Directory of Diseases
A bursa is a soft, fluid-filled sac located in the body that acts as a cushion between muscles, bone, and skin. It can become inflamed as a result of injury or overuse. There is a bursa near the groin, in the front of the thigh, called the iliopsoas bursa. When this bursa becomes inflamed, it is called iliopsoas bursitis. Bursitis usually feels like an aching pain made worse with use of the affected joint. When people have bursitis, they almost always know what motions worsen the pain. In iliopsoas bursitis, the pain worsens with kicking the leg back and is relieved by bringing your knees up to your chest. Treatment must be supervised by a health professional and involves rest, anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections and physical therapy. Only in severe cases is surgery necessary.
The iliotibial (IT) band is a fibrous band that runs on the outside of the thigh. IT band syndrome refers to inflammation of this band near the knee. It commonly occurs in long distance runners and cyclists. This condition causes pain on the upper lateral side of the knee that worsens with running, climbing stairs, or walking downhill. There is usually tenderness over the lateral side of the knee as well. It is often the result of improper stretching, using worn out shoes, or improper foot position during cycling. IT band syndrome is usually treated with rest, ice and stretches.
Impingement syndrome results from abnormal squeezing or pressure applied to the rotator cuff that occurs as the arm is lifted. The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and their tendons. These muscles cover the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) to make up the shoulder joint. The muscles work together to lift and rotate the shoulder. As the arm is lifted, these tendons/muscles can become squeezed between the head of the humerus and the A-C joint in the shoulder. This can result in irritation and inflammation of the rotator cuff. This results in pain and can eventually result in weakening or rupture of these tendons. If you have pain in the shoulder that gets worse when you try to raise your arm over or behind your head, then you may have Impingement Syndrome of the Shoulder.
A hernia is bowel exiting through the weakened wall of the abdominal cavity. Hernias come in a number of different types but they most commonly involve the abdomen and the groin. Symptoms may include pain or discomfort especially with coughing, exercise, or going to the toilet. Often it gets worse throughout the day and improves when lying down. A bulging area may occur that becomes larger when bearing down. Complications can include strangulation which means the blood supply to part of the bowel is blocked. This usually produces severe pain and tenderness of the area.
Infant botulism is an illness that can occur when an infant ingests bacteria that produce a toxin inside the body. The most common source of the bacteria is honey, therefore honey SHOULD NOT be given to babies under 12 months of age. It can also be caused by the inhalation of bacterial spores within soil. Infant botulism can be treated, but it is important to get medical care as soon as possible.
A bursa is a soft, fluid-filled sac located in the body that acts as a cushion between muscles, bone, and skin. The olecranon bursa is located on top of the elbow. Bursa can become inflamed which is usually the result of injury or overuse. However, in infected olecranon bursitis, the inflammation is caused by an infection. It more commonly occurs in diabetics, alcoholics, and people who are immunosuppressed. This condition will require antibiotics and possibly surgical treatment to drain the infection.
Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono), also called the "kissing disease," is usually spread by exposure to saliva from infected individuals. This is not a dangerous disease but it can make one feel extremely fatigued for several weeks. The diagnosis can be confirmed with a simple blood test, which can be performed at an ER, Urgent Care Center, Primary Physician or ENT specialist. If infected, it is important to rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Uvulitis is inflammation and/or swelling of your uvula ( the bell-like thing hanging in the back of the throat ). Bacterial or infectious uvulitis usually occurs in people who are suffering from Strep Throat and is more common in ages 5-15 and in individuals who are not immunized. This type of uvulitis needs to be treated with antibiotics. You must be seen in an ER, Urgent Care center or by your physician.
