Archive for the ‘Health’ Category

Carpal Tunnel Affects Many Office Workers In The USA

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a major concern for both employers and employees in the UK and around the globe. A study conducted out in 2008 showed that around 68% of workers in the UK suffered from some sort of RSI and the principal areas that were affected by it were the back, shoulders, wrists and hands. The incidences of RSI are likely to carry on rising as more and more individuals toil in offices and PC users are amongst the worst affected by it.

RSI is usually used as a catch all name for a quantity of conditions such as tendinitis, tenosynovitis and carpal tunnel syndrome and in general tends to tell more as regards how the injury was sustained instead of what the injury really is. The symptoms of RSI include agony in the affected region or regions, weakness and lack of endurance and the fact that hurting is made worse by movement.

There are a few of ways to get RSI treatment and RSI relief on behalf of sufferers a large amount of which include making a couple of uncomplicated changes to working practices and behavior. The employment of ergonomics is a highly rated source of repetitive strain injury treatment and can alleviate pressure on the body as can the application of an ergonomic mouse while using a PC. Pause software reminds PC users to take frequent breaks while using a PC and complete exercises that will prevent symptoms from worsening. Specific strength exercises such as yoga, tai chi and the Alexander Technique can help to prevent RSI and strengthen the areas that are affected by it as they enhance posture and central strength. There are a quantity of medicinal treatments that can offer repetitive strain injury relief such as non-sedative pain medication, braces and therapy although it is usually acknowledged that mainstream health providers are still working on the best methodology to treating RSI.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs once the median nerve becomes squeezed or compressed at the wrist and is an occupational hazard for frequent users of computers. The symptoms progress from a frequent burning sensation or stinging in the palms and fingers to complete numbness and constant throbbing in the arm and hands. There is a number or carpal tunnel treatment obtainable to sufferers such as drugs, exercise and alternative treatments. In the cases where these don’t work carpal tunnel relief can be obtained by surgery on the affected part of the body but this is just recommended if symptoms persist for longer than 6 months. This surgery is one of the most frequent in the US and involves severing the band of tissue around the wrist to free pressure on the median nerve.

If you believe that you possess any of the symptoms of either RSI or carpal tunnel syndrome it is recommended that you pay a visit to your doctor as soon as you can as early management can prevent the symptoms becoming worse or obstruct RSI developing altogether.

Intermittent Catheter Options

Saturday, January 9th, 2010

Those who use catheters may be presented with different options from their doctor. Some conditions will require the use of internal catheters. These are the most complicated of these sorts of devices. Other individuals will be able to get by with a condom, sometimes called a Texas style, catheter. These devices are very easy to use and maintain. Depending upon one’s specific condition, one may find themselves using both types of devices at various times. Oftentimes, these devices are used as a result of surgery, illness or, sometimes, simply due to the patient’s age.

Those who use intermittent catheters will find that the procedure is complex, no matter which option they’re given. With internal catheters, the fact that the procedure is invasive means that there is a risk of infection. Patients who are dependent upon these types of devices must learn to properly sterilize the equipment and to make sure there is minimal risk of bacterial infection. One must also learn how to protect their anatomy. Installing an internal catheter incorrectly, for example, can cause damage to the prostate gland in men. The condom catheters are much less complex and present a reduced risk of infection as they are external devices.

The supplies used for these procedures greatly determine how easily it can be learned. One will need lubricants, possibly adhesives, leg bags and other equipment that go along with this type of self-care. There are Internet retailers who offer these products at prices which are much more affordable than is normally the case. These devices are made by the same manufacturers and to the same standards of quality as are the devices purchased from any other retailer. The devices can also be purchased in large quantities, which offers the patient some significant discounts in many cases.