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Massage Chairs Help You Recover from Injuries

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Many people use massage as a form of treatment when caring for a soft tissue injury, such as a pulled muscle or a hamstring strain. Injuries less likely to be treated with massage are skeletal system injuries, like a fractured or broken bone. Even skeletal injuries do actually benefit from massage, but proper precaution and protocol must be applied if you are to improve (and not worsen) the injury. Massage Chairs Help You Recover from Injuries
For any type of injury, it’s recommended that you wait at least 48 hours before engaging in any type of massage. Some physicians even recommend waiting up to 72 hours before massage therapy. Particularly for acute injuries, like a strain or sprain, it’s important to follow what is known as the R.I.C.E. program.

This includes:
Rest – to protect the injured muscle, tendon, ligament, or other tissue from further damage.
Ice – to reduce pain and spasm, and to control swelling.
Compression – This additionally limits swelling in order to enable the healing process.
Elevation – To limit edema formation and slow hemorrhage.

If swelling and pain persist after two full days, it is recommended that you continue to hold off on massage, and seek out medical attention if you haven’t already.
If you have a skeletal system injury, you will want to consult with a masseuse or physical therapist about personal, indirect massage around the injured area, in order to encourage blood flow and to further reduce swelling. Since these types of injuries vary greatly from person to person, it is recommended that you avoid using a massage chair on these areas and instead consult with a professional who will be able to address and respond to specific requirements that you may have. You may continue to safely use your massage chair to relax and encourage overall circulation improvement, as long as you avoid direct massage contact to the injured area. One helpful remote control feature to try is the BodyMap PRO, which allows you to select just one area in which you’d like a massage so that you can avoid the injured area.

For soft tissue injuries, it is also highly recommended that you consult with your physician before engaging in any type of massage. Once you have their approval, you may receive massage but must listen to your body and ease yourself into a massage routine that works for you. Many Human Touch massage chairs feature Cloud Touch Technology air compression, which uses targeted air cells to squeeze and release particular areas of the body. This is often an ideal introduction level for these massage chairs since they do not apply pinpoint pressure to any given area. Once you have established that the Cloud Touch feature is comfortable for you, you may “graduate” to other massage programs and techniques with increased levels of pressure. Swedish massage uses relaxing, long strokes to achieve an overall sense of calm. It also encourages increased circulation so that your body can heal from your injury. Slowly increasing the intensity of the Targeted Benefits like Stretch, Flex, Tone, and Ease are also a good way to test out which massage will work best for you. If you feel any pain while using the massage chair on or around your injured area, discontinue the massage and either try another massage method that avoids your injury, or take a break from the massage chair entirely.

With all of these tips in mind, there are some types of injuries that require you to avoid massage altogether. These include the presence of blood clots, extremely high blood pressure (it’s worth mentioning that this is low risk, but is generally advised against), Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), nerve damage, cancer, burns, lesions, and certain forms arthritis or osteoporosis. If you have any of these conditions or injuries, you will need to consult with your physician to confirm whether any type of massage is recommended.

Massage Chairs Help You Recover from Injuries

Massage Chairs Help You Recover from Injuries Massage Chairs Help You Recover from Injuries Massage Chairs Help You Recover from Injuries Massage Chairs Help You Recover from Injuries Massage Chairs Help You Recover from Injuries Massage Chairs Help You Recover from Injuries

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Five Ways to Get Your Daily CBD Intake
CBD for Health

Five Ways to Get your Daily CBD Intake

by Jesse Dunn
written by Jesse Dunn

CBD (Cannabidiol) has been around for ages, yet in recent years this cannabinoid found in hemp, cannabis and other plants has attracted quite a bit of attention from the medical community and those seeking out all-natural alternative options for their health.

With this rise in popularity has come a wave of CBD products designed to suit virtually any need or use case, and there are now more ways than ever to get this cannabinoid’s healing properties into your system.

Because CBD is so versatile, manufacturers are taking consumer feedback to heart, releasing new and innovative ways to consume CBD and accompanying products that consumers can use and enjoy.

While options are nice, with products ranging from gummies, to capsules, and oils, it can be difficult and confusing to know which CBD product is the right one for your specific needs.

This brief guide will help you uncover some of the best (and most popular) ways, times and uses to get the most from your CBD. Read on to learn more!

CBD to Start Your Day

For most Americans, the day doesn’t begin until they’ve had that first cup of morning joe and consequential dose of caffeine. Now, that routine cup of coffee can be leveled up with the addition of CBD.

Yes, you heard that right. Coffee infused with 10 milligrams of CBD per serving comes in many varieties, including Columbian, Peruvian, dark roast, and others, helping jumpstart your day on the right foot. Why not switch up your regular cup of coffee with CBD infused coffee? Not only will your morning have its regular lift, but it will also have the added benefit of all that CBD has to offer. Balance is just a hot, steaming cup of coffee away.

If you’re not looking to walk around caffeinated all day, fear not! You can still get the same milligrams of CBD infused into decaffeinated coffee too. So now, you can stay warm and cozy during the day while reaping the benefits of CBD without any of the caffeine or overstimulation that comes along with it.

Mid-Day Work Jitters Have you on Edge? Calm your Anxiety…Discreetly
Current research has discovered that CBD is a promising new supplement when it comes to calming stress and other emotional issues associated with anxiety. In today’s world of meetings, deadlines, daily commutes, and high-volume workloads, anxiety for most people escalates during the typical Monday through Friday workday when most of these high-stress situations occur.

Taking a regular daily dose of CBD before and during your workday can help to keep the anxiety at bay while allowing you to successfully handle whatever stressors come your way.

But keeping a bottle of CBD oil at your desk, getting a dosage in, and then having to explain everything to your coworkers and boss may not make for the best situation. In this situation, CBD capsules or gummies may be the best products to take since the capsules anonymously blend in with other natural supplements on the market, and the gummies look like a typical vitamin or mid-afternoon snack.

Snack Time

If you’re midway through your day and craving a sweet treat, why not satisfy your sweet tooth with a CBD infused gummy treat? Each gummy or chewy treat has 10 milligrams of CBD infused in them, so now you can relax knowing that you will have a much-needed boost to finish out your workday in a stress-free way.

Not only will the CBD help you to relax in a non-sedating manner, it will also help you to feel ready to tackle any task that comes your way, no matter how big or small that task may be.

Post-Workout Gains – for the athlete in all of us

Regular exercise is a great way to diffuse stress and blow off some steam if your workday has been less than spectacular. The harder workout, the achier your muscles have the potential to be. And when that soreness piles on top of an already lingering migraine, your body can feel downright unbearable.

More and more amateur athletes, gym goers, and weekend warriors are turning to CBD’s natural anti-inflammatory properties to take away their aches and pains. CBD infused cream is a great addition to your post-workout routine as it is a wonderful aid in the recovery process. Most CBD creams are infused with a combination of CBD and menthol to help alleviate joint and muscle pain and discomfort. These topical, non-greasy creams come in an easy-to-use, no-mess pump bottle containing 150 milligrams and 300 milligrams of CBD, so you can decide the best dose to apply for all of your aches both big and small.

Sleep Tight with a Little Nighty-Night Assistance

If you have trouble sleeping at night, can’t fall asleep, or wake up frequently, then CBD oil will make a great addition to your nighttime routine. The simple ingestion of CBD oil can have you resting easy and feeling at ease. Now, a good night’s sleep may only be a few drops away.

CBD oil can either be taken under the tongue (sublingually) or in your favorite (non-alcoholic) drink right before bed at the end of your day. And since the oil comes with an easy-to-use dropper, dispensing the proper dose is simple and guess-free. CBD oils come in a variety of doses ranging from 7 milligrams to 58 milligrams per dose, so you can easily increase or decrease your nightly dose depending on your needs.

Closing Thoughts

As new research continues to report on the potential health benefits of CBD use, individuals like yourself are flocking in droves to try out this holistic, all-natural alternative to harsh chemicals and pharmaceutical drugs.

Finding new and effective ways to incorporate CBD into your lifestyle may dramatically improve the quality of your day to day well-being. But as with any supplement, every individual reacts differently, so you may need to experiment a bit in order to get the most benefits out of your regimen.

Whether it’s adding a boost to your day, getting a better night’s sleep, calming anxiety, or eliminating body aches and pains, CBD might be the answer you’ve been looking for.

 

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What is CBD Oil
CBD for HealthHealth

Does CBD Appear On A Drug Test?

by Jesse Dunn
written by Jesse Dunn

A common question that CBD users or those who are curious about CBD will wonder is, will CBD show up on a drug test? And while many are hesitant about this risk, many are looking for options and have stumbled across CBD.

Users have commented about results and benefits from their experience with CBD, and it just so happens the reality for workers is being tested for drugs. While different drug tests screen for different drugs, it really depends on the needs of those administering it.

What is a Drug Test?
A drug test is a technical analysis of a biological specimen, for example, your urine, hair, blood, or saliva to determine the presence or absence of a specified parent drug or their metabolites. As part of the application process, job applicants may be required to be screened for drug or alcohol use. Depending on state law and company policy, employers may do this prior to making a job offer. Employees may be tested for drugs or alcohol in the workplace, where it is permitted by state law.

When do you get Drug Tested?
Depending on where you live and your line of work, you may be given a drug test before being offered a job or in regular increments throughout your period employment. Whether you can be tested for drugs or alcohol at a job depends on the laws in the state and where you live.

Even competitive athletes are often given drug tests to screen for any prohibited substances. Professional, collegiate, and amateur athletic organizations may require regular drug tests to ensure that recreational and performance-enhancing drugs aren’t being taken.

Drug tests can also be used as part of probation or parole requirements and substance abuse problems.

Will I fail a drug test if I take CBD oil?
A lot of drug test are looking for traces of THC, but that doesn’t mean all drug tests are created equally.

It depends on the testing standards of the lab administering your drug test. Most companies only search for the cannabinoid THC, which is the main psychoactive component of the marijuana plant. While Medterra products are THC free, there are some testing facilities that check for a spectrum of cannabinoids and could trigger a positive drug test. By law, you are allowed to ask the facility what cannabinoids they test for. If you are uncomfortable with that, you can call and ask anonymously. Try contacting the testing facility if there is any concern.

Does CBD show up on a drug test?
It depends on the CBD product and drug test that you are taking. Certain cannabinoids can trigger positive in a drug test, especially if the test is looking for a full spectrum of cannabinoids, including THC. Most tests do not detect the presence of CBD (cannabidiol) since CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that doesn’t cause a high. Some studies, however, have shown that eating hemp foods and consuming hemp oils can, in rare cases, cause a positive result in urine and blood tests

What is THC?

 

Tetrayhydrocannabinol, or THC, is the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. It is the most well known cannabinoid and is known for causing a “high” feeling. Strains with high THC levels are potent and can cause intense euphoric feeling. THC has been shown to help improve moods in patients, and even make the difficulties of certain treatments such as chemotherapy easier, by alleviating certain symptoms such as pain or nausea.

THC was the first phytocannabinoid that was discovered and has been much more extensively researched than CBD. We know with fairly high certainty that THC is strongly psychoactive and can be intoxicating even in small amounts. This means that THC can alter your behavior and cause you to lose control of your faculties, properties that make it a popular (illegal) recreational drug in the form of marijuana.

How do I know which products have THC?
Simply, all CBD companies have different methods of extracting their CBD and what goes inside of their products. While some companies offer CBD that is THC free, some other companies have products that have slight traces of THC in them. It is pivotal to understand full spectrum oils, as this means they have an array of cannabinoids, ranging from CBD, CBDV, CBDA, and sometimes even THC. We encourage everyone to do further research on the product they’re purchasing for their own benefit and safety. However, here are a few methods on how to find out if your CBD product contains THC:

Ask for COAs
A Certificate of Analysis is a document issued by Quality Assurance that confirms a regulated product meets is product specification. These COAs for CBD companies are normally performed by an independent, third-party laboratory. They commonly contain the actual results obtained from the testing performed as a part of quality control on an individual batch of a product. Many of these COAs can be found on the website in their product description or by asking customer service for a copy of their latest COA.

 

Look at their labeling
The importance of purchasing properly labeled CBD products ensures you are receiving what you are paying for. The primary panel label should include the identity of the product, the amount of THC or CBD in the package, net weight or volume, instructions for use government warning statements, the ingredient list and more. The more information you can find on the products label, will help you understand the quality of the CBD product and to determine whether or not the company is reputable.

Ask about their extraction methods
This is pivotal, as there are many extraction methods when it comes to CBD oil. However, the three most popular extraction methods are CO2 extraction, ethanol and olive oil. This helps to determine which actual ingredients are in the final product and which ones have been filtered out.

Does Medterra products contain THC?

All of our CBD products are quality fully compliant CBD extracted from a non-GMO hemp farm located in Kentucky, USA. We utilize a whole plant (minus the seeds) CO2 extraction that allows us to draw the CBD from the plant material and filter out unnatural substances, maximizing pure CBD concentration with 0% THC, guaranteed.

Our products are legal, and Medterra is proud to be apart of Kentucky’s Industrial Hemp Research Pilot Program which means we are fully licensed to grow and process industrial hemp in Kentucky, USA. All of our industrial hemp is grown and extracted in accordance with the strict guidelines of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Growing under the Kentucky Hemp Pilot Program is also 100% compliant with Section 7606 of the 2014 Farm Bill, which means harvesting and distributing is 100% legal at the federal level.

 

Content Provided By Medterra

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Managing Arthritis in Winter
Conditions & Treatments

Managing Arthritis in Winter

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

If you have circled the sun more than a few times, you know that adapting to changing seasons is important for your quality of life. But did you know there are changes you can make during winter to better cope with arthritis? Arthritis affects just over half of all older adults and 80 percent of those living with osteoarthritis (OA) have minor to serious limitations in movement. We don’t yet have a good scientific understanding why some people experience more pain when the weather changes. Existing research shows that it’s not necessarily a specific climate (e.g., cold and damp) that causes pain, but rather a change in the local weather. Regardless of where people live, they adjust to their climate but may notice weather changes if they are susceptible to weather-related symptoms flare. The onset of colder weather is a good time for people with arthritis to seek out advice from their healthcare provider to create a winter weather arthritis management plan to make the season more comfortable. Managing Arthritis in Winter

Cold Weather Gear

Inflammation of the joints, particularly in the hands, knees and hips can create challenges when it comes to cold weather gear. Before getting dressed, you may apply heat to those joints to increase movement and decrease pain making it easier to pull on a sweater or button a shirt. However, self-treating joints and muscles with heat (or cold) should be done only with guidance from a physician.
Flares can make getting dressed exhausting. Try dressing in multiple thin, light layers which are easier to put on (and take off) and provide as much warmth as one thick sweater. Once dressed, consider which outer gear to wear and how to protect extremities like hands and feet. Look for clothes with functionality (e.g., ease of opening and closing), personal safety (thick-soled boots), and durability (weather protectant) in mind.

Winter Weather Exercise

Exercise is crucial for older adults and it can be a great morale booster to stay active during winter even when weather is cold and days are shorter. General, pre-workout advice is to drink plenty of water and engage in a five-minute warm up of movement and light stretching.iv On days when sidewalks are clear and the sun is shining, walk outside to soak up some vitamin D. Here’s why this may be especially important. Studies have shown that low levels of vitamin D are associated with sensitivity to pain and a higher risk of developing brittle bones associated with osteoporosis. (You should still wear sunscreen to block harmful U.V. light.) If you are unable to go outside, taking a vitamin D supplement and eating a healthy diet rich in vitamin D are good alternatives.

Safety first

If ice has made walking too risky, joining a gym can be a good option. Before starting an exercise program, visit with a fitness director and speak with your healthcare provider to set goals, consider challenges and determine appropriate activities given your specific circumstances. Modified activities may be necessary depending on an arthritis diagnosis, for example. Start slow and then increase workout time and intensity according to how your body feels as you adjust to your new routine.

Winter Weather Responsibilities

Chores and errands do not stop when the weather turns cold. While scattering salt to de-ice is no big deal, shoveling snow can be truly daunting. If paying someone is not an option, choose a sturdy, non-plastic shovel with a soft grip that is the correct length for your height. Shoveling small amounts in multiple shifts can also help so snow does not pile up too much and to avoid fatiguing yourself beyond what you can handle. Remember: push, don’t lift, and use your legs to protect your back.
Use your resources. As with all exercise and activity, patients should check with their healthcare provider prior to starting. Arthritis patients can also seek information and support from CreakyJoints, the go-to source for more than 100,000 arthritis patients and their families world-wide who are seeking education, support, advocacy and patient-centered research.
By: W. Benjamin Nowell, PhD, Director of Patient-Centered Research, CreakyJoints
Easing Arthritis Pain

Managing Arthritis in Winter

Managing Arthritis in Winter Managing Arthritis in Winter Managing Arthritis in Winter Managing Arthritis in Winter

Managing Arthritis in Winter

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New Survey Shows Gout is Out of Control
Conditions & Treatments

New Survey Shows Gout is Out of Control

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Gout, the most common inflammatory arthritis in adults, is a highly symptomatic and painful form of inflammatory arthritis caused by high serum uric acid (sUA) levels in the blood, which can lead to painful flares. Most often those flares occur in extremities, such as big toes and fingers, but it can also occur in feet, ankles, knees, hands and wrists. While gout is treatable, a new survey by CreakyJoints, an online, non-profit, patient support organization, demonstrates that it is often a disease that is out of control, including for many seniors. New Survey Shows Gout is Out of Control
Patients surveyed experienced an average of eight painful gout attacks per year and more than half these patients reported attacks that lasted three or more days. Moreover, 76% of patients indicated gout hinders their ability to walk, climb stairs, or sleep, causing a rippling effect not only on patients’ lives, but also on the lives of their caregivers and families. Almost 60% of patients surveyed admitted they wouldn’t be able to meet their basic needs (e.g., running errands, bathing, etc.) during a gout attack, if they did not have someone to help them. New Survey Shows Gout is Out of Control
More than two-thirds of patients and nine in 10 caregivers surveyed said they accept painful gout attacks as part of living with the disease, even though most of these same patients and caregivers also stated they were satisfied with existing gout treatments, indicating a disconnect. Older adults, those 45 years and older, blamed themselves for the disease. Fifty-eight percent said, “I sometimes feel responsible for causing my gout due to my diet and/or alcohol consumption”
Of the survey results, Theodore Fields, M.D., Hospital for Special Surgery, New York and CreakyJoints Advisor said, “It’s startling that so many of the patients and caregivers surveyed have resigned themselves to the impacts of gout. There is much work to be done to educate patients with gout and their caregivers to help get the patients’ gout symptoms under control.”

The Blame Game and a Lack of Understanding

Stereotypically, gout is blamed on a person’s overindulgence in a diet rich in purines, like red meat or from drinking too much alcohol. However, hereditary factors contribute significantly to gout, a fact that only 35% of gout patients and 34% of caregivers surveyed identified as true.
There are two causes of gout – overproduction and underexcretion of uric acid – with only 14% of gout patients and 9% of caregivers surveyed correctly citing both causes contributing to gout. Moreover, merely 11% of patients and 9% of caregivers surveyed knew that the target sUA levels for gout patients was less than 6 mg/dL.
Concerningly, nearly three in 10 patients surveyed admitted to hiding gout attacks from loved ones, with more than two-thirds of caregivers surveyed stating they wish their loved ones would tell them sooner when they are experiencing a gout attack. Further, half of patients surveyed do not report all their gout attacks to their doctor.

Gout Guidance

According to Dr. Fields, patients must be transparent to their loved ones and their doctor about the impact of gout by reporting flares, and doctors should test their gout patients’ serum uric acid levels regularly to ensure these patients are reaching and sustaining the target goal of under 6 mg/dL.
CreakyJoints co-founder and Executive Director, Louis Tharp also recommended that, “Reach out for resources in your community, and be honest with your doctor and loved ones about your symptoms, including all your gout attacks. Get the uric acid in your blood to target level. Together, we can take the steps to get gout back in control.”
The survey was conducted online among 1,000 gout patients and 500 caregivers of gout patients in March 2017 to gain insight into their perceptions of and experiences with gout. Edelman Intelligence conducted the survey, which was made possible by CreakyJoints, with funding from Ironwood Pharmaceuticals.
By CreakyJoints

New Survey Shows Gout is Out of Control

New Survey Shows Gout is Out of Control New Survey Shows Gout is Out of Control New Survey Shows Gout is Out of Control New Survey Shows Gout is Out of Control New Survey Shows Gout is Out of Control New Survey Shows Gout is Out of Control

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How Seniors Can Reduce Joint Pain
Conditions & Treatments

How Seniors Can Reduce Joint Pain

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

Joint stress and pain are problems for many seniors. Roughly one in five seniors suffer from arthritis, and many others report joint pain due to other conditions. Many seniors also report difficulty managing their symptoms. Whether you’re suffering from arthritis, age-related inflammation, or a condition such as fibromyalgia, it can be tough to reduce pain and stress in your joints. But if you’re one of the millions of American seniors who suffers from joint inflammation, there’s good news. There are a number of ways that you can reduce joint stress and manage the pain and inflammation in your joints. How Seniors Can Reduce Joint Pain
Below, the team at Visiting Angels has collected six of the most effective way to limit joint stress and reduce the pain caused by arthritis and other joint issues. How Seniors Can Reduce Joint Pain

Change Footwear

If you suffer from significant pain in your knees, hips, or spine, your condition will be exacerbated by walking or standing. This is especially true if you wear improper footwear. Choosing shoes with soft, cushiony insoles will give you the padding you need to reduce joint stress and pain when walking and standing.

Low-Impact Exercise

While exercise can trigger joint pain, it is one of the most effective ways for preventing further joint deterioration. To reduce pain and inflammation while exercise, consider low-impact activities that will improve the strength of muscles around joints. One of the most popular low-impact exercises is swimming. Your doctor or physical therapist will be able to recommend the best activities for your particular joint issues. Please consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

Reduce Weight

These days, the majority of Americans suffer from weight issues. Along with a host of other health concerns, excess weight puts added stress on joints. This can lead to wear and inflammation over time and can be compounded by issues such as arthritis. Studies have shown that reducing your weight by as little as 5% can alleviate joint pain and disability. For a 200 lb. person, a 5% reduction is only 10 lbs. — an achievable goal with dedication and guidance from your physician. Please consult your doctor before beginning any weight loss program.

Quit Smoking

There are already so many good reasons to quit smoking. Reducing joint pain is just one more. Smoking has been linked to increased pain and inflammation in those who suffer from arthritis. It also contributes to reduced bone health, making joint pain worse in those with age-related wear and tear. By quitting, you will make managing and limit joint issues much easier for yourself. Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation programs.

Heat and Cold

Many seniors find that hot and/or cold treatments are an effective way to control and manage their joint pain. While hot packs and cold packs only provide temporary relief, they can be a major help when you’re experiencing acute instances of joint pain or stiffness.

Pain Medication

Anti-inflammatory pain medications such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen can be an effective relief for those with joint pain. Because of the risks associated with pain relievers, it is usually best to try managing pain through other strategies first. It’s important that you take any pain relief or anti-inflammation medications safely. Follow doctors’ orders and always use medications according to the label.
Your home caregiver from Visiting Angels can help you reduce joint stress and pain by providing non-medical assistance with your inflammation management program. If you would like a free care assessment, contact your local Visiting Angels office today. How Seniors Can Reduce Joint Pain

How Seniors Can Reduce Joint Pain

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Causes of numbness in fingers and toes
Conditions & Treatments

Causes of numbness in fingers and toes

by Victor Marchione
written by Victor Marchione

 
Numbness in the fingers and toes can be characterized by a tingling, prickling, or burning sensation in the extremities. This can make it difficult to perform simple tasks and make your hands and feet feel as though they are weak and clumsy. Even if it is just an infrequent annoyance, numbness in the extremities is not something that goes unnoticed. Causes of numbness in fingers and toes

Numbness in fingers and toes: Symptoms and signs

The main symptom of numbness in the fingers and toes is a tingling and prickling feeling known as paresthesia. Paresthesia can be either chronic or temporary, and nearly everyone has experienced it at some point. It can also be felt as itching or burning—or pins and needles—and is experienced by most when a limb “falls asleep.” While temporary paresthesia can be resolved by simply changing your position, chronic paresthesia may be a warning sign for a more serious disorder and, as such, it is important to consult your doctor if the itching or tingling persists. Causes of numbness in fingers and toes

Causes of numbness in fingers and toes

There are a variety of reasons that someone would experience numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes. Some of the most common and generic causes are:

  • Remaining in one position for an extended period
  • Damage to a nerve in the neck or lower back may cause numbness in the fingers and toes
  • Pressure on the nerves due to a herniated disk
  • Lack of blood pressure and circulation to the affected area, caused by frostbite or blood vessel inflammation
  • Irregular levels of calcium, potassium, or sodium
  • Use of specific medicines
  • Lower than normal levels of vitamins, such as B12
  • Insect or animal bites
  • Toxins found in seafood

The numbness and tingling may also be a symptom of a more serious condition or disease, such as:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome, in which pressure is placed upon a nerve in the wrist resulting in finger numbness
  • Diabetes
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Transient ischemic attack, also known as a “mini-stroke”
  • Underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism
  • Raynaud’s disease, or the narrowing of blood vessels in the hands and feet

Numbness in the fingers and toes can also be caused by other medical conditions such as unstable or stable angina, rheumatoid arthritis, an imbalance of electrolytes, and even withdrawal from drugs or alcohol.

Numbness in fingers and toes: Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

Numbness in the extremities can be diagnosed by visiting your doctor. Your physician will begin by reviewing your medical history and examining your arm and hand, as well as your fingers. They may recommend that you see a specialist, such as an orthopedist, who works with hands and feet, or a neurologist who can evaluate the functioning of your nerves. Your physician may also order an MRI to see whether a bone in the neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, or fingers has slipped out of place and is compressing a nerve, resulting in the numbness or tingling. Finally, your doctor may take a blood test to examine whether your numbness is due to rheumatoid arthritis or a vitamin deficiency.
Treatment of numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes may be carried out at home, provided your doctor has not diagnosed you with a more serious condition. Your physician will recommend a course of action depending on the cause of your numbness. For example, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, they may suggest specific stretches or exercises to help ease the compression of the nerve. Your doctor will provide recommendations specific to your diagnosis in order to provide the best treatment possible. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor will suggest ways to manage your blood sugar levels to ease any symptoms, including the tingling. Similarly, numbness caused by a vitamin deficiency can be treated by supplements or a change in diet, while current medications that list numbness as a side effect may be changed to an alternative.

When to see your doctor

Be sure to contact a medical professional if the numbness is accompanied by confusion, difficulty breathing, dizziness, headache, slurred speech, or a sudden weakness or paralysis, as this may be an indicator of a medical emergency. Scheduling an appointment with your doctor is recommended if the numbness is chronic and affecting your ability to complete daily tasks, or causing a severe amount of pain or discomfort.
Numbness and tingling in your fingers and toes can be caused by a variety of issues, ranging from staying in one position too long all the way to being a warning sign for a stroke. Make sure to contact your doctor if these sensations are disrupting your daily life to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, or seek immediate medical attention if you feel you may be experiencing an emergency.
Causes of numbness in fingers and toes Causes of numbness in fingers and toes Causes of numbness in fingers and toes

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Health Tips

3 Ways to Make Living with Arthritis Easier

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

3 Ways to Make Living with Arthritis Easier
shutterstock_228022354When all is said and done, living with arthritis isn’t easy. It’s estimated that more than 25 million adults suffer from osteoarthritis, making accomplishing even the simplest daily activities and tasks around the home exhausting. If arthritis is making your day to day life a struggle, there are ways to fight back. 3 Ways to Make Living with Arthritis Easier

Around the Home

Start by making some practical changes around your home.

  • Swap out traditional toggle wall switches with rocker-panel switches. They require far less fine motor control to be turned on and off.
  • For lamps, install a converter that fits into the bulb socket and bypasses the on-off switch, making the lamp touch-sensitive.
  • Replace round doorknobs with lever handles that are easy to to push down with your hand, arm, or elbow.
  • Raise the level of electrical appliances in the kitchen to a comfortable height to help relieve undue pressure on your hips and knees.
  • Use furniture leg extenders to raise couches and chairs to a more comfortable level.
  • Install faucet turners to make turning on faucets in the sink much easier.
  • Since arthritis contributes to falls, place grab bars in the shower, tub, and around the toilet.
  • Put in and elevated toilet seats to lessen the strain created by getting on and off traditional low toilet seats.

Self-Help Devices

Investing in self-help devices can take stress off your joints and make tasks easier and more efficient — especially when you’re tired or your joints are particularly painful. Here are some common devices that make living with arthritis more accessible:

  • Reach extender/gripper
  • Easy grip utensils
  • Automatic jar opener
  • Sock aids
  • Long handled shoe horns
  • Zipper pulls
  • Foam bath mitts
  • Long handled bath brushes
  • Key grips and turners
  • Large button remotes
  • Book, embroidery hoop, and playing card holders

Exercise

When arthritis is painful, you probably won’t feel like exercising. However, being active can reduce and prevent arthritis pain. Regular exercise can also improve your range of movement and joint mobility, increase muscle strength, and reduce stiffness.
As long as you’re doing the right type and level of exercise for your condition, your arthritis won’t get any worse. If you add a healthy, balanced diet to your exercise regimen, you can lose weight and place less strain on your joints. An occupational therapist can help you develop an exercise program that’s right for you.
Liz Greene hails from the beautiful city of trees, Boise, Idaho. She’s a lover of all things geek and is happiest when cuddling with her dogs and catching up on the latest Marvel movies. You can follow her on Twitter @LizVGreene

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