Joint Health

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    Unfortunately, the trigger that initiates the autoimmune process that causes juvenile idiopathic arthritis is unknown. Some believe that stress or viral illnesses may cause the initial insult that leads to the immune system attacking the joints. Leading a healthy, stress-free life is probably the best bet for preventing juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
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    A Orthopedic Surgery, answered on behalf of
    When pressure builds up, a cyst forms and bulges into the back of the knee. Baker’s cysts occur commonly as a result of a tear in the meniscal cartilage of the knee, arthritis and other knee problems. 
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    Patients experience symptoms of toxic myopathy differently. In general, symptoms include weakness and pain that often develop over a short period of time. Symptoms may include:

    • Gradual onset of weakness, often after starting a new medication
    • Difficulty rising from a low-seated chair or combing one's hair
    • Torso or core weakness
    • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
    • Muscle pain

    Usually, patients with toxic myopathy improve rapidly once the medication that caused it is stopped. Occasionally, however, patients who start out with a toxic myopathy have symptoms that last a long time.

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    A Orthopedic Surgery, answered on behalf of
    The most common cause of hammertoe is a muscle/tendon imbalance that leads to a bending of the toe. Hammertoe results from shoes that don't fit properly, forcing the toes to remain bent for long periods of time. This can cause the muscles to shorten, resulting in the hammertoe deformity. A similar condition of claw toe causes the toe to curl at both the middle and end joints.
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    In order to diagnose rhabdomyolysis, you doctor can use several tests. A physical exam can help your doctor determine possible muscle damage. Blood and urine tests can reveal the presence of certain substances that indicate rhabdomyolysis as well. Talk to your doctor if you believe you may have rhabdomyolysis.

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    A , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered
    Hammertoes

    Are you suffering with a hammertoe and need the right pair of shoes?

    Watch the video to find out from Dr. Oz what type of shoes you should wear if you have a hammertoe.


  • 3 Answers
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    In order to diagnose dermatomyositis, your doctor will ask for a complete medical history and will perform a thorough physical examination, including blood work. You may need to have electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction tests and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well.

    After the doctor sees you and reviews the results of your testing, a muscle biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis of dermatomyositis. This is a minor procedure.
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    A , Plastic Surgery, answered
    The treatment for compartment syndrome is early diagnosis with immediate surgical intervention! Fasciotomies are performed, releasing the tissue through several layers of tissue including the skin, subcutaneous fat, down through the fascia which relieve pressure of the muscles, vessels, and nerves. The open incisions should be left OPEN and dressing changes performed for up to 72 hours. Secondary wound closure may later be performed or skin grafts placed. For patients with compressive casts or bandages, they should be immediately cut or released to decrease compartmental pressures. Seek immediate attention in the nearest emergency room with signs of compartmental syndrome (severe pain with pressure, swelling in the extremity, numbness, and loss of color of the skin). 
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    A , Internal Medicine, answered

    A Baker's Cyst is a collection of fluid behind the knee. It was named after a British surgeon, William Baker, who described these cysts in the late 1800s. It's sometimes called a popliteal cyst.

    The best way to treat a Baker's Cyst depends on the reason it developed in the first place. Options for treatment include:

    • Rest: If the fluid developed due to trauma, injured cartilage or a torn ligament, the fluid may go away over time just by resting the joint.
    • Medical treatment: If the fluid accumulated due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (or a related condition) or an infection, treating the arthritis may lead to the cyst going away over time.
    • Removing the fluid from the knee and injecting a steroid: These treatments may lower the pressure in the joint, reduce the formation of additional fluid and speed recovery. However, steroid injections are avoided if infection is present. The steroids may delay recovery from the infection.
    • Surgery: Occasionally, surgery may be recommended for an infection that does not promptly improve, or for torn cartilage or ligaments. Surgery for a Baker's Cyst is usually recommended only as a last resort, after other, more conservative options have failed.

      If you've been diagnosed with a Baker's Cyst, talk to your doctor about the most likely cause and the appropriate treatment options.

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      A , Plastic Surgery, answered
      In general compartment syndrome is not always preventable. However, early detection and immediate surgical decompression (fasciotomy) may reduce the complications including muscle atrophy, nerve injury and vascular insufficiency. Trauma to an extremity, such as a crush injury or even a deep third degree burn may lead to compartment syndrome.