#which affects joint tissues around the joint

[choixsimple]

Hey you with the chronic hypermobility and/or orthostatic intolerance issues

If you have a menstrual cycle, has anyone told you how it affects your chronic illnesses?

Probably not so I'm gonna!

First here's a basic chart showing the large fluctuation in hormones during your cycle:

If you have hypermobile joints, the level of estrogen in your body will heavily impact the stretchiness of your connective tissue. During ovulation, estrogen has a huge spike, which will make you extra stretchy! You are more prone to injuries, subluxations, dislocations, and general joint issues during this time. There's also a smaller increase in the week before your period, which can also affect joint laxity.

If you have orthostatic issues (or even if you don't, tbh), you'll be interested to hear that both estrogen and progesterone affect your heart rate. Generally your resting heart rate will be higher in the days before your period due to rising progesterone levels, and then drop back to normal after your period starts and progesterone levels fall. Estrogen is also at its lowest level during your period, and with low estrogen levels comes a higher number of heart palpitations and potentially a higher heart rate, depending on the person.

This combo of low estrogen and high (and then low) progesterone, plus the whole bleeding thing, means you're extra susceptible to dizzy spells, presyncope, and fainting in the few days right before your period and the first couple days of your period (and if you have a heavy flow, this can continue longer). It also means you might feel a lot more stable, less dizzy, have less heart palpitations etc around ovulation due to the extra estrogen.

There are a bunch of other bodily functions, chronic illnesses, etc that are affected by hormone levels during our cycles, and there are some good resources online about what these hormones do — I didn't even talk about FSH or LH, the two other big hormones that are part of our cycle! But I didn't want to get too far into the weeds in this post.

PS there's a theory that the reason more AFAB people (even many without a uterus or menstrual cycle, AFAB hormones are Kind Of A Bitch) get diagnosed with things like chronic fatigue syndrome, hypermobile disorders w/chronic pain, POTS etc is because we have a built-in flare up every month (sometimes two, if you flare up at both your period and ovulation). So it's just much more noticeable in AFAB people because AMAB folks don't have to deal with those built-in flare ups every 2-3 weeks.

[genderqueerdykes]

I really really appreciate the posts about fat acceptance and stuff. I used to be pretty underweight but I've definitely gained weight (and muscle too I'm sure) on HRT, the way it sits/distrubuted on me is something that is hard to see sometimes and there's a lot of parental commentary about fat people that needs to be worked on.

hey, you're welcome! i'm glad you agree

gaining weight isn't always bad, in fact for many people, it can be an outright blessing. people can have a wide variety of conditions that can lead them to being chronically underweight, and putting on even a few pounds was seen as a huge accomplishment and a safety net. my best friend is this way

even if it's not required for one's health, putting on weight isn't inherently bad. every person's body has a range in which it attempts to naturally sit for their baseline weight. this will vary greatly from person to person based off of activity levels, hormone levels, genetics, individual dietary needs vs. dietary intake, digestive issues, eating disorders, allergies, food intolerance, neurodivergence, developmental disorders, and more.

the way i see it is it becomes very obvious to a person when their weight has actually come to negatively affect them. this will be marked in a decline in energy, feeling fatigued and malaise most of the time, headaches, difficulty getting out of bed, increased chronic pain including pain while standing or walking, breathing difficulties, difficulty walking/moving long distances for reasons not due to joint or connective tissue health, becoming pre/diabetic suddenly if one was not before, and/or other health complications that were not present before the amount of weight was gained

most fat, chubby, etc. people are sitting well within the healthy range for their body without realizing it. our bodies are great at telling us what they need it's just hard to listen when we're busy, exhausted, and/or neurodivergent. many people have a good idea of what their body needs but get talked or shamed out of doing what's right for them. parents, like you said, are especially uptight and strict about weight for seemingly no reason.

i've always been fat my whole life. once i reached my teen years i began to hover around the 300 lb range and that's where i've always been. my mom was fat and so was my dad, and both of their families. my mom projected so much of her fatphobia on to me it was unreal. she would critcize me any time i wanted a snack by asking "you're eating again?" and other dumb shit. children are growing and active, they need a lot of food, especially for good brain function (yes, our brains need fuel, revolutionary concept, i know)

i don't understand why parents desperately NEED their children to be physically attractive to them. can we talk about this? i know it's uncomfortable but this is a huge parental issue. i am SO tired of hearing parents go ON AND ON about how "beautiful" or "handsome" their children are. it's extremely creepy, there's no reason to focus on their appearance like that. some parents become SO distressed when their children are not conventionally attractive, as if it makes them less attractive by proxy. it's insanely creepy. a child's conventional beauty or lack there of should be of no concern to a parent- why do some parents obsess over this? it gives the child severe body image issues and it's not a good level of vanity to project on to a kid

anyway, it's okay to be fat, especially if you find you're not struggling with pain or mobility. some people will have pain and mobility issues no matter what weight they're at. everyone's different. someone's weight is their own concern and nobody else's, unless there is medical significance in which case it is between them and their medical team. not every fat person has health issues due to their weight, in fact, most do not. it's okay to let your body be the weight it wants to be

nobody should have to constantly feel like they have to be fighting their own biology just to look "more attractive". people are attractive when they look the most like their real, natural selves. it's way more flattering and it's better for the individual. don't expect other people to go through hell just to look "good". just let people be themselves. let people feel good, and feel good about themselves. worry about yourselves when it comes to appearance

anyway, thank you for the feedback, i really appreciate it! i will always be here for other fat folk because i've gone through many interesting situations with diet and health and my weight always sits around the 300 mark give or take 20 lbs in either direction. my lowest weight as an adult was 260 lbs. my highest was 360. muscle tissue plays a huge factor in this right now for me. i have clothes in my closet that range from literally Small all the way up to XXXL and they all fit me just fine. weight isn't as big of a deal as people think it is, it's a very neutral thing most of the time

[sheryl-lee]

semi-hiatus while awaiting surgery for major health issues

tldr; i have a long-undiagnosed autoimmune disease that has been painfully eating away at the jaw joints in my face since childhood to the point of physical disability. i will need to undergo major facial reconstructive + joint replacement surgery to prevent further bone loss and restore my quality of life. i’m going on semi-hiatus until i get surgery and fully recover, which should take about 1-2+ years in total.

i was recently diagnosed with progressive condylar resorption, aka PCR, which causes ongoing bone loss and damage within the jaw's temporomandibular joints (TMJs).

in my case, an autoimmune and connective tissue disease began when i was around 5-10 years old, stunting the growth of my jaws + chin and contributing to PCR development. but it went completely undiagnosed until this year, with my worsening symptoms repeatedly dismissed by my pediatric providers. as a result, the disease has continued into adulthood and is beginning to affect the other joints in my body, while the PCR has caused years of severe pain, sleep apnea, and dysfunction.

the only solution to fully eliminate the PCR and correct my skeletal issues is total joint replacement of both TMJs + upper jaw surgery + chin surgery, all in one operation — aka an extremely major and lengthy facial reconstructive surgery with a 6-12 month post-op recovery. to have the best results, i will first need to be back in braces for 8 months; so the entire process from pre-op to full recovery will take 1-2+ years.

i’m going on semi-hiatus in the meantime. i will continue to regularly check my tracked tag (#usersameera), but i won't be making gifs as often. i might check in with personal health updates from time to time. i hope that in the near future i'll be pain-free, functional, and more present in my own life.

[moonshynecybin]

have we talked about what valentine’s day looks like for rosquez. post-reconciliation imo it’s vale going overboard sending marc 500 roses it’s an instagram photo dump showing him off with a borderline-obscene caption (imagine they’ve gone public. perhaps in the aftermath of the coming out au?) it’s custom la perla and solid gold nipple clamps. marc secretly glowing abt being showered in affection it’s proof vale loves him and isn’t going to leave him

also im just putting this together but isn’t valentine’s day like. the day of vale’s name? something like that? EVEN MORE reason for him to be super into it.

let’s not talk abt 2013-2015 valentine’s day…

you are a genius who has predicted something i was literally already writing!!!!! he absolutely gets him hot girl sex gifts for their valentine's day slash joint birthday week which is the hot girl sex gift SUPERBOWL for them. personally i was thinking lingerie and i wrote a tiny fic (~500 words) about it thats under the cut! get outta my brain !

There’s package sitting inside Marc’s motorhome, after testing.

That's not unusual in itself. It’s his birthday tomorrow, and he’s been fielding various gifts from his sponsors for the last few days, all brightly colored hats and huge sunglasses— messages from whatever company, carefully typed on impersonal letterhead. But this one feels different. It’s unmarked, the box a smooth white cream— not very tall, but wide. Marc crosses to the table the box is resting on and lifts off the lid, testing the weight. It’s heavier than it looks, well made.

It’s clearly expensive.

Once he sets the lid to the side,the first thing his eyes catch on is tissue paper, delicate and silvery, folded neatly. A small card made of thick paper is nestled on top, just over where the carefully arranged wrapping conjoins. He picks it up.

Marc, familiar handwriting spells, and Marc smiles. He knows who sent this. It's not one of his sponsors. Thought this would suit you, I hope you like it. -Vale. There’s a small heart scribbled after the message, followed by a cartoon turtle, unhurried and messy. Beloved.

But it’s still not Valentino’s usual style, and Marc raises an eyebrow, curious. It's actually not technically his birthday, its the day before— it’s Vale’s birthday, and there’s not a lot he wouldn’t give Marc in person, especially when they've been floating around the same paddock. Typically, if Vale is going to give him something, he likes to be there. Likes to lay back and watch Marc’s face as he opens whatever elegantly wrapped treasure he’s picked out for him, eyes greedy on Marc’s expression.

He likes to know that Marc enjoys the things he gives him.

So it’s notable, that he isn’t here. That he left this in Marc's motorhome while he was testing on track, just before Vale was scheduled to spend a little bit of time running things through with his academy riders. He had wanted Marc to find this alone. To turn over what to do with it. Contemplate any possibilities.

Marc's skin feels too warm, too sensitive, the cool air of the motorhome giving him goosebumps. His thumb lingers in the edge of the tissue paper, feeling its thin edges, reveling in the sensation. In the way the anticipation fills him up, a pleasant buzz that thrums under his skin.

It's not dissimilar from the moment before a race, that knifes edge of expectation.

He bites his lip and opens the present, carefully moving the paper away to reveal what’s inside. Something silky catches against his knuckles. He stops.

It’s Vale’s birthday, he remembers.

This isn’t a gift for him, exactly. Pale yellow silk and lace greets him, delicate. Carefully constructed. Marc doesn’t have to check to know they’re in his size.

He grins.

[freezingmcxn]

Looking At Jeff The Killers Injuries (the rebooted story)

I am not a professional, I done extensive research on this, but, I could be wrong on certain things, correct me if I am!

NOTE: If a flare gun accidentally discharged and hit someone in the face, the consequences could be severe, but, it’s also important to note that sometimes you can get lucky and step away with only a small injury HOWEVER it is not worth the risk of playing around with one.

Considering Jeff was hit in the face and in close range his outcomes were severe, let’s discuss!!

FLARE GUNS:

A flare gun is a large bore handgun that discharges flares, blanks and smoke. The flare gun is typically used to produce a distress signal.

Flare guns are designed to emit bright, hot flares that can burn at extremely high temperatures.

YT Channel: 1shotTV

The flare itself typically consists of a combustible compound (this is what burns).

INJURY OUTCOMES:

If fired directly at a person, a flare could cause significant injury due to the burning and combustible materials it contains.

The injury depends on how close you are standing, let’s look at close range shots and far range shots.

The flare gun was dropped and the flare shot upwards to his face (left side specifically), since we don’t know his height we can assume it’s the average teenage boy height (5’8-5’9). This is quite close.

The actual flare hitting Jeff’s face at that speed and force would cause physical trauma to the face, including fractures, deep tissue injuries, and other forms of *blunt* force trauma.

WHAT WOULD HIS INJURIES BE:

They would not be like the close range image above, he would be dead in that case and his brain would be essentially burned from the inside.

Due to Jeff’s close contact with the flare it would likely result in severe burns to the face.

The intense light and heat caused significant damage to his left eye, leading to permanent blindness (which did happen).

This is accurate but it would likely look worse than a “white lifeless bulb”.

The flames would ignite his clothing or hair (he did lose some hair), increasing the risk of a larger fire and more burns.

Reading the story, it’s more realistic to say his whole face and both eyes were affected, as the fire emitted does not stay in one spot, it spreads out, like an explosion.

The smoke and fumes from the flare (like the bleach in his og story) can cause respiratory issues if inhaled, leading to potential lung damage or respiratory distress.

INJURIES IMMEDIATELY AFTER;

The skin around the targeted area would likely be charred or blackened due to the high temperature of the burning flare.

The surrounding area might show signs of severe burns, ranging from red and blistered skin (second-degree burns) to areas of dead, white, or blackened tissue (third-degree burns).

There would likely be significant swelling and redness around the wound, as the body responds to the injury and inflammation sets in.

PENETRATING:

If the flare from the gun were to penetrate his skin, the consequences would be quite serious.

The flare's entry could cause significant physical trauma to his face, damaging not just the skin but also underlying tissues, such as muscles and blood vessels.

INJURIES IF FLARE PENETRATED THROUGH SKIN:

If the flare somehow caused a penetrating wound, there might be visible bleeding and raw tissue at the entry point.

The wound could appear jagged or irregular due to the explosive nature of the flare.

SCARRING AND HEALING:

Jeff might initially see a charred, swollen, and red wound with potential bleeding.

If the burn affected a large area or involved significant tissue loss, the skin might contract as it heals, leading to contracture scars. These can limit movement if they occur over joints or significant areas.

Over weeks to months, as the injury heals, they might develop a hypertrophic or keloid scar, with the affected area appearing raised and discolored.

The affected area might show long-term changes in pigmentation, such as hyperpigmentation (darker skin) or hypopigmentation (lighter skin).

[dammons-forgefire]

A general question how do they look naked? (No sexual purpose I’m just curious about what’s the difference between us and them) are they half devil??

Hello anon, thanks for your question! :)

The reply has gotten a little more lengthy, sorry for that. I hope it answers all your questions.

First of all, I do believe that thanks to the "Blood of Asmodeus" curse, tieflings are to some degree blood-related to devils, though they are not half-devils. That blood, however, does affect their looks.

I will definitely be talking more about tiefling skin in general in the future, from the nice ridges on their tails to the skin around their horns, and the bumps along their chests and backs, but those are already visible in the game. Have a quick look for example at the back of Poem, my tiefling character:

The way those ridges work I believe, is to provide additional protection, almost like a layer of body armor created by a tiefling's own body, shielding more vulnerable places like the spine, but they also exist on areas of skin like the elbow and knee that are already thicker in humans, as the skin there has to withstand mechanical stretching from those joints having quite a bit of mobility and being used all the time.

Due to fewer oil glands in this area, the skin there gets drier and flakier, and retains less water. I believe the thicker skin there also serves protective purposes, but not exactly the same way as the ridges on the spine and ribs. They are probably mostly there to ease friction, but also protect the sensitive nerves there. (Yes, the funny bone is actually a nerve called the Ulnar nerve, and tieflings probably have no issues hitting it, because it is much better protected.)

Then, of course, there are genitals, which were kept fairly standard for tieflings in BG3.

As much as I personally like to imagine their genitals to be ribbed or nubby, I don't think it would make much sense. The bumps and ridges on their skin are for protection, and while genitals are definitely a sensitive area, they should probably not have this particular type of protection.

My reasoning here would be how these ridges work vs. what you would typically want.

I've quickly doodled something to explain this a little better, please excuse the quality here and my terrible handwriting haha

Please note that I drew up this little diagram as a more general sort of overview and the yellow subcutaneous tissue has its color from the fat that is typically part of this layer, but is missing in clitoris, penis, eyelids, and other similar areas of skin. That's why these areas of skin feel different, by the way!

Epidermis (Outermost layer of skin)

Dermis (Middle layer of skin containing connective tissue, the superficial arteriovenous plexus [a] with all those fine little blood vessels, and also the deep arteriovenous plexus [b], so the thicker blood vessels, but also the dermal nerve fibres that I marked in pink here.)

Hypodermis/Subcutaneous tissue (Layer right below the skin, anchoring the skin to the connective tissue of the body)

As you can see, the nerve does not reach all the way into the epidermis (which is good, you absolutely would not want that). But that also means adding a protective layer to it, as I have done in tiefling-red on the right, you create an even thicker barrier before reaching the nerve, making the skin a lot less sensitive.

Obviously, you do not want a tiefling's genitals to be insensitive like this. You want them to enjoy having sex after all.

Additionally, according to this article, as well as the player handbook, the Asmodeus curse has made tiefling genetics very dominant, meaning that tieflings will always produce tiefling offspring, serving "a purpose for the Hells in that it strengthens their presence in the mortal realms".

This leads me to speculate whether tieflings might have higher libido than humans and if, perhaps, they are more potent.

Additionally, due to the way their pelvis is shaped thanks to their tails (I will get more into this in the tail essay), there is a chance that - compared to humans - giving birth is slightly less painful for them. While probably far from an enjoyable process, they could potentially see some benefits from their sacrum being turned outward.

As far as shapes and sizes go, it seems logical for them to be at least compatible with other humanoids to ensure that they can produce offspring with one another. Tiefling vaginas would probably be similar to those of humans, not much deeper or wider, since too many differences would make impregnation harder for any non-tieflings.

Tiefling penises probably also wouldn't be much longer or thicker or strangely shaped, as that could do significant damage to a human or elven body, which would once again not lead to creating more tiefling offspring for Asmodeus to extend his reign.

But it is possible for them to have differences! I think that's mostly where people's headcanons can come in. Anything that doesn't make it biologically more difficult to conceive a child is fair game!

Penises with more tapered tips? Possible.

Larger or more sensitive clitoral glans? Hell yeah!

Want your tiefling to have an additional g-spot that Asmodeus put in there to be cheeky? Go for it!

--

I hope that did answer your question well enough, but please feel free to follow up if there is anything else you would like to know.

[i-eat-worlds]

okay worlds i need your medical knowledge again.

i have a character in an apocalypse setting with no professional surgeons or doctors or hospitals in reach. they have a burn from below the left hip to the ankle, covering almost the whole leg. they have access to pharmacies, medicines and bandages, as well as five other people to care for them. i'd like the burn to be third degree, but I also need them to survive.

what is the worst degree of burn I can give them? is a skin graft possible for someone with limited medical knowledge to perform? what are the treatments, how long would it take them to get out of critical condition, and how would I ensure they survive without a professional doctor?

burn traits right now are flexible. if I can't burn their whole leg that's okay lol

thank you worlds I appreciate you <3

- @whump-kia

Thanks for the ask Kia!

disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, I’m just a nerd. Take all of this with a grain of salt. Or several.

Okay, so the severity of burns is determined by a two factors: How much skin in burned (measured by the percentage total body surface area burned. You’ll see it abbreviated as TBSA) and how deep those burns are (first degree or superficial, second degree or partial thickness, or third degree or full thickness).

The burn you’ve described (in my unprofessional opinion) would be about 18-15 % TBSA. Keep in mind that the burns wouldn’t be only third degree, their edges would be second degree, and it would sorta “fade in.”

It’s also important to take into account which areas were burned. Burns to the face, hands, genitalia, or major joints are more severe. Your injury includes a knee, which is another area of concern.

Other important things:

For a variety of reasons, burns consume a lot to fluids. Your character is at risk for dehydration and hypovolemia. In non-apocalyptic environments, they’ve be given copious amounts of IV fluids to replace what they’ve lost. This is primarily a concern in the first 24 hrs.

Hypothermia is also a concern. One of the skin’s big jobs it to insulate the body. If a large surface area has been damaged, your character will start to loose heat. They make things called “burn sheets” to help with this. They’re sterile and are designed to insulate and not stick to burns. If your character has access to a pharmacy they might have some of these.

Cytokines are a proteins that affect the immune system. They’re released when the body experiences a significant injury, like a burn. Sometimes, too many are released, causing a condition called cytokine storm. This results in feelings of fatigue and nausea, a fever, and a drop in blood pressure. This is seen around 48-72 hours after injury.

Eschar is a hardened tissue that can develop with severe burns. If the burn encircles a limb, the eschar can put pressure on the limb, cut off blood flow, and cause compartment syndrome. This doesn’t always happen-the skin can also slough off. This is sometimes called “skin slip.” I would not google photos of this unless you are brave. Infection is another big issue. Infected burns will be purulent, smell awful, and be extra painful. Burns are prone to tetanus, so I hope your characters booster it up to date. Infection can eventually lead to sepsis.

———

Treatment:

In the environment you’re in, treatment is going to consist of having your character drink lots of fluids, keeping the burn covered in clean, sterile dressings, and providing pain medication if available.

Their mobility is going to be limited, and they’re going to need help to meet a lot of their basic needs: toileting, nutrition, etc.

Without access to a hospital, there’s not a whole lot that can be done. You mentioned skin grafting, and that’s basically a hard no. It’s extremely painful, creates another open wound, and carries a high risk of infection. A surgeon doing a skin graft in this situation is unadvisable, a non-surgeon attempting this procedure is highly unadvisable. It’s best to keep them warm, hydrated, and comfortable, and keep the burns clean and covered.

———

If you want a better, more probable good outcome, I would change a couple of things. First of all, I would reduce the amount of surface area the burn takes up. Having the burns of just on the thigh and the calf would remove the knee from the equation and make the injury less severe. Furthermore, I’d make most of the burns second degree. You can have some smaller areas of full thickness burns, but second degrees will heal quicker, and, because they leave nerve endings intact, they’ll hurt more! More superficial 2nd degree burns should heal in one-three weeks, and deeper 2nd degree burn might take as many as nine weeks. If the burn takes longer than two weeks to heal, it will likely scar.

Hope this was helpful!

Sources:

Blood on the Page by Samantha Keel (cannot recommend this book enough)

StatPearls: Burn Evaluation and Management

StatPearls: Burn Evaluation and Resuscitation

Cleveland Clinic: Second Degree Burns

Cleveland Clinic: Third Degree Burns

Physiopedia: Burn Shock

[torturing-characters-101]

Hi there! My character screwed up and her boss punishes her by paralyzing her muscles so that she can’t move. She’s stuck like this for a few months, and every once in a while her boss would tend to her (feed her, let her use e bathroom, etc)

I was wondering what would happen to her body during this. How long could she go without food? How long can she go without her boss tending to her? And what would the side affects be after being freed?

So cool thing about this ask is that this situation is extremely well studied, and we know a lot about what happens to a person when they can't move for extended periods of time.

For the purposes of this ask, I'm assuming you mean some kind of magic paralysis of only skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle is the muscle we can consciously control, like the muscles in our arms, legs, back, abdomen, etc... Other muscles, like the heart, diaphragm, muscles in our digestive tract, and muscles that control the diameter of our blood vessels would pretty instantly cause death if they stopped working.

Not to say that paralysis of skeletal muscle wouldn't cause problems of it's own, just that those problems are on a longer timescale.

De-conditioning. Muscle is metabolically expensive to maintain, so if you don't use it, you lose it. Even a few days of bed rest can cause a decrease muscle mass. A few weeks or months of paralysis and the person wouldn't be able to walk on their own. They would need likely weeks or months of physical therapy to bring the person back to baseline.

Contractures. A contracture is a shortening and stiffening of muscles and other types of soft tissue around a joint, essentially freezing it in place. This commonly happens during paralysis when a joint doesn't move for long periods of time. Contractures can be prevented if someone moves all the joints for the paralyzed person at least daily- something called range of motion exercises. Once contractures occur, though, they often need to be treated with long term physical therapy and/or surgery.

Pressure injuries. Pressure injuries (sometimes called bed sores) are sores that occur when a piece of tissue (skin, fat, muscle) is sandwiched between a surface (like a bed or piece of medical equipment) and a bone for an extended period of time. Often these occur on bony prominences, like the sacrum, hips, shoulders, and heels. To prevent these in someone who is paralyzed, the person must be turned and placed in a new position at least every 2 hours to keep pressure off of any one spot. Once they occur, they are difficult to treat and often scar badly.

Incontinence. If a person can't move, they also generally can't control their bowel or bladder. This means they're probably going to go in the bed. This can contribute to skin breakdown if not cleaned quickly and thoroughly each time (think pressure injuries combined with diaper rash and those wrinkles you get from being in a pool too long). Urine may dribble out continuously, so a lot of times its difficult to keep the person dry enough to prevent skin breakdown without some kind of diaper cream.

Aspiration. If someone can't move, they can't eat without the risk of choking. If they end up breathing food in, this can result in something called aspiration pneumonia, which is when food irritates the lining of the lungs. This can be fatal. This can be prevented by feeding the person through a tube that goes from their nose into their stomach, or for longer term situations, through their abdominal wall into their stomach (placed surgically). Formula is sold for this purpose, but well-blended whole food also works.

Clots. Staying in the same position for long periods (or even short ones, say following surgery), causes blood to pool in the legs. When blood pools, it tends to clot, and those clots can travel into the lungs, brain, and heart. A clot in the lungs is called a pulmonary embolism, one in the brain is called a stroke, and one in the heart is a heart attack. All of them are essentially the same process- blood being blocked from getting where it needs to go in a vital organ- and they can all be very deadly. These can be prevented with range of motion exercises, sequential compression devices, and blood thinning medications.

Someone who is completely paralyzed needs round the clock nursing care. Between ROM exercises, every-2-hour turns, cleaning up urine and stool probably at least as often, preparing formula, bolus feeding, and cleaning up, it would probably take about 6-8 hours of direct care spread evenly over a 24 hour period to prevent the outcomes described above.

Ross @macgyvermedical

[jcsmicasereports]

ABSTRACT

Charcot Arthropathy is a serious complication of Diabetic neuropathy, usually affecting foot or ankle. It causes widespread destruction of affected joints and bones around them leading to severe deformities that may require major amputation. Here, we report the case of a 62 year-old male who presented with severe left foot deformities and swelling on the left big toe that developped over a short period of time. His primary presentation raised the suspicion for a bone tumor or cellulitis which then revealed by X-Ray that it's a Charcot foot necessitating foot fixation, strict glycemic control and treatment with Biphosphonates. This report will therefore serve as a reminder for clinicians to keep in mind Charot Arthropathy in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy even if it doesn’t present in a typical manner.

Keywords: Charcot, arthropathy, diabetes, trauma, destruction, joints, deformity, sensation, neuropathy, inflammation, chronic, Fixation, Osteodegenerative, ambulation, uncontrolled.

INTRODUCTION

Charcot Arthropathy is a serious but rare progressive condition that can affect 0.15 – 2.5% of diabetic patients especially those who developed peripheral neuropathy. Despite the voluminous work reported in literature on CA, very few studies mention the prevalence of this disabling disease. The actual incidence of CA may be greater than what is reported, as in many cases, the clinicians fail to diagnose or are late to diagnose this serious complication. Charcot affects the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot or ankle. Whilst the exact pathophysiology remains debated, a multifactorial pathogenesis seems likely predominating. This involves repetitive micro-trauma in a foot with impaired sensation and neurovascular changes caused by pathological innervation of the blood vessels leading to bones deformities. Clinical features include signs of inflammation, profound unilateral swelling, an increase in local skin temperature and bone resorption in an insensate foot may be present.

In advanced cases with considerable mid-foot destruction, a typical "rocker bottom" appearance is seen. In most cases, progression of deformity takes a more chronic form and is seen over a period of months, to years.

This case report describes a case of a chronic destructive Charcot foot in a patient with uncontrolled diabetes, which was initially managed as a case of bone tumor.

Case Report

A 62 year old male with a background of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, peripheral neuropathy and obesity presented with complain of numbness and decreased sensation of forefoots and a mass in the arch of left foot. Eight days prior, he sustained a fall whilst walking but denied any injury, swelling or pain at that time. He said his left big toe was totally straight but now has deformed (into Morton) and his 2nd toe looks bigger due to big toe deformation and often remains bend in shoes which he doesn’t feel, but when removing the shoes he often finds it bent. The patient denies any pain in the deformed toe but a little feeling of warmth in the pathological area.

Examination revealed a warm, swollen left foot with a 2 mm healing ulceration on the plantar surface and a lumpy sensation on the left big toe. Blood tests showed normal white blood cells count, elevated C-reactive Protein (CRP-67) and a thrombocytosis. His fasting blood glucose level was 221 mg/dl with features of uncontrolled diabetes.

Plain film X-Ray revealed complete fracture dislocations of the 1st , second and fifth tarsometatarsal joints with large bone deformity on the left arch of the foot as well as another deformity on the right arch and lower calcaneus {Figure.2}. This was correlated with bone CT (computed tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance) imaging, with interval changes noted to be of chronic onset.

Discussion

Charcot foot is a well-documented complication of diabetic neuropathy. The mechanism of this is not fully understood but two theories exist – namely, the neurovascular and neurotraumatic theories. In the neurovascular theory, an underlying autonomic neuropathy leads to hypervascularity, osteolytic changes and demineralization. However, the neurotraumatic hypothesis indicates that unperceived trauma to an insensate extremity leads to continued bony destruction on ambulation, which worsens and progresses. These theories imply that a sufficient time frame is required for established Charcot foot destruction to develop.

Typical progression of Charcot foot occurs over months to years, although rare acute onsets have been reported. However, the progression seen in our patient, from normal X-Ray appearances to established, acute Charcot foot with considerable mid-foot destruction over a period of just 10 days is a rarely described progression of Charcot arthropathy. The combination of local skin warmth with decreased sensation in the left foot and feeling of a bony lump on the left arch raised the suspicion of a bone tumor, but X-Rays as well as CT Scan of the foot beside the uncontrolled diabetes in this patient made Charcot foot a more possible diagnosis.

Early recognition of Charcot Arthropathy is a mandatory to ensure improved outcomes. It is important to differentiate between acute Charcot foot, infection and bone tumors through clinical investigations as well as patient medical history. The presence of ulcers should raise the suspicion of infection or osteomyelitis, and therefore, the importance of early imaging cannot be overstated. Modestly raised inflammatory markers (CRP-68) in this diabetic patient along with left foot deformities suggest an acute Charcot foot than an infectious process. The latter frequently presents with high laboratory values.

The initial management of the patient was fixation with a total contact leg cast, followed by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with locking plates, combined with lengthening of Achilles tendon to permit full dorsiflexion and subsequent re-casting.

Due to osteodegenerative nature of CN, all attempts at pharmacological treatment have focused on anti-osteoporotic drugs so we started the patient on an Alindronate beside a more strict control of his diabetes. His post-operative progress was satisfactory and he is currently non-weight bearing for 6 months post-ORIF.

Conclusions

The case highlights an important clinical scenario that can be misdiagnosed in a diabetic patient. A clinical presentation of unilateral foot swelling, erythema, warmth and decreased sensation should raise suspicion for Charcot Arthropathy even in the absence of trauma history. I hope this will be a helpful reminder to clinicians when dealing with similar presentations.

[crippled-punk-guy]

Happy rare disease awareness day!

Today I would like to raise awareness for myself and other people who have a rare disease or health concern that hasn’t been officially identified.

There’s a very long and convoluted way my doctor decided to word this because my insurance refuses to allow me genetic testing to confirm, but in laymen’s terms I have a clinical diagnosis of classical like Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

Classical like or type 2 EDS behaves very similarly to hypermobile or type 3, with a couple extra symptoms and a few different manifestations.

Type 2 is caused by having duel mutations of the tenascin X gene, and some doctors believe type 3 may be caused by having only one of those genes mutated.

Because of the requirement of having both mutations this sub type is markedly much rarer than a couple of the others, estimated at roughly 1/1,000,000. It’s very difficult for people who have the symptoms of this type to be taken seriously as most doctors just think it’s a more severe version of type 3.

Classical Like Ehlers Danlos is a distinct type because of fat tissue and distal joint involvement.

Most people who have type 2 have bracydactyly, a deformity of the distal (small finger and toe) joints. Bracydactyly means that my fingers appear shorter than usual, the joints in them are deformed and does not allow for a full range of motion, for me personally mostly my thumbs are affected. I am missing nearly half of my thumb joint that connects to my hand, and my pinky toes are missing a joint entirely. This makes it so that any time I try to hold something my thumbs are essentially forced out of their natural position and have to partially dislocate. I can not use standard forearm crutches anymore because of this and have had to switch to platform to preserve my hand function. I also sometimes wear thumb braces if it gets to that point.

When talking about fat and tissue involvement we must touch on subcutaneous spheroids. Many people with EDS have something called piezogenic papules of the heel, small white lumps that become visible when putting pressure on the heel. Imagine having that but in your entire body. In EDS2 patients the following process occurs:

1. Our bodies already struggle to pump blood to the very small areas of our body, this includes the very small veins that run through the layers of fat.

2. When the blood supply gets cut off to these areas the EDS2 body responds by calcifying the fat that is no longer receiving blood flow.

3. This causes the formation of subcutaneous spheroids, very hard lumps that are partically anchored down but have some movement.

I’m sure you can imagine this is extremely painful, especially when they form in areas such as the crotch or armpit. There is nothing to be done other than gently massaging them until they pop in the least painful way possible. If you allow them to build up you will have what happened to me a couple years ago which led to realizing I have EDS, my entire calves were rock hard with nodules that a physical therapist had to work out over the course of four months. They can and will merge to make a larger one, locking in nerve endings. And no, losing weight isn’t necessarily the solution because if the fat around them gives away they will pop even more dramatically (at least for me personally). The only thing I have found that helps is prevention, massaging the areas they typically form in and using a tens unit if one has already formed. Placing the electrode directly on top of it and very slowly increasing the intensity is the only way for me to get rid of them without extreme pain. Also, they can pop randomly on their own. This is very jarring and extremely painful. And is one of the explanations as to why I randomly bruise.

There are many other ways EDS affects my life, but I would like to take some time to acknowledge health issues that are not identified.

I have a leg deformity. No diagnosis, no known cause. It just happened. When I was very little a doctor noticed it and said it was nothing to worry about, that I would grow out of it.

Well it turns out that is in fact not how any of that works. As a child I had such a minor deformity that it may have been able to be fully corrected if I was given leg braces, but doctors don’t want to admit you need something like that until it’s too late.

When I was around 15 I saw a rheumatologist who explained to me exactly why my legs look the way they do and what internally is happening that is actively preventing it from ever being fixed now. My hips either were what caused it or have now formed in a way that my legs will always be in this position, slightly out turned at the hip joint and again at the knee, causing my legs to appear splayed when relaxed. Also, one leg is longer than the other. The longer one has about 2 inches on the other, so it ended up supporting what the other could not. Because of this I am simultaneously pigeon toed and slightly bow legged, so one leg points in and the other out. Adding on that EDS makes your joints more loose, the doctor told me it seemed like they were both just making each other worse and she recommended I just try to not walk when possible.

No one really knows if the deformity is separate or because of EDS, but either way I live with both. I live with the knowledge that 1. I may never get genetic testing to figure out if it is actually type 2, most doctors don’t care enough to learn about anything other than type 3 if they know anything at all. And 2. I may never get to know if my legs could’ve been made better, I still have enough walking ability to get by but there’s also nothing saying it won’t get worse. We don’t know. And I’ve seen enough doctors to tell you they don’t care about knowing. My primary is amazing, but every specialist she tries to send me off to just gives me the run around and is like “well you *can* walk *some* so clearly it’s fine” instead of acknowledging that it is in fact not at all fine actually and I would appreciate being helped if there’s any to be had.

This is long and proofread slightly but I may have missed something grammatically or spelling wise.

Disclaimer: this is not at all an exhaustive list of either EDS2 or my deformities and how they affect my life. There are many more symptoms to both I either did not mention or do not feel comfortable mentioning. If you believe you may have any of the Ehlers Danlos types please seek out a doctor who is knowledgeable in that area.

This rare disease day, I want to remember and acknowledge those of us who never got our answers, and those of us who answers do not exist for.

There are 13 identified types of EDS, possibly a 14th. The most common (type 3) is estimated to effect 1/300. The rarest type (type 14) is known to effect 4 people in the entire world.

There are people who don’t even have a hashtag to post under, there are disorders and conditions that have only 1 known person effected ever.

How do you live your life with such a debilitating condition without even getting to know what it’s actually called? And why is it considered acceptable for the medical community to just push us aside instead of looking for the answer?

My EDS was identified as almost for sure being type 2 by a physical therapist who specializes in hyper mobile disorders. And yet I am still diagnosed with “hypermobility spectrum disorder with musculoskeletal involvement” which is a real fancy way of saying hypermobile EDS (I will explain why this language is used in a later post today or tomorrow).

When you change the language you use you change the meaning, and when talking about someone’s health knowing what is going on in your own body is very important. Imagine if you were diagnosed with something but they told you they’re going to call it something very different just because it’s easier. That is life for many many chronically ill people. A doctor can directly tell you it’s one thing and then put something completely different in your chart just because doctors and insurance are not on our side in most cases.

This rare disease day, remember the diseases and disorders that are literally written out of your history because it’s easier than having to admit what’s actually going on.

Leave an offering today to Hephaestus.

[encrypted-cryptid]

morituro with Echo?

cw - brief talk of things Under the skin in second to last paragraph.

morituro - of someone who is next or destined to die

'A normal resting heart rate should be between 60 to 100 beats per minute, but it can vary from minute to minute. Your age and general health can also affect your pulse rate, so it's important to remember that a 'normal' pulse can vary from person to person.'

Echo frowns, shakes out their hands and finds the pulse point on their wrist, again. Starts their count, again. Gets 23 beats in 60 seconds, which is better than the 20 beats they got last time but not by much.

They don't feel sick? Maybe a little sluggish, skin aching where it stretches out into shiny burns and patchwork green still growing, but nothing worse. If anything they feel too well, considering how they should be fighting fever and infection at this point in the healing process.

They find their pulse point and count again.

'Rigor mortis is a postmortem change resulting in the stiffening of the body muscles due to chemical changes in their myofibrils. Rigor mortis helps in estimating the time since death as well to ascertain if the body had been moved after death.'

It's worse on cold days. They wake up and can barely move, teeth grit against a stiffness that runs through every nerve, makes every joint grind. Warm baths are now their first priority in the morning, an hour long soak that they keep topped up with the tin kettle they keep constantly boiling on the fire next to the tub; on the worse days they have to lower themselves carefully back in around mid afternoon, and then again when the moon is high.

Echo lets Rassel tease them about it without saying much in their own defense. It's not like they can properly explain that sometimes it just hurts and their muscles lock for no reason so he lets them believe it's a vanity thing instead.

'Between 30-180 seconds of oxygen deprivation, you may lose consciousness. At the one-minute mark, brain cells begin dying. At three minutes, neurons suffer more extensive damage, and lasting brain damage becomes more likely. At five minutes, death becomes imminent.'

One day, Echo lays down on the ground outside of their house in the sunshine and closes their eyes, shirt off with the heat of summer. The haze of the day makes them sleepy.

They take three deep breaths, feel the way their ribs shift with their lungs, grass tickling their sides where the nerve endings are still intact. On the fourth they hold, trapping air behind a closed mouth, and relax.

Like this, if they really concentrate on the minute feelings, roots become tangible all the way down to bone. Echo can feel the way they wrap around capillaries, burrow through fatty tissue, how they pierce the epidermis and anchor themselves around muscle fibres. They curl their left hand into a fist. Hundreds of roots across that arm move naturally with the way it flexes for one simple action, adaptive. And they can feel it all.

When their chest starts to ache, Echo blinks up at the sun. It's halfway across the sky from where it was earlier. They exhale.

[jointxlplus]

How Stress Affects Joint Pain: Practical Tips for Emotional Well-being

Nowadays stress has become an almost unavoidable aspect of our daily routines. It is a common sentiment for many individuals - managing work obligations, family duties, and individual challenges can lead to a sense of being overburdened and apprehensive. However, stress is not solely a mental or emotional challenge;It can also have tangible effects on our physical well-being.

The Connection Between Stress and Joint Pain

Stress and joint pain might seem like unrelated issues, but research and clinical observations reveal a deeper connection between the two. When we experience stress, our bodies enter a heightened state of alertness, releasing a cascade of stress hormones like cortisol. While this physiological response is useful in short bursts, chronic stress can have detrimental effects on our health, including exacerbating joint pain.

1. Inflammation: A Key Player

One of the primary ways stress affects joint pain is through inflammation. Stress hormones can trigger inflammatory responses in the body, which may worsen conditions such as arthritis. Chronic inflammation can lead to increased pain and stiffness in the joints, making everyday activities more challenging.

2. Muscle Tension and Posture

Stress often manifests physically as muscle tension. When you’re stressed, you may unconsciously tighten your muscles, especially around the neck, shoulders, and back. This muscle tension can strain the joints and exacerbate existing joint pain. Poor posture resulting from muscle tension can also contribute to discomfort and joint issues.

3. Immune System Impact

Chronic stress can compromise the immune system, making the body less effective at repairing and maintaining healthy tissues. This can lead to worsening joint conditions, as the body’s ability to fight off inflammation and repair damaged tissues is diminished.

Practical Tips for Managing Stress to Relieve Joint Pain

While it may not be possible to eliminate stress entirely, there are effective strategies you can employ to manage it better and alleviate its impact on joint pain. Here are some practical tips to help you maintain emotional well-being and support joint health:

1. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Incorporating mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation can significantly reduce stress levels. These techniques help calm the mind and body, reducing the overall impact of stress on your joints.

2. Regular Physical Activity

Engaging in regular, low-impact exercise can be beneficial for both stress management and joint health. Activities such as swimming, walking, or yoga can help reduce stress and improve flexibility and strength in the joints. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, and helps alleviate muscle tension.

3. Healthy Diet

A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can support joint health and manage stress. Incorporate foods like leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, and berries into your meals. Additionally, staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining joint lubrication and overall health.

4. Adequate Sleep

Quality sleep is essential for managing stress and allowing your body to recover. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to help reduce stress levels and support overall joint health. Establishing a regular sleep routine and creating a relaxing bedtime environment can improve sleep quality.

5. Seek Support

Talking to a therapist or counselor can provide valuable support in managing stress. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic approaches can help you develop coping strategies and address underlying issues contributing to stress.

6. Joint Health Supplements

In addition to lifestyle changes, certain supplements can support joint health and alleviate discomfort. JointXL Plus, available at JointXL Plus, is a supplement designed to promote joint comfort and mobility. It combines a blend of natural ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory and joint-supportive properties.

Spotlight on JointXL Plus

JointXL Plus is formulated with a powerful blend of ingredients aimed at supporting joint health and relieving discomfort. 

Here’s a closer look at what makes JointXL Plus a noteworthy option for those struggling with joint pain:

Key Ingredients:

Turmeric Extract: Known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric helps reduce inflammation and support overall joint health.

Boswellia Serrata: This herbal extract is celebrated for its ability to improve joint function and reduce pain.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin: These compounds are essential for maintaining cartilage health and promoting joint lubrication.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): MSM supports joint flexibility and helps reduce pain and stiffness.

Benefits:

Reduces Inflammation: The combination of turmeric and Boswellia Serrata helps address inflammation, which can alleviate joint pain.

Supports Joint Health: Glucosamine and chondroitin work together to maintain cartilage and improve joint mobility.

Enhances Flexibility: MSM contributes to joint flexibility and reduces stiffness, making movement more comfortable.

Safety and Usage:

JointXL Plus is generally considered safe for most individuals. However, it’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Conclusion

The relationship between stress and joint pain is complex but crucial to understand. By managing stress effectively through lifestyle changes, mindfulness practices, 

and supportive supplements like JointXL Plus, you can alleviate joint discomfort and improve your overall well-being. 

Remember, taking proactive steps to manage both stress and joint health can lead to a more comfortable and fulfilling life.

[anexperimentallife]

This "if you don't brag about it online, it didn't happen" culture is so weird. I regularly get people accusing me of doing nothing but posting my thoughts online and not actually helping anyone, and it's like...

Dude, I'm not gonna go online and brag and post pictures every time I donate supplies or money, give someone food or a place to stay, serve as a sympathetic ear, help another adult escape their abusive family, encourage someone through a bad situation, stay on the phone with someone when they just need a human voice, let someone ahead of me at the store, overtip a tired server, stand up when someone's being bullied, or do some other random act of kindness. Posting "proof" of all that shit would just feel weird to me. And pointless. The point isn't to show off; the point is that we're all in this together, and everybody should be pitching in to make things better for all of us. It should just be the standard.

I literally owe my life to people who helped me in hard times with no thought of reward--often when I didn't deserve the help. Hell, when our family was in danger of forced separation because paperwork errors wouldn't let our daughter travel with us, y'all pitched in to pay for getting it straightened out.

(Not to mention that even if all I did was post, posting thoughts online can be helpful--a lot of people have posted things that have been helpful to me, and a lot of folks have thanked me for things I've posted, saying my words helped them.)

I mean, I get the theory that posting about ways you've helped people might inspire others to do more good, so I'm not gonna say everyone who does it is seeking glory, but that's just not the way I roll. I don't even like being acknowledged for stuff like that. It all just comes under the heading of doing my job as a human being. Because if we're not taking care of each other, what's the point of anything?

If I could help out completely anonymously, so that not even the people I'm helping knew it was me, that's what I'd do. Not because I'm some saint, but just because a) the attention embarrasses me, and b) I don't want anyone to feel embarrassed or lesser for accepting help.

Honestly, I'd like to do more. But I'm autistic, disabled (spine, joint, and soft tissue inuries, severe arthritis, a traumatic brain injury that affects my memory and focus, and then there are the brain and body effects of long covid on top of that), have adhd, had covid three times, almost died of illness three times in the past five years (once from double pneumonia with secondary lung infections, and twice from covid, which also left me with a two-year foot infection that ended up requiring surgery to get rid of), and other issues, am about 15K USD in debt (from the issue with our daughter), PLUS I'm raising a toddler and supporting two other adults on a fixed income (and still need to somehow come up with around thirty thousand dollars for needed surgeries and scans and dental work and other treatments that got put off because of the aforementioned issue with our daughter), so yeah, there's only so much I can do.

But it's not "nothing." (And I'll allow myself a little bit of chest-puffing by saying it's probably more than most of the people who accuse me of doing nothing do.)

So yeah... "all you do is post online instead of helping people." Oh, you mean because I don't... what, make people "earn" my help by posing for embarrassing pictures or videos, or giving testimonials about how grateful they are? LMAO what a sad, mean, tiny, drab little world you must live in where no one helps anyone without bragging to the world about it.

(Hell, I'll probably delete this later, because tbh this little rant feels a little too much like bragging to me, but I needed to vent.)

[fitnessnirvana]

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF EXERCISE?

The majority of individuals are aware that regular exercise is beneficial to their health, but less is known about the specifics.

Some individuals just use exercise to improve their physical appearance, which can sap their desire and consistency. While having aesthetic objectives is OK, taking a more comprehensive approach to fitness might help you stay motivated to be active and enjoy the health benefits of regular exercise. 

The NHS advises adults to be active every day and strive for at least 150 minutes of physical exercise each week through various activities to keep healthy. But any kind of exercise, even ten minutes a day, will help you feel better, so start small and increase your physical activity wherever you can.

What are the health benefits of exercise?

Here are just a few of the many incredible benefits from living an active lifestyle:

Improved heart and circulatory health:

There are several ways that regular exercise might lower your risk of heart and circulation disorders.

It accomplishes this, among other things, by enhancing the muscles' capacity to get oxygen from the blood more efficiently. This lowers blood pressure since your heart needs less effort to circulate blood around the body swiftly. Moreover, you can prevent heart attacks and conditions like high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, and heart attacks by strengthening your heart and enhancing your circulation. Improved insulin resistance from exercise can aid in the reversal of type 2 diabetes.

2. Stronger muscles, bones, and joints:

Exercise strengthens all of the tissues in your body, something you may already be aware of given that it can help you develop bigger, stronger muscles. Frequent exercise creates strong, flexible muscles, increases bone density, and improves joint function and range of motion—all of which help to prevent injury as we age.

3. Weight control:

Although BMI and weight aren't the only factors that determine health, most people are at their healthiest when they have a healthy balance of muscle and fat. Studies reveal that being underweight can result in problems like osteoporosis, infertility, malnutrition, and a weakened immune system, while obesity can raise the risk of many diseases, including heart disease and osteoarthritis, as well as other physical impairments like joint discomfort.

In addition to improving your diet, exercise can help you control your weight and achieve a more muscular or fat-free body composition.

4. Better mood and stress management:

One excellent strategy for enhancing mental health is exercise. Exercise causes the body to create endorphins, sometimes known as happy hormones, which are molecules that improve mood. Exercise also releases endorphins, which the body naturally releases in reaction to stress or pain to help reduce these symptoms and elevate mood. For this reason, exercise is an excellent coping mechanism for stress or low mood.

5. Increased energy:

Your energy levels can be raised by exercise in the short and long term. Energy levels can benefit immediately after exercise since exercise causes the body to release endorphins and enhances the passage of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and brain. Over time, physical activity contributes to the production of more energy by the body and increases endurance, which reduces exhaustion from daily duties.

6. Better brain function:

Exercise has been linked to improved brain function, learning, and memory in numerous scientific research on the subject of cognition and exercise. This can happen both directly and indirectly. Directly, it can happen when the brain receives more oxygen and when a hormone called irisin is released, which affects the area of the brain that regulates learning. Anytime you find it difficult to focus or process information, a quick workout will help!

7. A better night's sleep:

Having trouble falling asleep? You can treat insomnia and increase both the quantity and quality of your sleep with exercise. Consistently receiving enough sleep has countless advantages, such as increased energy, enhanced focus, better hormone balance between appetite and fullness, decreased inflammation, and enhanced immune system performance. Improving your sleep can have a significant impact on your daily mood, even in the absence of exercise's other health advantages!

8. Staying sociable:

Yes, there are health benefits to being sociable! Research indicates that social isolation and loneliness are associated with increased risks of several mental and physical health issues, including depression, hypertension, and heart disease, especially as we age.

Maintaining your physical fitness is a great method to improve your social life in addition to your physical health. There will be a vibrant fitness community you can join, regardless of your interests in running, circuit training, hiking, cycling, or hitting your personal best on the squat rack. Joining a running club or wellness group can help people meet lifelong friends, and fitness courses are a fantastic place to start. Exercise groups can be a great way to make new friends, meet people in a new place, or just widen your current circle of acquaintances if you're feeling lonely.

These are only a handful of the many amazing health advantages of regular exercise; other advantages include a lower chance of cancer, more flexibility and mobility, better sex life, and a longer life span.

[drsiram]

🌟 Essential Tips and Techniques to Alleviate Joint Pain 🌿

Joint pain can significantly impact daily life, making even simple tasks challenging and uncomfortable. Whether caused by arthritis, injury, or other factors, managing joint pain is crucial for maintaining quality of life and mobility.

This article explores various strategies, from lifestyle adjustments to therapeutic techniques, aimed at alleviating joint pain effectively.

Understanding Joint Pain

Joint pain can arise from various conditions, including:

Osteoarthritis: Degenerative joint disease due to wear and tear.

Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disorder affecting joints.

Injury: Sprains, strains, or fractures impacting joint function.

Other conditions: Such as gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia.

Each condition may require specific management approaches, but many general strategies can help mitigate joint pain and improve joint health overall.

Lifestyle Modifications

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight:

Excess weight puts additional stress on joints, particularly weight-bearing ones like knees and hips.

Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

2. Regular Exercise:

Low-impact exercises like swimming, biking, or walking can strengthen muscles around joints and improve flexibility.

Avoid high-impact activities that may exacerbate joint pain.

3. Joint-Friendly Activities:

Yoga and tai chi improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.

Physical therapy can provide tailored exercises to strengthen specific joints.

4. Proper Posture and Body Mechanics 💪🏻:

Maintain good posture to reduce stress on joints, especially the spine and neck.

Lift heavy objects properly using your legs and avoiding twisting motions.

5. Ergonomic Adjustments:

Use ergonomic chairs and desks to support joints during work.

Adjust your environment to minimize repetitive movements that strain joints.

Dietary Considerations

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

Found in fish like salmon and mackerel, these can help reduce inflammation.

Consider supplements if dietary intake is insufficient.

2. Antioxidants:

Vitamins C and E, found in fruits and vegetables, may protect joints from oxidative stress.

Berries, spinach, and nuts are rich sources.

3. Spices and Herbs 🌿:

Turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties.

Incorporate these into cooking or take as supplements.

4. Hydration:

Drink plenty of water to maintain joint lubrication and overall hydration.

Limit sugary drinks and alcohol, which can exacerbate inflammation.

Pain Management Strategies

1. Over-the-Counter Medications:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can reduce pain and inflammation.

Acetaminophen is an alternative for pain relief.

2. Topical Treatments:

Creams and gels containing capsaicin or menthol can provide localized pain relief.

Consider patches for convenience and prolonged relief.

3. Hot and Cold Therapy:

Heat packs or warm baths can relax muscles and improve circulation.

Cold packs or ice packs reduce inflammation and numb pain.

4. Acupuncture and Massage:

Acupuncture may help alleviate pain by stimulating specific points.

Massage therapy can reduce muscle tension and improve joint mobility.

Medical Interventions

1. Prescription Medications:

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for autoimmune conditions.

Corticosteroid injections for severe inflammation.

2. Joint Support Devices:

Braces, splints, or orthotics can provide stability and reduce joint strain.

Custom orthotics may correct alignment issues contributing to pain.

3. Surgical Options:

Joint replacement surgery by Dr. Siram helps alleviate joint pain by replacing damaged or deteriorated joints with prosthetic implants, restoring mobility and reducing discomfort significantly.

Arthroscopic surgery to repair or remove damaged tissue in the joint.

Psychological and Emotional Support

1. Coping Strategies:

Practice mindfulness or meditation to manage stress and pain perception.

Join support groups to connect with others facing similar challenges.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

Helps develop coping skills and change negative thought patterns related to pain.

May complement medical treatments for better pain management.

Conclusion

Managing joint pain requires a multifaceted approach that combines lifestyle modifications, dietary adjustments, pain management strategies, and sometimes medical interventions. 

By incorporating these tips and techniques into daily life, individuals can alleviate pain, improve joint function, and enhance overall quality of life. 

Consult with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized plan that addresses specific needs and conditions, ensuring long-term joint health and well-being. 🩺💼

[turbotaxevasion]

Happy Disability Pride Month!

In honor of the shift from LGBTQ Pride Month to Disability Pride Month, I’m going to bring awareness to some underrepresented and underinformed disabilities as a queer and disabled artist/writer. These are all disorders that I have come across among friends and acquaintances. Every disorder I discuss must have a clinical diagnosis in order to be treated. You should only be self-diagnosing if you plan on going to a doctor to confirm your speculations. Do not self-diagnose if you are not willing to confirm with a medical professional. This post is not to diagnose you.

Big Trigger Warning: Discussions of psychological disorders like E/Ds, depression, and personality disorders. 

Dysautonomia

Any disorder relating to the autonomic (involuntary) nervous system

POTS

I have this! It is a nervous system disorder that affects heart rate and blood pressure because your nervous system does not allow your muscles to properly circulate blood, especially through the legs. Some symptoms include elevated heart rate, chest pain, low or high blood pressure, fatigue, changes in body temperature, and dizziness or fainting. POTS is more common in AFAB people than AMAB.

Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis is a disorder that occurs when a protein known as amyloid builds up in the organs. Amyloidosis is closely related to dysautonomia and chronic pain syndromes such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome because of the comorbid symptoms. These symptoms include edema, purpura around the eyes, skin that bruises easily, and fatigue.

Frey’s Syndrome

A neurological disorder closely related to dysautonomia that causes excessive sweating while eating. There are very few solutions to this disorder and even fewer of them are known to work.

Mitochondrial Syndrome

Mitochondrial diseases occur when there are genetic mutations and deformations to the mitochondria in cells that directly influence how the organelle produces energy. People with mitochondrial diseases can have poor growth, muscle weakness, seizures, visual and / or hearing problems, learning disabilities, and may develop kidney, liver, or heart disease.

Autonomic Dysreflexia

Autonomic dysreflexia is a disorder that causes abnormal overreactions of the autonomic nervous system. Symptoms include elevated heart rate, excessive sweating, and high blood pressure.

Chronic Pain

Any disorder relating to long-lasting pain surrounding any part of the body.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

I have this one too! Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a chronic pain syndrome in which muscles in the lower extremities are too weak to support patellar (kneecap) movement. Thus, the patella (kneecap) will not track right. this causes lots of issues with walking.

Scoliosis

I also have this one! Scoliosis is defined as a physical disorder in which the spine is not a straight vertical line. There is either an “S” or “J” curve in the spine, compressing it and causing sharp or aching back pain.

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

TMJ causes pain and tenderness in jaw joints and surrounding muscles and ligaments. Symptoms of TMJ include jaw stiffness, limited movement and locking of the jaw, ringing in ears, and dizziness.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

This is a chronic muscular pain disorder. Typically, this pain is confined to one specific area, such as the neck or shoulders.

Fibromyalgia

A chronic disorder that causes pain and tenderness throughout the body, as well as fatigue. People with fibromyalgia can also have depression, anxiety, and trouble with memory and concentration.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

EDS is a group of disorders that affect connective tissues that support the skin, bones, blood vessels, organs, and other tissues. Symptoms of EDS include stretchy, translucent skin, loose joints, and chronic pain. 

Arthritis

Arthritis is defined as inflammation in one or more joints causing stiffness and pain. There are many different kinds of arthritis, each with different causes. These causes can include wear over time, infections, and underlying diseases.

Neurological Disorders

Any disorder relating to the brain and how it functions.

Seizure Disorders

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain characterized by repeated seizures. People with epilepsy can experience multiple kinds of seizures and can experience symptoms such as confusion, staring spells, stiff muscles, and loss of consciousness.

Cerebrovascular Diseases

Functional Neurological Disorder

Functional Neurological Disorder is essentially a stroke mimic. It can replicate the symptoms of a stroke, such as limb weakness, numbness, and speech disturbance.

Migraines

Lots of people have migraines and I am no exception. Migraines are caused by excessive blood flow to the brain. Migraines affect more than 10% of people worldwide and are 3 times more likely to affect AFAB people than AMAB people.

Psychological Disorders

Any disorders affecting mood, thinking, and behavior. I will not be discussing my mental disorders on the internet. Most people are familiar with what these are and what they look like, so I will instead be providing statistics for each one.

Anxiety Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) affects 6.8 million adults. Only 43.2% of those adults are receiving treatment. AFAB are twice as likely to be affected (Anxiety Disorders Association of America).

Panic disorder (PD) affects 6 million adults. AFAB are twice as likely to be affected (Anxiety Disorders Association of America) .

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects 2.5 million adults. AFAB are 3x more likely to be affected (Anxiety Disorders Association of America) .

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects 7.7 million adults. AFAB are 5x more likely to be affected (Anxiety Disorders Association of America) .

Depression 

Approximately 280 million people in the world have depression. AFAB are twice as likely to develop depression (World Health Organization). 

Bipolar Disorder

4.4% of US adults experience bipolar disorder in their lives (National Institute of Health).

Personality Disorders

It is estimated that 9% of US adults have at least one personality disorder (American Psychiatric Association).

Eating Disorders (TW)

Eating Disorders affect 9% of the population worldwide (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders).

BIPOC are significantly less likely than white people to be asked by a doctor about eating disorder symptoms (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders).

Black teenagers are 50% more likely than white teenagers to exhibit bulimic behaviors (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders).

Rates of body dissatisfaction were higher among transgender and nonbinary youth (90%) compared to cisgender youth (80%) (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders).