| by Joseph Robison, M.D. Celebration Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Institute 407-303-4270 www.celebrationorthopaedics.com |
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by increased pressure on the nerve that supplies sensation to the thumb, index and middle fingers, and half of the ring finger, as well as power to the thumb muscles. CTS symptoms include numbness or painful tingling in some or all of those fingers, especially at night, or grip weakness. The exact cause is not known, but people who have to pinch or grip often seem to have a greater likelihood of developing CTS. In the early stages, symptoms can often be managed with anti-inflammatory medications and a wrist brace. When symptoms become more frequent or severe, cortisone injections or surgery are options. Surgery typically provides a permanent cure, but does require some time to recover. Traditional techniques require a one- to two-inch incision to be made in the palm, and recovery can take two to three months. Newer “limited incision” or “endoscopic” techniques may speed recovery by three to four weeks. Although symptoms may be manageable for a while, CTS rarely goes away on its own and usually worsens over time. Numbness that has become constant or progressive grip weakness are signs that compression on the nerve is severe enough that permanent damage may result without treatment. |
| by Bonnie Dean, M.D., assistant clinical professor at Florida State University Longenix Health & Aesthetics 407-355-7759 www.longenix.net |
The general populace has been duped. The food industry has tricked many into believing that a Denny’s Grand Slam or McDonald’s triple bacon cheeseburger is a normal meal. The truth is they are normal meals for two to three people. America’s obsession with food has become lethal. However, there are three simple steps people can utilize to help take control of their eating habits: • People must know how much they are actually eating. Despite being an inconvenience, counting, measuring and writing down how much is consumed is paramount. There are numerous applications available to help. Two of the best are from www.livestrong.com and www.loseit.com on the Web. With these tools, people can easily determine how many calories they are eating. • Those wanting to take control of their weight need to choose a desired weight. This goal weight could be an ideal weight for life expectancy or a more modest goal of a loss of 20 pounds. One should multiply the desired weight by 10, and that is the number of calories to be consumed per day in order to lose weight. • The last step is shaving off calories. People should eat less or exercise more. A two mile walk per day cuts about 200 calories out of a diet. In the course of a year, that is 70,000 calories. At 3,500 calories per pound, that is a loss of 20 pounds. Small behavior changes make a huge difference. The trick is consistency. |
| by Daciana Phillips, president Phillips Medical Center 407-370-2772 www.phillipsmedicalcenter.com |
Adding nuts to one’s diet may actually be good for the heart. Studies have consistently linked nuts to a lower risk of heart disease. The cholesterol-lowering effect is largely attributed to the unsaturated fat found in nuts; however, other components, such as fiber, vitamin E, the amino acid arginine, and phytonutrients, including plant sterols, may also have beneficial effects on blood cholesterol. According to the Food and Drug Administration, eating 1.5 ounces of certain nuts, including walnuts rich in omega-3 fatty acids, almonds rich in calcium, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, some pine nuts and peanuts, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease. Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts and cashews have more saturated fat than other nuts; however, they also have beneficial components. Brazil nuts, for example, are very high in selenium, a powerful antioxidant. It is important to remember that all nuts are high in fat, even if it is a heart-healthy fat, so calories can add up fast. To add nuts to one’s diet without gaining weight, one should eat nuts instead of, but not in addition to, a snack that is high in sugar, saturated fat or trans fat. |
|
by Kristi Angelopoulou, P.T., D.P.T., |
Frozen shoulder is a condition in which the shoulder becomes extremely painful and inflamed, leading to stiffness, loss of motion and loss of function. These symptoms continue to progress over time and often turn into a cycle of pain, leading to less motion and more pain. There is often no cause; however, there are some risk factors, including recent injury or surgery, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and other hormonal imbalances and autoimmune diseases. This condition is most common in individuals older than age 40, and 70 percent of cases occur in women. Treatment of this condition is most effective if it is caught early in the progression. To prevent the onset of frozen shoulder following an injury or surgery, people should avoid prolonged periods of immobilization or disuse of the arm, as well as speak with a surgeon to receive early range-of-motion exercises. If stiffness and loss of motion occur after an injury, it is very important to consult with a physician who can prescribe exercises to prevent this painful condition from progressing. It is extremely important to not ignore shoulder pain. |
Kearney Publishing Corp.
7901 Kingspointe Parkway, Suite 28
Orlando, FL 32819
407.351.1573 | Fax number: 407.363.3954
Kearney Publishing Corp.