Directory of Diseases
A ganglion cyst is a benign growth from a joint, which usually occurs on the back of the wrist. While not dangerous, this can be an uncomfortable condition. Rarely, they can cause numbness or weakness in the fingers. Most ganglion cysts don't require treatment and will go away on their own. In some cases, they may need to be removed surgically.
Gastritis and Peptic Ulcer Disease are both problems with the lining of the stomach that can cause upper abdominal pain. Gastritis is the term for inflammation of the stomach lining that is commonly caused by a certain type of bacteria called H. Pylori. Regular use pain relievers called NSAIDs or alcohol can also contribute to gastritis. Left untreated, Gastritis can cause an erosion of the stomach lining and this is called Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD). PUD is more dangerous because ulcers can cause bleeding into the stomach, perforate the stomach, and can increase your risk of stomach cancer. For most people, however, gastritis isn't serious and improves quickly with treatment.
A muscle strain is a tearing or over-stretching of a muscle. When this happens in the calf it is called a gastrocnemius muscle strain. This typical occurs during a sudden forceful contraction of the calf muscle; like jumping, sprinting or playing tennis. This condition is often referred to as "tennis leg". When a strain occurs muscle fibers tear from being over stretched. Sprinting from a standing position causes the muscles to contract with a lot of force and if they become too taught they can tear. When this occurs it becomes very painful to use the muscle. There might be swelling of the muscle and possibly bruising. If there is significant bleeding a hematoma may form. Gastrocnemius muscle strain usually happens in individuals between the ages of 40-60 ('weekend warriors'). People feel a 'pop' in the back of the leg and often believe they were struck with an object. There usually is swelling and difficulty walking. The pain worsens by attempting to walk on heels or tip-toes. This condition will resolve on its own with proper rest, use of ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. After 3 days of rest most people begin to feel much improved. Individuals may begin light activity once they are completely pain free.
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of your stomach and intestines which can cause abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. It is usually caused by an infection (usually a virus) or toxins related to food poisoning. Dehydration may occur as a result of profuse vomiting and diarrhea. Gastroenteritis is sometimes called a stomach flu, stomach bug, or stomach virus.
If one is experiencing numbness all over the body, then an evaluation with a physician is necessary. Although generalized numbness can have benign (not serious) causes, like hyperventilation or anxiety, it is important to rule out autoimmune disorders (Multiple Sclerosis) or diffuse neuropathy (nerve pain). Other causes of tingling throughout out the body are hypervitaminosis (high doses of vitamins) or viral infections (HIV).
Folliculitis is a common skin condition in which hair follicles become inflamed or infected. At first it may look like small red bumps or white-headed pimples around hair follicles. The infection can spread and turn into non-healing, crusty sores. The condition isn't life-threatening, but it can be itchy, sore and embarrassing. Severe infections can cause permanent hair loss and scarring.
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted virus that causes painful vesicles (blisters) of the genital region. These vesicles with time can leave painful ulcers that typically heal in 2-3 weeks. It is estimated that more than one out of every six people aged 14 to 49 years have genital herpes. There is no cure for herpes and once you are infected with the virus it may cause future outbreaks with the same symptoms. Herpes can be transmitted to future sexual partners even when the symptoms are absent.
Injuries to the genital region may be serious. The testicles especially can be easily injured causing bleeding or rupture within the scrotum. These injuries can lead to loss of the testicle.
Genital warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This virus is very contagious and is transmitted through direct sexual contact with an infected individual. The HPV virus is the most common sexually transmitted disease and it has been estimated that at least 80 percent of sexually active women and men are exposed to HPV once in their lifetime. In men, HPV infection can cause warts on the skin. HPV can also lead to cancer of the genital region in some cases. If HPV is passed to a female it can increase her chance of developing cervical cancer.
