Neuropathy@CoreHealth is Fairfield County’s Leading provider of Integrative Neuropathic Solutions for neuropathic pain. Our mission is to help people suffering from neuropathy get their lives back on track.

Let’s go over some supplements we know that are effective in helping people deal with their neuropathy
. The overall state of your health will determine how successful treatment response will be. The healthier you are internally will yield better results. Before you take any supplements for neuropathy you should run the information with your doctor. The underlying conditions that may have caused your neuropathy may interact with the supplements.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in organ meats, broccoli, spinach, and potaoes. ALA has antioxidant properties to protect against free radical damage. Most studies on the effects of ALA on neuropathy have been done in Europe. It has been shown to help improve neuropathic symptoms and to protect against nerve damage.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) is an amino acid produced in the body that helps the body produce energy. Studies indicate that ALC is helpful in regenerating nerve tissue, which is important for treating diabetic nerve pain.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 Fatty Acids are considered essential because we need them but cannot produce them naturally. We have to get enough through diet, since this still equates to deficiency we must supplement to get enough essential fatty acids. Here is why Omega-3 Fatty Acids are so important. The covering on your nerves is made up of essential fats. The covering is called myelin, the myelin needs the fatty acids to protect nerves and to help them regrow. There is strong evidence that Omega-3 Fatty Acids are particularly helpful to people suffering from Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)

Gamma-linolenic acid is an omega 6 fatty acid. Just like Omega 3 fatty acids it is crucial for myelin synthesis. Gamma-linolenic acid can help improve nervous system function. The population of patients who derive the most benefit is Diabetic Neuropathy patients. You must check with your physician first. Gamma-linolenic acid can have adverse effects if you are taking blood thinners.

Curcumin

Curcumin, sometimes referred to as turmeric has been used to treat pain in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Curcumin helps reduce oxidative stress. Inflammation is reduced along with pain. Evidence shows that Curcumin offers protection to the nervous system.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to neuropathic pain in both the diabetic population and the post-chemotherapy patients we see. Now, the best way to get Vitamin D is to get some sun. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it makes vitamin D from cholesterol. The sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) rays hit cholesterol in the skin cells, providing the energy for vitamin D synthesis to occur. You still need to supplement it. The American diet is way too deficient in Vitamin D. Neuropathy patients top the list of people with Vitamin D deficiencies. Did you ever stop and think that cholesterol medications might be a contributing cause in Vitamin D issues?

B Vitamins

Neuropathy patients need B1, B6, and B12. The B Vitamins reduce neuropathic symptoms and offer protection to the nerves. The poor US diet is a common reason for B Vitamin deficiency. The older we get the less likely we are to absorb vitamins. Another probem with vitamin bioavailablity is that certain medications interfere with absobtion as well. B1, B6, and B12 are the ones to focus on. I think most doctors will agree on the need for B supplemenatation

If you want to learn what a dislocated knee is, how it is diagnosed, its symptioms and the different ways to treat it, then read on!

If you happen to dislocate your knee then you have a rare but serious injury to deal with. Simply put, a knee dislocation is brought about when your thigh bone and shin bone are no longer in contact with each other. Some people tend to confuse a knee dislocation with patellar dislocation. A patellar dislocation or dislocated knee cap, means that the knee cap is dislodged from its joint within the thigh bone. Furthermore, knee dislocations typically result from trauma caused by high velocity accidents namely car accidents, dangerous falls and contact in sports.

Knee ligament damage

When you suffer a knee dislocation, your knee ligaments are usually damaged. As a result, healthcare providers need to find out which ligament has been damaged. Typically, the ligaments the anterior cruciate (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) are the ones which are torn.

The PCL is the strongest ligament in the knee and is usually damaged by overextending the knee, whether by landing incorrectly after awkwardly jumping suffering direct blows to the usually on the dashboard of a car in an accident and so on.

Knee dislocations are so serious that they may impact upon other body parts. Interestingly, in common knee dislocations, the collateral ligaments, cartilage, and meniscus; all of which are parts of the knee may be also damaged. Knee dislocations have been known to result in the critical damage of surrounding nerves and vascular areas of the leg.

Diagnosing a dislocated knee

One of the most trusted ways of proving that your knee has in fact dislocated, is through the use of X-rays. In such a case where your knee is in fact dislocated, the doctor will then endeavor to reposition you knee joint. After which, the doctor will need to monitor the status of the nerves and blood vessels which surround the injury; as such angiogram tests may be used.
Symptoms of having a dislocated knee

– Knee swelling and tenderness in the space behind the knee
– Knee joint instability
– Knee joint pain

Treating a dislocated knee

I used a kit I bought online to help relieve my knee pain which was a big improvement. When treating knee dislocations a doctor is usually expected to tend to any apparent nerve or tissue damage. Also, if ligament, cartilage and meniscus damage was also experienced the doctor would also treat those. In this regard, ligaments such as the ACL and PCL are often surgically reconstructed. The more immediate strategies of treatment may include splinting, applying cold compresses to the area, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain, limited physical activity and physical therapy. This concludes the ways in which this injury may be treated.

Knee osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis hip and osteoarthritis of the spine result in degeneration of these joints, causing pain and discomfort.

The treatment plan for osteoarthritis is a multi-disciplinary approach, comprised of medication, exercise, topical applications, massage, and dietary prescriptions.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is known as the degenerative joint disease. It is a form of arthritis (i.e. inflammation of the joint) and is caused by the degeneration of the joint cartilage. Cartilage plays a vital role in joint function. It provides protection to the ends of the bones by acting as a shock absorber. Without the cushioning cartilage, the two bones rub against each other, leading to pain, swelling, limitation of movement and deformity.

Causes of Osteoarthritis (OA)

The causes of OA are primary and secondary. Primary OA occurs due to aging. With age, the ability to restore and synthesize normal cartilage decreases, consequently resulting in arthritis.

Secondary OA is associated with certain predisposing factors, such as, inherited abnormalities in the joint structure or function, trauma, surgery, previous inflammatory disease of the joint and abnormal cartilage.
Osteoarthritis Symptoms

The onset of osteoarthritis is often subtle. The following are the presenting features of the joint disease:

Morning stiffness is usually the first symptom
Pain occurs; the pain is aggravated by prolonged motion and better by rest
Bone swelling and soft tissue swelling
Local tenderness
Cracking sounds on movement
Reduced movement

Osteoarthritis Relief

The most important aspect of OA management is achieving the ideal body weight. Over weight means increasing the stress on the weight bearing joints, namely, the knees, hips and spine.

Osteoarthritis Diet

Nutritionists say that the diet should be rich in fruits and vegetables, because their natural plant compounds protect against cellular damage, including damage to joints.

Foods that are particularly beneficial for OA are:

Ginger: Ginger is packed with gingerols, which are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. Experts recommend consuming fresh ginger root rather that powdered ginger. Grate about half an inch of the herb and let it simmer in boiling water. Consume about 100 ml daily. Ginger soothes inflammatory processes and swelling effectively, thus alleviating pain, discomfort and improving the range of motion appreciably.

Berries: Berries such as strawberries, gooseberries, blueberries and blackberries are loaded with flavanoids. Flavanoids are potent anti-oxidants that prevent damage to the joint and the cartilage. Consuming 100 grams of berries per day is advocated.

Cruciferous vegetables: Cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and kale belong to this family. These vegetables are rich in sulphur; and sulphur containing foods help manage OA efficiently.

Exercises for Osteoarthritis

Exercise and physiotherapy is definitely recommended for osteoarthritis patients. Exercise prevents stiffness of the joint, improves the mobility and diminishes pain considerably and id a good pain management for arthritis aid.

The importance of physical therapy appears to be decidedly significant, especially, when administered daily.
Osteoarthritis Treatment with Aromatherapy Essential Oils

Massaging the affected joint with suitable aromatherapy oils has been known to be extremely beneficial for OA patients. Experts say Clove oil shows remarkable results in easing the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Small amounts of clove oil blended in to massage oils helps relieve stiffness, muscle pain and arthritic joint pain.

Blend 10 drops of clove oil in 15 ml of a carrier oil (coconut oil / almond oil / sesame oil) and massage the joint gently. Everyday massage yields swift results.

Toilet hygiene is very crucial. It is important that you wipe yourself properly and also wash your hands well afterwards. This is is because you do not want to give bacteria a chance to find their way into your sensitive places. When they do get their way into the anus then there is a high possibility of you getting an infection called anal abscess.

An anal abscess is an infected cavity filled with pus found near the anus or rectum.  Ninety percent of abscesses are the result of an acute infection in the internal glands of the anus. Occasionally, bacteria, fecal material or foreign matter can clog an anal gland and tunnel into the tissue around the anus or rectum, where it may then collect in a cavity called an abscess.

An anal fistula (also commonly called fistula-in-ano) is frequently the result of a previous or current anal abscess. This occurs in up to 50% of patients with abscesses. Normal anatomy includes small glands just inside the anus. The fistula is the tunnel that forms under the skin and connects the clogged infected glands to an abscess. A fistula can be present with or without an abscess and may connect just to the skin of the buttocks near the anal opening.

Sourced from: https://www.fascrs.org/patients/disease-condition/abscess-and-fistula-expanded-information

Since you now know that there is a risk of getting this infection it is important that you know the causes. This will guide you on what you should stop doing or what you should be doing instead so as to minimize the chances of getting the infection.

A blocked anal gland, a sexually transmitted infection (STI), or an infected anal fissure can cause anal abscesses. Some other risk factors for anal abscesses include:

Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, which are inflammatory bowel diseases that cause the body to attack healthy tissue
diabetes
a compromised immune system due to illnesses like HIV or AIDS
anal sex, which can increase the risk of anal abscesses in both men and women
use of the medication prednisone or other steroids
current or recent chemotherapy
constipation
diarrhea
Toddlers or children that have a history of anal fissures (tears in the anal sphincter) are also at a higher risk for developing anal abscesses later on. Such anal fissures might occur in children who have a history of constipation.

Sourced from: http://www.healthline.com/health/anorectal-abscess#CausesandRisks2

Anal abscess treatment depends on the severity of the infection. There are situations which are an outpatient case while others can require surgical procedure. The doctor should explain to you the treatment plan after diagnosis.

Depending upon the severity of the abscess and any other medical problems, treatment may be accomplished on an outpatient or inpatient basis. The treatment plan should be explained to the patient in detail.

Minor surgery may be performed in the healthcare professional’s office or in the emergency department using local anesthesia (an injection in the infected area), and possibly IV sedation. Most patients are referred to a surgeon for treatment of perirectal abscesses because the abscess may involve additional structures or require more debridement that may not be apparent until it is surgically explored. Patients should be able to go home when they awake and will be given prescription pain medication for the first few days with some uncomplicated abscesses.
Alternatively, the surgery may be done in the operating room by a surgeon using spinal anesthesia (the patient is awake and numb from the waist down) or general anesthesia (patient is “asleep” under sedation). The hospital stay may be overnight or several days.
Admission to the hospital may be required with an IV line for fluids, antibiotics, and pain medicine.
Patients may need an update of their tetanus booster, if this has not been done in the past 5-10 years.
Blood and other tests may need to be repeated to evaluate the patient’s progress after treatment.

Sourced from: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/anal_abscess/page3_em.htm#anal_abscess_medical_treatment