Pain management is a significant problem. More than one-third of the country’s population suffers from one form of pain or the other. Most often, to counter this pain, people opt to take opioids as a pain medication. What they fail to realize is that opioids are highly addictive and while they do kill the pain, they end up killing people as well. Over 40% of all adults turn to opioids for pain management. Before taking any medication, it is best to visit pain management doctors. They are highly experienced and can help you greatly. Here are a few of the best pain management physicians in the country:

Best pain management doctors

Salahadin Abdi, MD (Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston) 

• Dr. Abdi is one of the top pain management doctors in the country.
• He is the director of the pain center at the Massachusetts General Hospital.
• He is also an associate professor of anesthesiology at the Harvard Medical School, Boston.
• He is also the Director of the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians and Professor of clinical anesthesiology at the University Of Miami School Of Medicine.

Sairam Atluri, MD (Tri-State Spine Care, Cincinnati) 

Dr. Atluri is one of the best pain management doctors in the country.

• He is highly renowned and is the director of the Tri-State Spine Care Institute, Cincinnati.
• He has also served as the Vice President of the Ohio Chapter of the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians.
• He has published on the screening for opioid abuse in the treatment of chronic pain. He presented his research at the annual meeting for the American Pain Society.
• He earned his medical degree from Osmania Medical College, India and completed his residency at Cincinnati’s University Hospital in anesthesia and pain management. His contribution to medicine in Cincinnati has been immense.

There are several alternative treatment options to opioids and pain management physicians can help you treat your pain. Opioid overdose contributed to the death of over 125,000 people in the last 3 years. The numbers are damning. To put this into perspective, that is an average of over 100 deaths per day. Scientists are researching better pain management medications at the moment. Meanwhile, you can visit one of the best pain management doctors mentioned on this list and seek the treatment you need.

Eczema is a term used to refer to a group of medical conditions which cause the skin to become irritated and inflamed. Infants commonly suffer from this condition though they usually outgrow it by their tenth birthday. However, in some cases, people continue to suffer from symptoms of eczema that affect their skin on and off throughout their life.

Common signs and symptoms of eczema

• The first symptom of eczema is an intense itching sensation on the skin. The rash appears a little later in the form of red bumps of varying sizes. The itching is so severe that it interferes with one’s sleeping patterns as well.
• The developed rash itches and may cause a burning sensation, especially in thin areas of the skin such as the eye area and eyelids.
• If scratched or itched harshly, these bumps may ooze a transparent fluid.
• Older or chronic eczema causes symptoms such as thickened and scaly skin.
• Nummular eczema or coin shaped eczema indicates a condition where patients have one or more round areas with rashes. This condition is often confused with fungal infections.
• Some patients may develop painful cracks in the skin with time.
• In most cases, adults and older children experience eczema on the skin around the neck, flexures of the arms and legs, and in rare occasions, on the face. Infants can suffer from rashes on their face and torso. As the toddler starts to crawl, these rashes spread to their knees and elbows. The diaper area is rarely affected.
• A lot of people get red, fluid-filled bumps on their skin. When scratched, these bumps weep, adding wetness to the overall appearance. This type of eczema is most commonly seen on the sides of the fingers.
• The scalp area is hardly affected by the rash. Similarly, patients may not suffer from rashes in the outer ear area, though they may get rashes in the region behind the ears.
• Eyelids become red and puffy.
• If patients have rashes on the palms or soles of their feet, then they are probably suffering from a different skin condition like scabies, fungal infection, or allergic contact dermatitis.

Patients with any of these symptoms should consult a doctor immediately. They will perform an analysis of the entire skin’s surface and study the patient’s health history carefully, arriving at an accurate diagnosis. Sometimes, a sample of the affected skin is also sent to the laboratory for thorough examination.

A recently concluded survey says that many citizens tend to wake up in the morning feeling immense pain and stiffness in their heels. A majority of such instances of heel pain are linked to a disease known as plantar fasciitis. This unique condition of the foot primarily affects the plantar fascia, which is the anatomical name for the band of tissues that connect the heel bond with the toes of a person. This part of the body is responsible for giving the natural arched shape to the foot. To choose the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, one should consider the following factors:

Get the perfect fit
If one wants to know about the details to get the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, then it is absolutely important for them to stick with the basics. In the beginning, the patient should make sure that the size of the shoe they are getting fits them perfectly. However, choosing the perfect size can be a little more daunting than one can possibly imagine. The first step is, measuring one’s foot and this might be somewhat awkward. The second factor is that the sizes of various types of shoes tend to vary from one brand to another.

Make sure of the toe box size
If one wants to treat plantar fasciitis, then it is often required for the patient to stretch their toes as much as possible. This would become impossible if the said patient decides to choose a pair of shoes which has a tiny toe box. To make sure that the individual remains comfortable all the time, one should opt for a wider toe box in the shoes. One must also ensure that their toes have enough breathing space around them.

Heel cushioning
Plantar fasciitis has a significant impact on the heel of a patient. Thus, the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, ensure that the heel portion of the patient’s foot is provided with a lot of cushioning by the shoes purchased.

The various symptoms this condition brings about are stiffness, weakness, swelling, and inflammation with a lot of pain. If the patient decides to wear the right shoes, it would make a world of difference for someone suffering from plantar fasciitis. Thus, the best shoes for plantar fasciitis cater to all of the above-mentioned factors.

What is urinary tract infection?
Urinary Tract Infection or UTI is an infection caused in the urinary tract. Typically, there are two types of infections: one which affects lower urinary tract called bladder infection and other which affects upper urinary tract called kidney infection. UTI occurs more in women than men.

Causes and symptoms of UTI
UTI occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and multiplies in the bladder. Most common cause of UTI is Escherichia coli, or E. coli bacteria. Mostly, this condition has to be treated with antibiotics.

The symptoms include:

• Persistent urge to urinate
• Burning sensation while urinating
• Urine appears to be turbid
• Mild pelvic pain

How to treat urinary tract infection naturally?
There are numerous ways to treat a urinary tract infection naturally. Among others:

• The easiest way to prevent and treat a urinary tract infection naturally is to consume plenty of water and urinate frequently, so as to flush bacteria out of the body before they can cause harm.
• Cleaning after urinating and wiping from front to back is recommended. Since bacteria tend to reside near the anus, wiping from back to front may make it to the urethra.
• Wash up before sex and urinate after having an intercourse. While doing so, use water and gentle intimate wash, which are clinically proven. Urinating post intercourse will push away any bacteria that entered the urinary tract. This would keep bacteria away from the urethra.
• Avoid using feminine products, such as scented soaps and wash, deodorants, scented powders, around the vagina.
• For women, using contraceptives like spermicide or spermicide-lubricated condom may increase bacterial growth. Refrain from using these products if you are prone to frequent urinary tract infections and consider an alternate method for birth control.
• After menopause, estrogen production in a woman’s body reduces, which causes vaginal dryness and makes the urinary tract more susceptible to infection. To treat a urinary tract infection naturally try clinically proven pH balanced intimate wash.
• To treat a urinary tract infection naturally, cranberries are suggested. Few studies show that cranberries prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract.
• Take utmost care while using public toilets.
• People susceptible to infections are advised to take showers rather than bathtubs to prevent them.

If home remedies do not work, UTI should be treated promptly to prevent bladder complications.

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that affects the functioning of the large intestine. The large intestine is located at the end of the digestive tract. In majority of the cases, colon cancer begins as small, non-cancerous clumps of cells called polyps, which later turn into malignant cells.

The three signs of colon cancer that must not be ignored are rectal bleeding, dark stools, and changes in bowel habits. During the initial stages of colon cancer, the symptoms are not pronounced. The symptoms of colon cancer start showing up only in later stages, which is when the benign cells turn malignant.

Symptoms of colon cancer
People with a family history of colon cancer should watch out for the three signs of colon cancer. Among all the symptoms of colon cancer, symptoms of marked changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, and dark stools should be reported immediately. The warning signs of colon cancer are: as follows:

• Marked changes in bowel habit is a typical symptom of colon cancer. Some may have severe constipation, while others may have diarrhea
• Dark stools are another warning sign of colon cancer. Dark patches of blood in your stool or long, thin, pencil-like stools are often seen in people affected by colon cancer
• Rectal bleeding and cramping is another symptom of colon cancer
• The feeling of incomplete emptying of bowels or urgency in bowel movement is a warning sign associated with colon cancer
• Abdominal pain or cramping due to cancerous cell growth in the colon is another symptom you need to pay heed to. As cancerous cells multiply these symptoms become more pronounced
• Pelvic pain occurs in the last stages of colon cancer
• Bloated feeling or discomfort may be experienced in colon cancer
• Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite is a symptom in most type of cancers

You should consult your physician immediately if one or more of these symptoms appear for a long duration.

The significance of regular screening for colon cancer
Since colon cancer symptoms do not show up during the initial stages; periodic screening helps to detect the disease at the early stages. The American Cancer Society recommends regular screening for colon cancer from ages as early as 45 years.

Early screening of colon cancer helps in the timely detection and effective treatment of the three signs of colon cancer. When you experience the 3 signs of colon cancer, you should seek immediate medical help. 9 out of 10 people at early stages of colon cancer have 5 years of survival.

Cellulitis is a very common bacterial skin infection. However, the fact that it is common does not stop it from being fatal at times. The skin is an essential part of the human body which shields people from harm and its compromise can cause serious damage to anyone. The affected skin attacked by cellulitis starts to appear swollen and red, and it is typically known to be painful and warm to the touch. What causes cellulitis is something everyone should be aware of because it usually affects the skin on the lower legs, but it can very easily occur on more significant and exposed body parts such as on the face, arms, and other areas. Cellulitis starts taking place when a small crack or breakout in your skin allows bacteria to enter.

Causes
Cellulitis is caused when bacteria, most commonly streptococcus and staphylococcus, enter through a cut or break or crack on one’s skin. The incidence of a more serious infection by this type of bacteria is called, in medical terms, as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. It is a highly increasing kind of cellulitis. Although cellulitis is probable to occur anywhere on a patient’s body, the most common location is the lower part of one’s leg.

Bacteria and other harmful organisms are most likely to enter disrupted areas of the skin and through it other parts of the body. The risk increases if:

• You had recent surgery
• You have cuts
• You have or had puncture wounds
• You have ulcer
• You have athlete’s foot
• You have dermatitis

Animal bites can cause cellulitis. Bacteria can also enter the body through areas of dry, flaky skin or swollen skin.

Symptoms
There are many possible signs and symptoms of cellulitis, which usually occur on any one particular side of the body. These are indicative of what causes cellulitis. These symptoms include:

• A small or medium range red area of skin that tends to expand as time passes
• Swelling of particular parts of the limbs
• Tenderness or unusual softness of the skin in specific sections
• Pain or irritation on the skin
• Warmth or rise of skin temperature
• Fever, especially constant and recurrent bouts of it
• Red spots on the skin
• Blisters, which are often unprecedented
• Skin dimpling

Episodes of cellulitis which recur may damage many basic systems of the body and also cause chronic swelling of the affected limb. In some rare cases, the infection can spread to the deep layers of body tissues, which is called the fascial lining. Being aware of what causes cellulitis and seeking appropriate medical consultation is extremely important before you start any kind of medication.

Pictures of skin rashes caused by lupus tell a curious tale. A butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks accompanies this disease. Lupus may also lead to skin sensitivity to the sun, purple rashes, flaky red spots, and mouth sores. While there is no cure for the disease, people with lupus are now living a better and longer life. Lupus patients can manage their symptoms by making some changes to their lifestyle and undergoing various treatment methods. If one suspects that they have this condition after looking at pictures of lupus skin rashes, then they must seek medical treatment. A doctor will formulate a treatment plan based on the symptoms and its severity. Here are a few of the best treatment methods that can help lupus patients manage their symptoms:

Lupus treatment methods

• Anti-inflammatory medications: Anti-inflammatory medications help when one has swelling and joint pain, especially in the knees, wrists or fingers. One can buy these without a prescription. These medications can cause stomach irritation, so people must ingest them after drinking milk or having a meal. However, patients must know that using these medications does increase one’s risk of stroke or heart attack.
• Anti-malarial medications: Anti-malarial medications protect the skin from damage caused by the ultraviolet rays present in sunlight. They are also used to treat joint pain, mouth sores, and skin rashes. Some people with lupus face a higher risk of blood clots. Using these medications lowers that risk as well. However, these medicines can also cause some side effects like stomach irritation.
• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids weaken the immune system’s response to attack healthy tissues. They also help in cases where lupus causes problems in the blood vessels, lungs, kidneys, heart, and the brain. They ease swelling and soreness in the joints and can also prevent long-term organ damage. Corticosteroids can have some severe side-effects at times, therefore it is advisable to take due care.

Pictures of lupus skin rashes paint an accurate image of this incurable condition. However, appropriate treatment can ease one’s symptoms, prevent and relieve flares, bring down inflammation, and limit organ damage as well as other health problems. Follow healthy habits and home remedies to avert flare-ups. Try to eat a well-balanced diet and quit smoking. Smoking affects the blood vessels and the heart, causing further complications. Use sunscreen when you go out, get plenty of rest to avoid feeling fatigued and get flu and pneumonia vaccines to protect yourself against infections. And ensure to click lupus skin rash pictures so to help your doctor advise you the proper line of treatment.

Shoulder pain can be caused locally or arise from surrounding muscles, tissues and bones. The shoulder is the most movable and unstable joint in the body, considering the range of motion it is allowed. To relieve minor pains, one can try painkillers, heating pad or ice packs. However, in case of severe, persistent pain it is advisable to seek medical attention.

Causes of shoulder pain include:

• Bone infarction or avascular necrosis, a condition that arises when the death of bone tissue is caused due to lack of blood supply. The shoulder pain symptoms include the development of joint pain which may cause the inability to move.
• Brachial plexus injury is the injury caused to the network of nerves that conducts signals from the spinal cord to shoulders, arms, and hands. These injuries are results of tumors, shoulder trauma, such as fall from the height on the side of shoulder and inflammations. The symptoms include a lack of control in arm and wrist and lack of sensation in arms.
• Osteoarthritis, a joint disease caused by the breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone. Joint pain, tenderness, stiffness after long periods of inactivity and loss of flexibility are shoulder pain symptoms.
• Shoulder dislocation is an injury in which head of the upper arm bone comes out of the shoulder joint. This condition is mostly caused by fall onto the shoulder or arm. Symptoms include deformed out-of-shape shoulder, significant pain, swelling, and inability to move arms.
• Pain in shoulders can also be one of the symptoms of heart attack. This type of shoulder pain mostly occurs in the left shoulder and spreads towards arms.
• Overstretching and tearing of shoulder ligaments cause sprain, which can cause shoulder pain. Symptoms include swelling and pain in the affected area.
• Rheumatoid arthritis, that affects joints, causes inflammation and damages lining of joints. As the disease worsens, pain is experienced in shoulders and elbows. The symptoms of shoulder pain include swelling and tenderness in joints and restricted movement after long periods of inactivity.
• Inflammation or irritation in tendons, the tissues that attach muscle to bone, can also cause pain in shoulders. The symptoms include pain in affected joint, tenderness and mild swelling.
• The separated shoulder is a common injury to the joint located at the outer end of the shoulder. The symptoms of this condition include weakness in the arm, shoulder swelling and restricted shoulder movement.
• Bursitis, a condition caused by inflammation of fluid-filled sac that pads the tendons and bones near shoulder joints. The symptoms of shoulder pain include pain while pressing the area, stiffness and mild swelling.

Cancer is a very dangerous and fatal disease which often leads to a long-term treatment that may or may not succeed. It is a disease which occurs from the unwarranted growth of cells which later go on to form malignant tumors in several parts of the body. If not treated, it spreads very quickly to all parts of the body, thereby blocking functional body systems. There are four stages of cancer, and as far as cancer symptoms and their recognition go, it normally does not come to the fore before the second stage. After the detection of cancer, which is usually always preceded by a biopsy report, treatment should start immediately because it does not take long to spread. There are many cancer treatment options of which a few include:

• Surgery
  This is one technique when it is used to treat cancer, often turns out to be very effective, especially in the country. It’s very well-known and one of the largely practiced cancer treatment options. Surgery is a procedure wherein the surgeon operates and removes the cancerous tumor from the body. You can browse the Internet to find out different ways the surgery is used against cancer and what you can expect before, during, and after surgery.
• Radiation therapy
  Radiation therapy is one of the most specific and targeted types of cancer treatment options. It uses high doses of tested radiation to kill the malignant cells and shrinks the size of tumors. The patients should also learn about the types of radiation and the reasons why they have side effects apart from other cancer symptoms.
• Chemotherapy
  This is the most popular and well-known type of cancer treatment that uses drugs and other types of medicines to kill the carcinogenic cells. Chemotherapy is highly effective because it works against cancer by attacking the cells directly. However, it must be executed with utmost precision and perfection otherwise it may prove harmful.
• Targeted therapy
  This therapy is another very special type of cancer treatment which targets the various changes in cancer cells that facilitate their growth, division, and spreading. This is also more or less effective in the country.

Even after all these treatment options, the patient has to be very careful and maintain all the restraints suggested by the doctors. It is a very difficult disease to cure permanently, and it often recurs in a patient who has been diagnosed once. The patient should be very cautious and patient while dealing with cancer, not giving up.

Hives, medically known as urticaria, is a rash on the body which leads to the formation of wheals. These wheals are red and itchy elevated areas of the skin, usually with a blanched center.

Hives appear in varying sizes and shapes and often occur suddenly – either as a result of body’s reaction to a certain allergen or for unidentified reasons.

One characteristic of hives is their tendency to quickly change size and place, often in a couple of hours. In most cases, an individual hive does not last longer than 24 hours. So, an outbreak that appears alarming in the morning may be completely gone by afternoon, only to appear in another place later in the day. Because these hives fluctuate so much, it is best to take pictures of hives rash to show it to your doctor for proper diagnosis.

Sometimes, hives result in a swelling beneath the skin. This condition is called angioedema. It is characterized by deep swelling around the lips, eye area, hands, feet, and genitals. These look similar to hives. Your doctor will closely examine your hives pictures and symptoms to determine your case.

Early signs and symptoms of hives
The most common hive symptoms include:

• Slightly raised, red swellings on various parts of the body
• Welts that occur alone or spread over a large area. You can check some pictures of hives rash to know how welts look like.
• Severe itching and irritation
• Swelling that subsides within 24 hours but again appears at a different spot
• Painful swelling around the lips, eyes or inside the throat
• Flaring up of the symptoms due to exposure to heat or exercise
• Persistent for over six weeks, where the symptoms appear and disappear frequently

When to seek professional medical help?
In case you experience hives or angioedema along with the following symptoms, it is imperative that you immediately consult medical help:

• Wheezing
• Dizziness
• Difficulty in breathing
• Swelling of tongue, face or lips
• Slight discomfort or pain in the chest

It is extremely important to carry your hives pictures along when you visit the doctor. Since the hives keep on fluctuating, the pictures of the rashes will help the doctor to understand your case and suggest the appropriate line of treatment. It thus goes without saying that your pictures of hives rashes play a crucial part in your recovery.