Painful knee arthritis can keep you from being as active as you need to be. You may not walk as much. You may avoid going up and down stairs. But when you don't move that knee as much, the ligaments, tendons, and muscles around it can shorten and get weaker. Movement also pumps fluid in and out of the joint space, which...

An episiotomy (say "eh-pih-zee-AH-tuh-mee") is a cut, or incision, made in the perineum during childbirth. The perineum is the tissue between the vagina and anus. The cut may be done to help deliver the baby or to help prevent the muscles and skin...

After a stroke, you may not feel temperature, touch, pain, or sharpness on one side of your body. This may lead to injuries such as: Cuts and scratches. These can happen if your nails aren't kept short and smooth. For example, if you can't feel sensations in your feet, you won't know if your toenail is cutting into your...

Vagal maneuvers are used to try to slow an episode of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). These simple maneuvers stimulate the vagus nerve. This can sometimes slow the conduction of electrical impulses through the atrioventricular (AV) node of the heart. Be sure to talk to your doctor before trying these. Your doctor...

From birth, babies follow their internal hunger and fullness cues. They eat when they're hungry and then stop eating when they're full. Experts agree that newborns should be fed on demand. This means that you bottle- or breastfeed your infant whenever they show signs of hunger, rather than setting a strict schedule. How...

What is parotitis? Parotitis is a swelling of your parotid glands. These are salivary glands located between the ear and jaw. Causes can include viral and bacterial infections. It can also be caused by certain health conditions, a tumor, or salivary gland stones. Parotitis can be acute (happen suddenly) or chronic...

Retrocalcaneal bursitis is inflammation of the small fluid-filled sac (bursa) between the back of the heel bone and the Achilles tendon, just above the point where the tendon connects to the bone. The inflammation causes swelling, tenderness, and pain on the back of the foot. Retrocalcaneal bursitis develops gradually...

You may have pelvic bone problems after childbirth. Some problems include: Pelvic girdle pain. During pregnancy the extra weight from your growing baby puts more strain on your pelvic bones and joints. This can cause pain and discomfort. After childbirth the pain usually improves over several months. Separated pubic...

What is essential tremor? Essential tremor is a movement disorder. It's a type of shaking that you can't control. It may start in the hand or fingers. The shaking may increase or spread to other parts of the body over time. Essential tremor doesn't cause other health problems, but it can make work or other activities...

What is bladder pain syndrome (BPS)? Bladder pain syndrome (BPS), also called interstitial cystitis, is a condition that causes pain in the bladder or pelvis. The pain can be severe. It also causes an urgent, frequent need to urinate. What causes BPS? Some doctors think BPS may be caused by abnormal changes in the...

Discusses bone spur, a bony growth formed on normal bone. Includes info on common sites for bone spurs like the heel and shoulder. Covers causes, symptoms, and how they are diagnosed. Discusses treatment with medicines or surgery.

Torticollis is a severe tightness of the muscles on one side of the neck. The tight muscles can make the head turn or lean to one side. And the head may also be pulled forward or backward. It is also called wryneck. There are two types, congenital (at birth) and spasmodic. Congenital torticollis occurs at or shortly...

Learn how a doula can help support you during childbirth.

Braxton Hicks contractions During the second and third trimesters of your pregnancy, you may notice times when your belly tightens and becomes firm to the touch and then relaxes. These are called Braxton Hicks contractions. Think of them as "warm-up" exercises for your uterus. These contractions may be so mild that you...

What is post-polio syndrome? Post-polio syndrome is an illness of the nervous system that can appear 15 to 50 years after you had polio. It affects your muscles and nerves, and it causes you to have weakness, fatigue, and muscle or joint pain. Although post-polio syndrome can make some day-to-day activities more...

When you are exposed to the cold, first aid measures may prevent further heat loss and help the body slowly warm up. Try these ideas. Remain calm. Fear or too much activity causes sweating. Sweating can make you feel chilled. Find shelter. Get out of the cold, the wind, or the water. Remove cold, wet clothes. Put on dry...