Diseases & Conditions Archive

Diseases & Conditions

Easing summer swelling

Published July 1, 2021

Lower leg and foot swelling is most often the result of an abnormal buildup of fluid, which doctors refer to as edema. Fluid tends to flow downhill, making it more likely to pool in the lower parts of the body. Excess fluid retention can be triggered by many things, including eating too much salt, heat, drinking alcohol, or standing for a long period of time. To reduce it, reduce dietary sodium, elevate the feet at the end of the day and wear support stockings.

Diseases & Conditions

Not yet ready for cataract surgery? Try these tips

Published June 23, 2021

Cataracts often affect vision as people get older. The surgery is quick and effective, but most cataracts progress slowly, so in the early stages you may want to make some adjustments to your home and daily behavior to make living with cataracts easier.

Diseases & Conditions

Tendon trouble in the hands: de Quervain's tenosynovitis and trigger finger

Updated June 23, 2021

Painful conditions like de Quervain's tenosynovitis, inflammation of the tendons that move the thumb, and stenosing tenosynovitis, or trigger finger, when a digit becomes locked, can develop due to overuse or repetitive movement.

Diseases & Conditions

By the way, doctor: Is it okay to take a stool softener long-term?

Updated June 21, 2021

I have been taking a stool softener daily for two months. It's helped with my constipation. Are there any risks to taking a stool softener on a long-term basis?

Diseases & Conditions

By the way, doctor: Should I be worried about a kidney cyst?

Updated June 21, 2021

Recently, I had a pelvic ultrasound to evaluate uterine fibroids. During the procedure, the radiologist found a cyst in one of my kidneys. Should I be concerned about kidney cancer?

Diseases & Conditions

Genital herpes: Common but misunderstood

Updated June 21, 2021

Studies report that at least a quarter of all adults are infected with the sexually transmitted herpes virus. A guide to managing its sympoms and protecting yourself from this highly infectious disease.

Diseases & Conditions

Careful! Scary health news can be harmful to your health

Published June 17, 2021

A news story about a worrisome or life-threatening ailment might get you thinking about your own health, especially if you happen to have some of the same symptoms. But dramatic or unusual medical stories can bias your thinking and even negatively affect your health decision-making.

Diseases & Conditions

Prediabetes diagnosis as an older adult: What does it really mean?

Published June 14, 2021

Prediabetes often precedes the development of type 2 diabetes, and in young and middle-aged people it's important to identify prediabetes because it may be possible to prevent or delay the development of diabetes. Researchers wanted to know if the implications of being diagnosed with prediabetes are similar for older adults.