TRIGGER FINGER: What in the world is that?
Trigger finger is a condition that results from the thickening of the tendon in the palm which affects the fingers or thumb. This thickening results in pain and/or difficulty bending or straightening the finger or thumb. The symptoms include locking or clicking, pain and stiffness or a combination of these.
What causes it?
The symptoms are often seen in people who use their hands and fingers extensively. Needlework, heavy computer use, and other forceful and repetitious activities. Trigger finger is also associated with diabetes, arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
How is it diagnosed?
It is diagnosed with an examination by a physician.
What are the Treatments?
Trigger finger is often successfully treated with a cortisone injection into the area adjacent to the tendon. The application of ice several times a day after the injection is also an important and necessary part of the treatment. If the injection is not effective or the symptoms recur, surgical treatment may be recommended.
(Information by the Florida Hand Center)
As always. Consult your physician if you are experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms.
ACUPUNCTURE: What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine – using needles, which has been in use for more than 3000 years. It can be used on all parts of the body. Energy (Qi) circulates throughout the body along well-defined pathways. Points on the skin along these pathways are energetically connected to specific organs, body structures, and systems. If this energy circulation is disrupted, optimum function is affected resulting in pain or illness. An acupuncture treatment can restore different areas of the body or move blocked energy that is causing pain and/or health problems.
Acupuncture needles are so fine – about the size of a thick hair, and therefore are relatively painless when inserted into the body or under the skin. The sensations vary from warmth, pressure, or tingling. The needles are sterilized and disposed of after each use to prevent risk of infection.
How effective is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is highly effective not only as a preventative medicine but as a drug-free treatment of signs and symptoms. Studies indicate that acupuncture influences the central and peripheral nervous system. Evidence shows that acupuncture releases endorphins from the brain which make it particularly effective in pain control. Acupuncture works with the body while strengthening and balancing energy. Acupuncture improves circulation and allows the body to heal itself more quickly and more completely. As well, it also increases vitality and energy, improves digestion, decreases postural and back pain issues, is beneficial for weight loss, addiction control, stress reduction, immune system enhancement and smoking cessation.
As a treatment for Facial improvement – acupuncture is used to treat wrinkles by improving the facial fine lines and diminishing the effect on deeper wrinkles. It improves muscle tone, can give you a firmer jawline, and reduce the jowls. Also, facial acupuncture it can reduce or eliminate rosacea, acne and uneven coloration.
Do your homework. Check these procedures out, check out the specialist who performs these procedures, and check with your physician before making any decisions to use them.
IT IS ALWAYS YOUR CHOICE!
FYI-HEALTH TALK 