The thyroid is a small but one of the most important endocrine glands of the body. It secretes two hormones very crucial for controlling metabolic rate, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones increase the oxygen consumption and stimulate the synthesis of new proteins in the cells. The activity of this crucial gland is regulated by another hormone called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH is not produced in the thyroid but produced by the pituitary gland located in the brain. Thus, abnormal TSH levels may hinder the normal functioning of this gland.

Symptoms: The symptoms are not specific and can be easily misdiagnosed with other common disorders. Some of the common symptoms of abnormal TSH levels (or abnormal thyroid function) are fatigue, weakness, nervousness, weight gain or weight loss, tremors, sudden paralysis, issues with vision such as light sensitivity, muscle weakness, and insomnia.

Control of thyroid: TSH, secreted by the pituitary, causes secretion of the thyroid. Higher levels of thyroid hormones “switch off” the section of TSH. However, in certain conditions the activity of the thyroid is compromised making it either overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism). Thyroid disorders are more common in females as compared to males.

Reference range and interpretation of TSH levels: The reference range of TSH is still a debatable issue but a commonly accepted range in 0.4 mU/L to 2.5 mU/L.

A high level of TSH indicates lower activity of thyroid gland (underactive). Thus, excess TSH is secreted to provide a signal to the thyroid gland to produce hormones.

A low level of TSH indicates overactive thyroid that consequently increases the thyroid hormones in the blood. These higher levels of hormones inhibit the secretion of TSH from the pituitary gland.

Treatment: Since the thyroid gland is central to energy metabolism, any disorder of this gland requires a careful examination and treatment by an expert, preferably an endocrinologist. However, certain medications that decrease thyroid hormone levels and other treatments, which increase the levels of thyroid hormones are prescribed to control abnormal TSH levels. However, a blood test is performed to detect abnormal TSH levels and accordingly a treatment is advised.

TSH levels in the body control the proper functioning of thyroid gland. An underactive or overactive thyroid gland causes widespread disruption of body functions due to its critical role in body maintenance and energy homeostasis.

Eyes are very sensitive to external stimuli and any irritation or allergy can cause watery eyes. Watery eyes from allergies are a common phenomenon and occur when the eyes come in contact with certain environmental allergens such as dust, pollens from weeds and grass, mites, certain indoor allergens, contact lenses, and cosmetics. In certain cases, preservatives used in artificial tears may also cause watery eyes. When the eyes are exposed to an allergen, the body sends an immune response and a chemical called histamine is released by the body as a natural defense mechanism. This release of histamine causes inflammation, swelling, and itching sensations in the eyes.

Common Symptoms
Watery eyes from allergies can cause visible changes in eyes. As soon as the eyes are exposed to an allergen, the symptoms appear. However, in certain cases, the symptom may develop after a few days. A few common symptoms of watery eyes are:

• Irritation in the eyes and redness
• An intense urge to itch
• Swelling in the eyelids
• Tears running from the eyes
• Burning sensations and chronic pain
• Sensitivity towards light

Treatments
Watery eyes from allergies can cause severe discomfort and disrupt normal day to day life. The following precautions and treatments may help in alleviating discomfort. However, any medication for watery eyes must be taken only after consulting an eye specialist.

• Wear sunglasses: A continuous exposure to the sun during eye infection may aggravate the situation. To prevent this, good quality sunglasses must be worn when going out of the house. This also prevents the entry of dust particles, pollen, and other allergens in the eyes.
• Wash eyes regularly: Rinsing your eyes with clean water will remove any deposited allergens.
• Artificial tears: Artificial tears help lubrication and remove allergens. They must be used only after consulting a doctor.
• Remove contact lenses: Contact lenses may cause allergy and hence must be removed if eyes are watery.
• Do not rub eyes: Avoid rubbing the eyes when you feel an itching sensation. Rubbing the eyes will only worsen the situation as this will increase the inflammation in the eyes.

Eyes are one of the most sensitive organs in our body and they are constantly exposed to allergens. The symptoms and discomfort due to watery eyes from allergies can be alleviated by taking certain precautions, and in case the symptoms persist for a longer duration, seeking immediate medical help is essential.

Itchy skin causes a lot of irritation. It is characterized by rashes and red bumps on the surface, which can be caused due to several skin conditions or internal illnesses. Red, itchy rash legs are most often a sign of a serious underlying disorder.

Normally, these rashes are not a matter of concern and can be treated with the help of effective home remedies and OTC topical ointments. But, it is important to find the exact cause of the rash before starting on any treatment.

Common Causes of Red Itchy Rash Legs

• Keratosis Pilaris: These are small red or white bumps that appear on the arms and legs. They generally do not itch or itch very less. The skin condition occurs when the skin pores are clogged with a protein called keratin. People with eczema or dry skin are more likely to have keratosis pilaris.

• Folliculitis: This is a skin condition that occurs as a result of infection in the hair follicles, either in the scalp or in other areas of the body that have been shaved. It is most commonly caused due to a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus.

• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): If your red itchy, rash legs have red bumps and scaly patches, it is more likely to be an eczema infection. Your skin will become extremely itchy and have blisters that may ooze out a clear fluid.

• Hives: Hives is another cause of red, itchy rash on legs. Also known as urticaria, hives make the skin red and raised. They are often caused due to a reaction to certain food items, medicines, cold, insects, pollen, or latex.

• Insect Bites: Red, itchy, rash legs can also be caused due to insect bites, especially if they itch a lot. Common causes include mosquitos, fire ants, fleas, lice, chiggers, bed bugs, and scabies.

• Psoriasis: This is a chronic condition that causes red, itchy, and scaly patches on the skin. The second most commonly occurring form of this condition is known as guttate psoriasis, which causes reddish and scaly spots on the trunk and limbs.

• Skin Cancer: Skin cancer is primarily caused by extreme and prolonged exposure to the sun. There are different types of skin cancers that result in red and itchy skin. The most common types include Bowen’s disease and basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

If the itchiness does not go away on its own, it is important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and a suitable line of treatment.

The kidneys are located underneath the rib cage, toward the back. So, when you experience pain around this part of the body it apparently becomes tough to understand whether the pain is emanating from the kidney or the back. However, the symptoms along with a close observation of the type, severity, and location of the pain can help understand where the actual problem is. Here is a guide that will help resolve the dilemma of back pain vs kidney pain.

Location of Pain

• Back pain is mostly located in one of the buttocks or in the lower back, but it can be identified anywhere on the back as well.
• You can feel kidney pain in the flank, i.e., on either side of the spine between the ribcage bottom and hips. However, mostly, felt on one side of the body, kidney pain can be experienced on both sides as well.

Type of Pain
Understanding the type of pain is another way to distinguish between back pain vs. kidney pain.

• You will feel a dull ache in case of muscle pain. An irritated or injured nerve pain mostly gives a sharp sensation of burning that travels down the buttock to the lower leg or sometimes, even the foot.
• A kidney stone causes sharp pain that may fluctuate with the stone’s movement. During an infection, a dull, constant ache is felt, and it does not go away without treatment and remains unaffected if you move.

Pain Radiation

• Muscle pain mostly stays in the back. The pain in the nerve can spread to the lower leg.
• Sometimes, the kidney pain radiates to the lower abdomen or inner thigh.

Severity of the Pain
How severe your pain is actually can help you to discriminate between back pain vs. kidney pain.

• Usually, an acute pain can last from days to weeks. The subacute pain can last from 6 weeks to 3 months! A chronic back pain can last longer than 3 months.
• A kidney stone causes a severe pain while the pain caused by an infection is usually mild.

Accompanying Symptoms

• Back pain results in numbness in the legs, muscle spasm, swelling in the affected area etc., which are the accompanying symptoms.
• For kidney pain, vomiting, nausea, chills and fever, dark urine, feeling pain while urinating, a recent bladder infection, blood in the urine etc. are some of the accompanying symptoms.

Consulting a healthcare professional is always the best idea to distinguish between back pain vs. kidney pain and to get better with the right treatment.

Seniors fight with a number of problems, which in turn affects their strength and stability. Medical conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, or heart condition can have an adverse effect on their body strength.

To improve body balance and coordination, exercises are essential. Here are some of the exercises for seniors that should be practiced to stay fit.

Single Limb Stance

• This is the simplest exercise for seniors that involves holding onto a chair and balancing on one leg.
• This helps to develop the core stability by maintaining the center of gravity in the ankles.
• Perform this exercise for a few seconds, balancing alternately on each foot. Once comfortable doing it for a minute, hold the chair with a single hand, followed by a single finger and finally, letting go of the chair completely.

Walking Heel to Toe

• Position one heel exactly in front of the toes of the other foot.
• Focus on something ahead of you to stay steady as you walk.
• Take a step forward by placing the other heel in front of the toes. Take 20 steps in this manner.

Balance Walk

• Raise your arms to the shoulder height sideways.
• Now walk in a B-line, with one foot ahead of the other.
• As you walk, lift your back leg and count up to 1 before placing it down.
• Do this with both your legs and repeat 15 times.

Wall Pushups

• Stand to face the wall, about 3 feet away; keep your feet apart and shoulder away from the wall.
• Place your hands, flat at the shoulder height on the wall. Keep your back straight.
• Lean toward the wall and then push back.
• Repeat 10-15 times.

Heel Raises

• This is a simple exercise for seniors meant for strengthening the upper calves.
• Sit on a chair, put your toes and balls of the feet on the floor, and lift only your heels. Repeat 20 times.

Shoulder Rolling

• Rotate your shoulders gently towards the ceiling, then backward and downwards. Do it alternately with both the shoulders.

Side Leg Raise

• Stand behind a chair and keep your feet marginally apart. Slowly lift your leg sideways, keeping your spine straight and pointing toes in the forward direction.
• Gradually, bring the leg back to its position. Repeat with the other leg.
• Perform this exercise 15 times with each leg.

Exercise for seniors is a good way to maintain balance, effectively cope with the challenges of aging, and staying fit.

Eyes are extremely sensitive parts of the body that need to be protected from dust, smoke, air borne particles, and blinding lights. Eyelid inflammation is a chronic condition that causes swelling or inflammation of the eyelids. Severe eye inflammation causes matting of the eyelids. Chronic eyelid inflammation is often a symptom of serious health conditions like orbital cellulitis, Graves’s disease, and ocular herpes.

Symptoms of eyelid inflammation
Swelling of the eyelids is the typical symptom of eyelid inflammation. Swollen eyelids are accompanied by one or more of the symptoms such as the following:

• Eye irritation
• Itchy feeling in eyes
• Redness in eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Discharge from eyes
• Excessive tearing
• Sticking of eyes after a nap

Causes of eyelid inflammation
The causes of eyelid inflammation vary in severity from mild allergies to medical conditions that may cause a loss of sight. Swollen or inflamed eyelids maybe cause due to the following:

• Allergies: Eye allergies may occur when the immune system reacts to foreign particles such as pollen, dust, eye drops, pet dander, or contact lens solution. In some cases, eye makeup may also cause inflammation of the eyelids.
• Conjunctivitis: This infection affects the conjunctiva of the eye. Allergic, viral, or bacterial infection of the conjunctiva causes inflammation of the eyelids.
• Styes: These appear like tiny bumps on the edges of eyelids. Styes are caused due to inflammation of the meibomian gland.
• Injuries: Any injury to the eye or the surrounding area may cause swollen eyelids.
• Infection due to contact lenses: Wearing contact lenses that are not maintained properly may cause swelling of eyelids.
• Blepharitis: Improper functioning of the oil glands cases blepharitis. The eyelids get swollen in this condition.
• Chalazion: When the meibomian gland is blocked, a hard sebaceous cyst is formed known as chalazion. This develops away from the edge of the eyelid, causing inflammation of the eyelid.
• Crying: Continuous crying also causes swollen eyelids.

Apart from the aforementioned causes, some of the other key causes of eyelid inflammation are as follows:

• Orbital cellulities: This is a serious bacterial infection that results in painful swelling of the eyelids.
• Ocular herpes: Caused by the herpes simplex virus, ocular herpes causes inflammation of the eyelids.
• Graves’ disease: An overactive thyroid causes this disease characterized by swollen, puffy eyelids.

Taking good care of your eyes helps prevent infections and inflammations. Regular washing of the eyes helps get rid of dirt accumulation. Avoid exposure to extremely bright light and toxic smoke. Last but not the least, getting adequate sleep gives enough rest to the eyes and is, therefore,  extremely important to prevent eyelid inflammation.

The retina is a light-sensitive membrane that is present at the back of the eye. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina dislocates from its regular position, causing partial or total loss of vision.

In the case of retinal detachment, the retinal cells get separated from the layer of blood vessels, depriving them of oxygen and nourishment. It is a medical emergency that should be treated instantaneously. Any delay in treatment can result in permanent vision loss in the affected eye.

The common warning signs of retinal detachment include reduced vision and a sudden appearance of floaters and flashes. It is imperative to consult a good eye specialist to obtain the appropriate treatment.

Common Warning Signs of Retinal Detachment

• Dim Vision
  Dim vision implies experiencing vision that is less bright than the usual. It is often characterized by dark vision with a lack of contrasts between colors. This happens as the eye is receiving less light as a result of damaged retinal cells.

• Light Flashes in Peripheral Vision
  A sudden emergence of light flashes or their increased severity is one of the most common signs of retinal detachment. Since the retina is light sensitive, in case of its damage, it may send faulty signals to the brain through the optic nerve, which is expressed as flashes of lights in your vision. These flashes generally appear when looking to the side.

• Grey Curtain Blockage of Vision
  A retinal detachment causes the retina to dislocate and become detached from the blood vessels at the back of the eye. Without blood supply, these cells do not receive the needed oxygen and, as a result, get damaged or die. This leads to the formation of a grey curtain or shadow on the vision. If left untreated, this can result in permanent sight impairment.

• Eye Floaters or Cobwebs
  Eye floaters might appear as spots within your otherwise clear vision. Generally, they first appear as cobwebs, taking over parts of your vision.

• Peripheral Shadows
  A lot of people experience shadows edging in from the corner of their eyes. This may result from retinal detachment, or in some cases, blocking of veins or arteries behind the eyes. It is important to quickly consult a specialist to prevent a more serious detachment from occurring.

• Halos Around Light Sources
  This is another of the many common signs of retinal detachment. Many people see halos forming around light sources. This is because the retina is damaged and unable to produce clear and crisp images.

Whether it is retinal detachment or any other problem that is causing these symptoms, it is crucial to immediately consult medical help to prevent further damage.

What is neck and shoulder pain?
Neck and shoulders contain bones, nerves, muscles, ligaments, arteries, and many other supporting structures. Any injury or damage to any of these can inflict intense pain in the neck and shoulders. In most cases, the underlying condition that causes pain is not dangerous, such as muscle strains, contusions, etc. However, in a few cases, the reason can be serious and life-threatening, such as trauma or heart disease.

Neck and shoulder pain causes
Here, we will look at some of the most common neck and shoulder pain causes.

The common cause is the damage or injury to the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues within the neck and shoulder.

• Degenerative Arthritis: This is a common form of arthritis that affects the spine, hands, feet, hips, and knees and is one of the most common neck and shoulder pain causes. The condition can sometimes pinch the nerves, resulting in neck, and shoulder pain.
• Degenerative disc disease: This is one of the initial signs of neck arthritis, which affects the shock absorbing cushions located between the spinal bones. The condition can often lead to incessant pain in the shoulder and neck.
• Broken collarbone: Falling down over the weight of your arm can cause a broken collarbone. This condition is most common in athletic cyclers.
• Broken shoulder blade: A major trauma can at times result in an injury to the shoulder blade.
• Bursitis: A bursa is a small sac, located over the joints to provide them with adequate cushioning. In case of injuries, this sac may get stiff or swollen, causing neck, and shoulder pain.
• Heart attack: During a heart attack, most people experience intense pain in their neck and shoulders. This pain is known as “referred” pain.
• Tendonitis: This is a condition in which the tendons, which connect the muscles to the bones, get stiff or swollen.
• Rotator cuff injuries: Rotator cuff is a collection of tendons, which support the shoulder. Sometimes, during heavy lifting or playing sports, these tendons get injured, causing pain. If not treated, this can lead to chronic loss of motion of the shoulder, a condition called frozen shoulder.
• Shoulder or A-C separation: The shoulder blade and collarbone are linked together through ligaments. Any injury or trauma can tear these ligaments and cause pain.
• Gallbladder disease: Gallbladder disease can also cause a pinching pain in the right shoulder.

These are some of the most common neck and shoulder pain causes. Mild cases of pain usually do not require professional medical help. But if you experience severe pain along with weakness, fever, numbness, headache or chest pain, immediate medical consultation is advisable.

Neuropathy is a broad term used to refer to a group of nerve diseases or malfunctions. Nerves can get damaged or destroyed at any location in the human body. Thus, neuropathy is categorized as per the type and location of the nerves affected. Read on to know more.

Various types of neuropathy

• Peripheral neuropathy: This is a condition that affects the nerves located around the brain and spinal cord.
• Cranial neuropathy: Cranial neuropathy is a condition in which the cranial nerves, i.e., the nerves exiting from the brain, get damaged or destroyed. This type is further divided into auditory neuropathy and optic neuropathy.
• Autonomic neuropathy: This condition involves damage to the nerves associated with the involuntary nervous system.
• Focal neuropathy: Focal neuropathy is a condition in which a single nerve or groups of nerves belonging to one area of the body gets damaged.

5 common neuropathy symptoms
Generally, all cases of neuropathy are linked with a few characteristic symptoms. However, the severity of these neuropathy symptoms varies from person to person. In few cases, a person may not experience any symptoms at all.

The 5 common symptoms of neuropathy include the following:

• Dizziness or fainting and muscle weakness
• Tingling or burning sensation
• Increased sensitivity to touch
• Dysfunction in the organs or glands
• Urinary symptoms, such as difficulty to urinate, incontinence, or a strange feeling that the bladder was not completely emptied

In order to understand the various neuropathy symptoms, it is imperative to understand how the condition acts in the body. Our body’s nervous system is divided into two parts:

• Central nervous system – This includes the brain and the spinal cord.
• Peripheral nervous system – This is responsible for carrying the messages between the brain and the rest of the body.

The peripheral nervous system is further divided into two types—voluntary nervous system and involuntary nervous system. While the former controls all functions we are aware of, such as moving limbs, the latter regulates processes we cannot direct, such as breathing, heartbeat, and digestion.

Cases of neuropathy can involve damage to any voluntary or involuntary nerves. Motor and sensory nerves can also be affected due to neuropathy.

When to consult a doctor
In case you experience any symptoms of neuropathy, it is advisable to immediately consult a trained doctor. He might perform certain tests such as X-rays, MRI, CT scan, EMG, NCV, or a nerve biopsy to reach an accurate diagnosis.

Rheumatoid arthritis and gout arthritis are common types of foot pain. The symptoms of both these type of arthritis are similar. Rheumatoid arthritis gout foot pain treatment is a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Left untreated, both types of arthritis can cause irreparable damage to joints and organs such as kidneys and heart. In some cases, both rheumatoid arthritis and gout can co-exist. Proper and timely diagnosis is crucial for deciding rheumatoid arthritis gout foot pain treatment.

Difference between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout
Although both these types of arthritis affect the joints, there are certain differences in their symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the joints causing stiffness and swelling. Gout affects the smaller joints causing swelling and redness. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes thickening of synovial fluid. Gout is a result of crystallized uric acid that builds up in the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis poses a high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, while gout increases the risk of kidney diseases.

Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout

Rheumatoid arthritis gout foot pain treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms. Treatment options include medication, physical therapy, lifestyle and diet modifications, and surgery.

Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is primarily done through medications for managing pain, physical therapy for stiffness, and lifestyle changes to avoid trigger factors. Medication for rheumatoid arthritis includes non-steroidal and steroidal medicines. Steroids help in slowing down the progression of the disease, while non-steroidal medicines provide relief from pain and inflammation. The range of motion is often affected by this disease. Severely damaged joints may be replaced through surgery. Physical therapy may help to manage stiffness of joints.

Gout arthritis is also treated by combining medication, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy. Medication for gout includes pain relievers. Medications may also be prescribed for blocking uric acid and improving its removal from the body. Dietary changes may be made to limit the consumption of high purine foods, sugary, and alcoholic drinks. Maintaining a healthy weight also provides relief from the symptoms of gout.

Those who have rheumatoid arthritis and gout may need to consult their physician for a treatment option that provides relief from symptoms and prevents the progression of both conditions.

People affected by rheumatoid arthritis and consuming a high-uric acid diet have higher chances of developing gout arthritis. Maintaining a healthy diet and healthy weight can be an effective rheumatoid arthritis gout foot pain treatment option that you can opt for.