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Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
LEARN MOREWhat is a vulvovaginal candidiasis?
Vulvovaginal candidiasis, or yeast infection, is a common vaginal infection. Vulvovaginal candidiasis is caused by a fungus, or commonly referred to as yeast. Yeast is normally found in your vagina. Too much or some specific types of yeast can cause an infection.
What increases my risk for a yeast infection?
• Pregnancy
• Medicines, such as antibiotics, birth control pills, or steroid medicine
• Medical conditions, such as diabetes
• Contraceptive devices, such as diaphragms, sponges, and intrauterine devices
What are the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection?
• Thick, white, cheese-like discharge from your vagina
• Itching, swelling, and redness in your vagina
• Burning when you urinate
How is a yeast infection diagnosed and treated?
• Your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history and examine you. A sample of your vaginal discharge may show what germ is causing your infection
• Medicines help treat the fungal infection and decrease inflammation. The medicine may be a pill, cream, ointment, or vaginal tablet or suppository. With treatment, the infection is usually gone within a week
Keep your vagina healthy:
• Do not have sex until your symptoms go away. Have your partner wear a condom until you complete your course of medication• Always wipe from front to back after you use the toilet. This prevents spreading bacteria from your rectal area into your vagina• Clean in and around your vagina with mild soap and warm water each day. Gently dry the area after washing. Do not use hot tubs. The heat and moisture from hot tubs can increase your risk for another yeast infection
• Do not wear tight-fitting clothes or undergarments for long periods. Wear breathable cotton underwear. Tights and nylons worn for long periods of time might trap heat and moisture which promote yeast growth
• Change your laundry soap or fabric softener if you think it is irritating your skin
• Do not douche or use feminine hygiene sprays or bubble bath. Scented soaps, pads, tampons, or toilet paper may cause additional skin irritation
• Ask your healthcare provider about birth control options if necessary. Condoms have latex and diaphragms have gel that kills sperm. Both of these may irritate your genital area
When should I contact my healthcare provider?
• You have fever and chills
• You develop abdominal or pelvic pain
• Your discharge is bloody and it is not your monthly period
• Your signs and symptoms get worse, even after treatment
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
© 2017 Truven Health Analytics LLC All illustrations and images included in CareNotes® are the copyrighted property of A.D.A.M., Inc. or Truven Health Analytics.
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Plantar Fasciitis
LEARN MOREWhat is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is swelling of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a band of fibers that connect your heel bone to the front of your foot. It helps support the arch of your foot and absorbs shock. Plantar fasciitis is caused by small tears in the plantar fascia. Over time, the tears cause swelling and irritation.
What increases my risk for plantar fasciitis?
• Obesity
• High impact exercises such as running
• Activities or sports that involve jumping, such as basketball
• A sudden increase in the intensity of an activity
• Flat feet, high arches, or feet that rotate inward when you walk or run
• Tight calf muscles and tendons
• Wearing shoes that do not support your feet, such as shoes that are worn out
• Standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time
What are the signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
• Pain on the bottom of your foot near your heel
• Pain that is worse right after you get out of bed or after a long period of rest
• Pain after activity
How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will examine your foot and ask about your activities. He or she may check the movement of your foot and ankle. You may need an x-ray to check for a fracture or heel spur (bone growth on your heel).
How is plantar fasciitis treated?
• Medicines may be given to decrease swelling and pain. Steroids may be injected into your heel to decrease swelling and pain
• Shoe inserts, splints, or tape help support your foot and decrease stress on your plantar fascia. A night splint may help stretch your plantar fascia while you sleep
• Stretches and exercises can help decrease pain and swelling. They can also help strengthen the muscles that support your heel and foot
• Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a procedure that uses energy to help decrease swelling and pain
• Surgery is rarely needed to separate the plantar fascia from your heel
How can I manage my symptoms?
• Wear your splint or shoe inserts as directed. You may need to wear a splint at night to keep your foot stretched while you sleep. This will help prevent sharp pain first thing in the morning. Shoe inserts will help decrease stress on your plantar fascia when you walk or exercise
• Rest as directed. Rest as much as possible to decrease swelling and prevent more damage. Ask your healthcare provider when you can return to your normal activities
• Apply ice on your plantar fascia. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain. Fill a water bottle with water and freeze it. Wrap a towel around the bottle or cover it with a pillow case. Roll the water bottle under your foot for 10 minutes in the morning and after work
• Massage your plantar fascia as directed. This may help decrease swelling and pain. Roll a golf ball under your foot for 10 minutes. Repeat 3 times each day
• Go to physical therapy as directed. A physical therapist teaches you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain
How can I help prevent plantar fasciitis?
• Maintain a healthy weight. This will help decrease stress on your feet. Ask your healthcare provider how much you should weigh. Ask him to help you create a weight loss plan if you are overweight
• Do low-impact exercises. Low-impact exercises decrease stress on your plantar fascia. Examples include swimming or bicycling
• Start new activities slowly. Increase the intensity and time gradually
• Wear shoes that fit well and support your arch. Replace your shoes before the padding or shock absorption wears out. Do not walk or stand in bare feet or sandals for long periods of time
• Stretch before you exercise. Ask your healthcare provider how to stretch your plantar fascia and calf muscles
When should I contact my healthcare provider?
• Your pain or swelling suddenly increase
• You develop knee, hip, or back pain
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
© 2017 Truven Health Analytics LLC All illustrations and images included in CareNotes® are the copyrighted property of A.D.A.M., Inc. or Truven Health Analytics.
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Abdominal Gas
LEARN MOREWhy do I have gas?
Everyone has gas. Burping and "passing gas” is normal. But because it is embarrassing, many people believe they pass gas too often or have too much gas. A person actually having too much gas is rare.
Most of the time, gas in the body is odorless. The odor of passed gas comes from sulfur made by bacteria in the large intestine. Sometimes gas causes bloating or pain. Not everyone has these symptoms. How much gas the body makes and how sensitive a person is to gas in the large intestine have an effect on how uncomfortable one feels.
What can I do about gas?
Changing what you eat and drink can help prevent or reduce gas. If you feel like you have too much gas, you might want to try these things.
1.
The amount of gas caused by certain foods varies from person to person. The only way to know your own limits is to keep track of what you eat and how much gas is causes later. You may want to keep a food diary. Write down what you eat every day and any symptoms you may develop to help determine which foods cause you the most problems.
Foods That May Contribute to Gas Production
• Milk Products: Milk, ice cream, cheese
• Vegetables: Cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts,
• cauliflower, cucumbers, sauerkraut, kohlrabi, asparagus
• Root Vegetables: Potatoes, rutabaga, turnips, radishes, onions
• Fruits: Prunes, apricots, apples, raisins, bananas
• Cereals & Breads: Cereals, breads, pastries, and all foods containing wheat and wheat products. Check labels
• Fatty Foods: Pan-fried or deep-fried foods, fatty meats, rich cream sauces and gravies, pastries, and any high-fat food. Check labels
• Liquids: Carbonated beverages, fizzy medicine
2. Drink plenty of water and clear soup but not “fizzy” liquids.
Try not to drink liquids that can cause gas, like soda and beer.
3. Eat more slowly and chew your food more.
When you eat fast, you may swallow too much air and this can also cause gas.
This document is intended to provide health related information so that you may be better informed.It is not a substitute for your care team’s medical advice and should not be relied upon for treatment forspecific medical conditions.
© 2017 The General Hospital Corporation.
Primary Care Office lnSite
developed by the MGH Laboratory of Computer Science and Division of General Internal Medicine
Click the link for more information on Gastroenterology Clinical Service
Cellulitis
LEARN MOREWhat is cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a skin infection caused by bacteria. Cellulitis usually appears on the legs and feet, arms and hands, or face.
What increases my risk for cellulitis?
• An injury that breaks the skin, such as a bite, scratch, or cut
• Sores or injuries exposed to hot tub water or water in ponds, streams, or oceans
• Shared belongings, such as towels or exercise equipment
• Drugs that are injected
• A weak immune system or diabetes
• Lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency, peripheral vascular disease, or deep vein thrombosis
What are the signs and symptoms of cellulitis?
• A red, warm, swollen area on your skin
• Pain when the area is touched
• Bumps or blisters (abscess) that may drain pus
• Bumpy, raised skin that feels like an orange peel
How is cellulitis diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider may know you have cellulitis by looking at and feeling your skin. Tell him or her how long you have had symptoms, and if anything helps decrease your symptoms. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had a cellulitis infection. He or she may not know which kind of bacteria caused your cellulitis. You may need any of the following tests:
• Blood tests may show which kind of bacteria is causing your infection. Blood tests may also show if the infection is in your blood
• A sample of tissue or fluid from your infected skin may show what is causing your infection. The sample may also show if your infection is caused by another kind of skin disorder
• An x-ray, ultrasound, CT, or MRI may show if the infection has spread. You may be given contrast liquid to help the infection show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body
How is cellulitis treated?
Treatment may decrease symptoms, stop the infection from spreading, and cure the infection. Treatment depends on how severe your cellulitis is. Cellulitis may go away on its own. You may instead need antibiotics to help treat the bacterial infection. Your healthcare provider may draw a circle around the edges of your cellulitis. If your cellulitis spreads, your healthcare provider will see it outside of the circle.
How can I manage my symptoms?
• Elevate the area above the level of your heart as often as you can. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop the area on pillows or blankets to keep it elevated comfortably• Clean the area daily until the wound scabs over. Gently wash the area with soap and water. Pat dry. Use dressings as directed• Place cool or warm, wet cloths on the area as directed. Use clean cloths and clean water. Leave it on the area until the cloth is room temperature. Pat the area dry with a clean, dry cloth. The cloths may help decrease painHow can I prevent cellulitis?
• Do not scratch bug bites or areas of injury. You increase your risk for cellulitis by scratching these areas• Do not share personal items, such as towels, clothing, and razors
• Clean exercise equipment with germ-killing cleaner before and after you use it
• Wash your hands often. Use soap and water. Wash your hands after you use the bathroom, change a child's diapers, or sneeze. Wash your hands before you prepare or eat food. Use lotion to prevent dry, cracked skin
• Wear pressure stockings as directed. You may be told to wear the stockings if you have peripheral edema. Peripheral edema is swelling in your legs. The stockings improve blood flow and decrease swelling
• Treat athlete's foot. This can help prevent the spread of a bacterial skin infection
Call 120 if:
You have sudden trouble breathing or chest pain
When should I seek immediate care?
• Your wound gets larger and more painful• You feel a crackling under your skin when you touch it
• You have purple dots or bumps on your skin, or you see bleeding under your skin
• You have new swelling and pain in your legs
• The red, warm, swollen area gets larger
• You see red streaks coming from the infected area
When should I contact my healthcare provider?
• You have a fever
• Your fever or pain does not go away or gets worse
• The area does not get smaller after 2 days of antibiotics
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
© 2017 Truven Health Analytics LLC All illustrations and images included in CareNotes® are the copyrighted property of A.D.A.M., Inc. or Truven Health Analytics.
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Blood Tests of Liver Function
LEARN MOREWhat does the liver do?
Your liver is a large organ inside your body. It is also one of the most important. The liver performs many functions, including changing food into energy and cleaning alcohol and other toxins from the blood. Your liver also makes bile, a yellowish-green liquid that helps with digestion.
What is a liver function test?
A liver function test (LFT) is used to detect, evaluate and monitor liver disease or damage. There are several tests (sometimes called a liver panel) that may be run at the same time on one blood sample. These include tests that measure liver inflammation.
The test is simple and practically painless. A small amount of blood is drawn, usually from a vein inside the elbow.
When are liver tests ordered?
Many patients with early or mild to moderate liver disease have few if any symptoms. In some cases, liver disease is first detected through routine blood testing. Specific liver tests may be ordered when a person has been or may have been exposed to a hepatitis virus; has a family history of liver disease; has excessive alcohol intake; or is taking a drug that can cause liver damage.
Liver tests may also be ordered when symptoms suspicious of a liver condition are noticed. These include: jaundice (yellow-colored skin and eyes), dark urine, or light-colored bowel movements; nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea; loss of appetite; vomiting of blood; bloody or black bowel movements; swelling or pain in the belly; unusual weight change; or fatigue or loss of stamina.
What will happen if my liver function test results are abnormal?
It is not unusual for the results of a liver function test to come out abnormal. If this happens in your case, your doctor will probably order another test. Often, the second test shows a normal result and there is no need for further testing. If your doctor is still concerned, he or she may ask for an imaging test such as an ultrasound to find out more about the condition of your liver.
What can I do to prevent the development of fatty liver disease, a common cause of liver inflammation?
There are important things you can do to help prevent fatty liver disease. They include:
• Weight loss and exercise. If you are overweight or obese, a diet and exercise program can help prevent the accumulation of fat in your liver. Your doctor can give you information about a healthy weight-loss diet and starting an exercise program
• Blood sugar control. A healthy diet and exercise can help prevent diabetes from developing. If you have diabetes, it is very important to manage your blood sugar level with diet, medications or insulin. Some diabetes medications can actually help prevent the accumulation of fat in your liver
• Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can cause liver damage. If you drink alcohol, limit your intake to no more than 1 drink a day for women and no more than 2 drinks a day for men. A drink is a 12-ounce bottle of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or a 11/2 ounce shot of liquor
This document is intended to provide health related information so that you may be better informed. It is not a substitute for your care team’s medical advice and should not be relied upon for treatment for specific medical conditions.
© 2017 The General Hospital Corporation.
Primary Care Office lnSite
developed by the MGH Laboratory of Computer Science and Division of General Internal Medicine
Click the link for more information on Gastroenterology Clinical Service
Acute Neck Pain
LEARN MOREWhat do I need to know about acute neck pain?
Acute neck pain starts suddenly, increases quickly, and goes away in a few days. The pain may come and go, or be worse with certain movements. The pain may be only in your neck, or it may move to your arms, back, or shoulders. You may also have pain that starts in another body area and moves to your neck.
What causes or increases my risk for acute neck pain?
Acute neck pain is often caused by a muscle strain or ligament sprain. Any of the following may cause acute neck pain:
• Inflammation of discs in your neck
• A condition that affects neck to arm nerves, such as thoracic outlet syndrome or brachial neuritis
• A trauma or injury to your neck, such as being hit from behind in a car (whiplash) or sleeping in a bad position
• Shingles, or an infection such as meningitis
How is the cause of acute neck pain diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and when they began. Tell him if you were recently in an accident or had another injury to your neck. He will examine your neck and shoulders. He may also have you move your head in certain ways to see if any position causes or relieves the pain.
• Blood tests may be used to measure the amount of inflammation or to check for signs of an infection
• X-ray or MRI pictures may show a neck injury or medical condition. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious damage. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body
How is acute neck pain treated?
Treatment will depend on what is causing your pain.
• Medicines may be prescribed or recommended by your healthcare provider for pain. You may need medicine to treat nerve pain or to stop muscle spasms. Medicines may also be given to reduce inflammation. Your healthcare provider may inject medicine into a nerve to block pain. Over-the-counter NSAID medicine or acetaminophen may be recommended to help treat minor pain or inflammation
• Traction is used to relieve pressure from nerves. Your head is gently pulled up and away from your neck. This stretches muscles and ligaments and makes more room for the spine. Your healthcare provider will tell you the kind of traction that will help your neck pain. Do not use traction devices at home unless directed by your healthcare provider
What can I do to manage or prevent acute neck pain?
• Rest your neck as directed. Do not make sudden movements, such as turning your head quickly. Your healthcare provider may recommend you wear a cervical collar for a short time. The collar will prevent you from moving your head. This will give your neck time to heal if an injury is causing your neck pain. Ask your healthcare provider when you can return to sports or other normal daily activities
• Apply heat as directed. Heat helps relieve pain and swelling. Use a heat wrap, or soak a small towel in warm water. Wring out the extra water. Apply the heat wrap or towel for 20 minutes every hour, or as directed
• Apply ice as directed. Ice helps relieve pain and swelling, and can help prevent tissue damage. Use an ice pack, or put ice in a bag. Cover the ice pack or back with a towel before you apply it to your neck. Apply the ice pack or ice for 15 minutes every hour, or as directed. Your healthcare provider can tell you how often to apply ice
• Do neck exercises as directed. Neck exercises help strengthen the muscles and increase range of motion. Your healthcare provider will tell you which exercises are right for you. He may give you instructions, or he may recommend that you work with a physical therapist. Your healthcare provider or therapist can make sure you are doing the exercises correctly
• Maintain good posture. Try to keep your head and shoulders lifted when you sit. If you work in front of a computer, make sure the monitor is at the right level. You should not need to look up down to see the screen. You should also not have to lean forward to be able to read what is on the screen. Make sure your keyboard, mouse, and other computer items are placed where you do not have to extend your shoulder to reach them. Get up often if you work in front of a computer or sit for long periods of time. Stretch or walk around to keep your neck muscles loose
When should I seek immediate care?
• You have an injury that causes neck pain and shooting pain down your arms or legs
• Your neck pain suddenly becomes severe
• You have neck pain along with numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs
• You have a stiff neck, a headache, and a fever
When should I contact my healthcare provider?
• You have new or worsening symptoms
• Your symptoms continue even after treatment
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
© 2017 Truven Health Analytics LLC All illustrations and images included in CareNotes® are the copyrighted property of A.D.A.M., Inc. or Truven Health Analytics.
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Abdominal Pain
LEARN MOREWhat is abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain is pain that you feel anywhere between your chest and groin. It is also called stomach pain or belly pain. There are many different causes of abdominal pain. If your pain is severe or continues for more than a few days, your doctor may want to examine you and may order tests to help explain why you are having this pain.
In the meantime, here are some steps you can take to begin feeling better:
• Rest
• Do not eat solid food until your pain is gone
• While you have pain: Stay on a clear liquid diet. A clear liquid is one you can see through (water, weak tea, broth or bouillon, ginger ale, jello, Gatorade, apple juice, popsicles or ice chips). Avoid milk or dairy products
• When your pain is gone: Start a light diet (dry toast, crackers, applesauce, white rice, bananas, broth or bouillon) and increase the diet slowly, as long as it does not bother you. No milk products (including cheese and eggs) and no spicy, fatty, fried or high fiber foods
• No alcohol, coffee or cigarettes
• Take your regular medicines unless the doctor told you not to
• Take any prescribed medicine as directed
• Do not take medicine containing aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) unless your doctor says to
Call your doctor if:
• Your pain becomes worse, changes location or feels different
• You have a fever or shaking chills
• You keep throwing up or cannot drink liquids
• You see blood when you throw up or see blood in your bowel movements
• Your bowel movements become dark or black
• You move your bowels frequently
• Your bowel movements stop (become blocked) or you cannot pass gas
• You have bloody or painful urination
• Your skin or the whites of your eyes look yellow
• Your stomach becomes bloated or bigger
• There is bleeding or discharge from your vagina
• You feel dizzy or faint
• Your abdominal pain moves to your chest or your back
This document is intended to provide health related information so that you may be better informed.It is not a substitute for your care team’s medical advice and should not be relied upon for treatment for specific medical conditions.
© 2017 The General HospitalCorporation.
PrimaryCare OfficelnSite
developed by the MGH Laboratory of Computer Science and Division of General Internal Medicine
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Pain Management After Surgery
LEARN MOREWhat do I need to know about pain management after surgery?
Good control of your pain will help you heal from surgery and return to your normal activities. It will also help you do important activities such as walking and deep breathing. If your pain prevents you from doing these activities, you may be at risk for complications. Examples include a blood clot or pneumonia. Tell your healthcare provider if your pain is not controlled. You may need changes to your medicine or treatment plan.
What medicines may I need to manage pain?
You may need any of the following:
• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly. Do not use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) total of acetaminophen in one day
• NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, alwaysask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions
• Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation
• Anxiety medicine decreases anxiety. High levels of anxiety make pain harder to manage
• Muscle relaxers help decrease pain by relaxing your muscles and preventing spasms
What can I do to manage my pain without medicine?
• Apply heat on your surgery area for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 hours for as directed. Heat helps decrease pain and muscle spasms
• Apply ice on your surgery area for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain
• Elevate the painful area above the level of your heart if possible.This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop your painful area on pillows or blankets to keep it elevated comfortably
• Apply compression with an elastic bandage or abdominal binder as directed. An elastic bandage may be used after surgery on your joint, such as your knee. An abdominal binder may be used for surgeries in your abdomen
• Sleep in a comfortable position, such as upright or on your side. Use pillows to support painful areas
• Ask your healthcare provider about other ways to manage pain without medicine. Examples include relaxation techniques, music, or acupuncture
When should I seek immediate care?
• You have severe pain
When should I contact my healthcare provider?
• Your pain does not get better after take your pain medicine
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
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Musculoskeletal Pain
LEARN MOREMuscle pain can be dull, achy, or sharp. You may have pain and tenderness to the touch as well. It can occur anywhere on your body and is often brought on by exercise. Muscle pain may occur from an injury, such as a sprain, tendonitis, or bone fracture. Muscle pain can also be the result of medical conditions, such as polymyositis, fibromyalgia, and connective tissue disorders.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Self care:
• Rest as directed and avoid activity that causes pain. You may be able to return to normal activity when you can move without pain. Follow directions for rest and activity. You are at risk for injury for 3 weeks after your symptoms go away
• Ice your painful muscle area to decrease pain and swelling. Use an ice pack, or put ice in a plastic bag and cover it with a towel. Always put a cloth between the ice and your skin. Apply the ice as often as directed for the first 24 to 48 hours
• Compression with a splint, brace, or elastic bandage helps decrease pain and swelling. This may be needed for muscle pain in arms or legs. A splint, brace, or bandage will also help protect the painful area when you move around
• Elevate a painful arm or leg to reduce swelling and pain. Elevate your limb while you are sitting or lying down. Prop a painful leg on pillows to keep it above the level of your heart
Medicines:
• NSAIDs help decrease swelling and pain or fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions
• Acetaminophen is used to decrease pain. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask your healthcare provider how much to take and when to take it. Follow directions. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly. Do not take more than one medicine that contains acetaminophen unless directed
• Muscle relaxers help relax your muscles to decrease pain and muscle spasms
• Steroids may be given to decrease redness, pain, and swelling
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency
Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:
You may need more tests to help healthcare providers find the cause of your muscle pain. You may need physical therapy to learn muscle strengthening exercises. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
• You have a fever
• You have trouble sleeping because of your pain
• Your painful area becomes more tender, red, and warm to the touch
• You have decreased movement of the painful area
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care
Return to the emergency department if:
• You have increased severe pain when you move the painful muscle area
• You lose feeling in your painful muscle area
• You have new or worse swelling in the painful area. Your skin may feel tight
• You have increased muscle pain or pain that does not improve with treatment
© 2017 Truven Health Analytics LLC All illustrations and images included in CareNotes® are the copyrighted property of A.D.A.M., Inc. or Truven Health Analytics.
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Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
LEARN MOREWhat is hand, foot, and mouth disease?
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is an infection caused by a virus. HFMD is easily spread from person to person through direct contact. Anyone can get HFMD, but it is most common in children younger than 10 years.
What are the signs and symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease?
The following signs and symptoms of HFMD normally go away within 7 to 10 days:
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Lack of appetite
• Sores or blisters on your tongue, gums, and inside your cheeks that appear 1 to 2 days after a fever starts
• Rash on the palms of your hands and bottoms of your feet
• Painful blisters on your hands or feet
How is hand, foot, and mouth disease diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask how long you have had symptoms and if you have been near anyone who has HFMD. You may also need the following tests:
• Throat culture: This test may help healthcare providers learn which type of germ is causing your illness. Your healthcare provider will rub a cotton swab against the back of your throat. He will send the swab to a lab for tests
• Bowel movement sample: A sample of your bowel movement is sent to a lab for tests. The test may show what germ is causing your illness
How is hand, foot, and mouth disease treated?
HFMD usually goes away on its own without treatment. You may need to drink extra fluids to avoid dehydration. You may also need medicine to decrease a fever or pain. You may need a medical mouthwash to help decrease pain caused by mouth sores.
How do I prevent the spread of hand, foot, and mouth disease?
You can spread the virus for weeks after your symptoms have gone away. The following can help prevent the spread of HFMD:
• Wash your hands often. Use soap and water. Wash your hands after you use the bathroom, change a child's diapers, or sneeze. Wash your hands before you prepare or eat food
• Avoid close contact with others.Do not kiss, hug, or share food or drinks. Ask your child's school or daycare if you need to keep your child home while he has symptoms of HFMD
• Clean surfaces well: Wash all items and surfaces with diluted bleach. This includes toys, tables, counter tops, and door knobs
What are the risks of hand, foot, and mouth disease?
You may get HFMD again. You may not want to eat or drink because of the pain in your mouth and throat. If you do not drink enough fluids, you may become dehydrated. You may lose a fingernail or toenail about 4 weeks after you get sick. The virus may spread and cause meningitis or encephalitis. Meningitis is an infection and swelling of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. Encephalitis is an infection that causes the brain to swell. Encephalitis is rare but can be life-threatening.
When should I contact my healthcare provider?
• Your mouth or throat are so sore you cannot eat or drink
• Your fever, sore throat, mouth sores, or rash do not go away after 10 days
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care
When should I seek immediate care?
• You urinate less than normal or not at all
• You have a severe headache, stiff neck, and back pain
• You have trouble moving, or cannot move part of your body
• You become confused and sleepy
• You have trouble breathing, are breathing very fast, or you cough up pink, foamy spit
• You have a seizure
• You have a high fever and your heart is beating much faster than it normally does
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
© 2017 Truven Health Analytics LLC All illustrations and images included in CareNotes® are the copyrighted property of A.D.A.M., Inc. or Truven Health Analytics.
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