Lisovskaya / Getty Images Over-the-Counter (OTC) Therapies Vitamin supplementation can alleviate some vitamin deficiencies. You may have this problem due to issues like food allergies or food intolerance. Your healthcare provider may recommend vitamin B12 supplements,iron supplements, and/or folic acid supplements....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 385 words · Alexis Kim

How Angioedema Is Diagnosed

A healthcare provider can often diagnoseangioedemaby examining the affected skin and reviewing your medical history. However, further testing may be needed to determine the pop in of angioedema you have. Hereditary forms of angioedema may be diagnosed using a blood test or genetic test. © Verywell, 2018 Self-Checks/At-Home Testing you might check yourself or your child for angioedema. An allergen is a substance that triggers a strong immune reaction. Histaminergic angioedema is also often spontaneous, meaning that there is no external trigger for the episode of angioedema....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 431 words · Autumn Bryant

How Ankylosing Spondylitis Affects Your Oral Health

Ankylosing spondylitiscan affect your teeth, gums, and many areas of your mouth. This disease and the common drugs that treat it can change the health of your mouth. At the same time, pain and stiffness can make it hard to brush and floss. Luis Alvarez / Getty Images The effect can make it challenging to maintain good oral health. However, the link between ankylosing spondylitis and tooth loss is complex....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 657 words · Amanda Campbell