MUSCLE CRAMP.

Overuse of a muscle, dehydration, muscle strain or simply holding a position for a prolonged period of time may result in a MUSCLE CRAMP. In many cases, however, the exact cause of a muscle cramp isn't known.


Although most MUSCLE CRAMPS are harmless, some may be related to an underlying medical condition, such as:

Inadequate blood supply. Narrowing of the arteries that deliver blood to your legs (arteriosclerosis of the extremities) can produce cramp-like pain in your legs and feet while you're exercising. These cramps usually go away soon after you stop exercising.
Nerve compression. Compression of nerves in your spine (lumbar stenosis) also can produce cramp-like pain in your legs. The pain usually worsens the longer you walk. Walking in a slightly flexed position — such as you would employ when pushing a shopping cart ahead of you — may improve or delay the onset of your symptoms.
Mineral depletion. Too little potassium, calcium or magnesium in your diet can contribute to leg cramps. Diuretics — medications often prescribed for high blood pressure — may also deplete these minerals.

SYMPTOM:
Most MUSCLE CRAMPS develop in the leg muscles, particularly the muscles in the calf. In addition to the sudden, sharp pain, you may also be able to feel or see a hard lump of muscle tissue beneath your skin.


Cause severe discomfort
Are associated with leg swelling, redness or skin changes
Are associated with muscle weakness
Happen frequently
Don't improve with self-care
Aren't associated with an obvious cause, such as strenuous exercise

CAUSES

Injury or trauma – any kind of injury to the muscle can cause mild to severe muscle aching.
Overuse or overstretching – causes damage to the muscle fibers.
Polio – caused due to infection from poliovirus has special affinity for nerves.
Malaria – parasitic infection in which there is MUSCLE PAIN with high fever and intense chill.
Myopathy – it is a disease of muscles in which there is aching of muscles along with weakness.
Hyperthyroidism – with muscular weakness and weight loss.
Rabies – severe CNS infection causes muscular pain along with stiffness.
Arthritis – important cause of muscular pain along with joints.
Tetanus – disease caused by infection of bacteria clostridium tetani causes severe MUSCLE PAIN with twitching, stiffness and spasm.
Dengue fever – viral infection in which MUSCLE PAIN occurs along with high fever.
Typhoid fever – infection caused due to salmonella typhi, muscle pain with fever, headache, malaise and many other symptoms.
Muscular abscess – pain along with inflammation and collection of pus.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase your risk of MUSCLE CRAMPSinclude:

Age. Older people lose muscle mass, so the remaining muscle may get overstressed more easily. This may increase the risk for MUSCLE CRAMPS.
Dehydration. Athletes who become fatigued and dehydrated while participating in warm-weather sports frequently develop MUSCLE CRAMPS.
Pregnancy. MUSCLE CRAMPS also are more common during pregnancy.
Medical conditions. You may be at higher risk of MUSCLE CRAMPS if you have diabetes, or nerve, liver or thyroid disorders.

homoeopathic remedy:

Arnica montana
This remedy relieves lower back aches and stiffness from overexertion or minor trauma.

Bryonia
This remedy is indicated when back pain is worse from even the slightest motion. Changing position, coughing, turning, or walking may bring on sharp, excruciating pain. This remedy can be helpful for back pain after injury and backaches during illness.

Calcarea carbonica
This is often useful for low back pain and muscle weakness, especially in a person who is chilly, flabby or overweight, and easily tired by exertion. Chronic low back pain and muscle weakness may lead to inflammation and soreness that are aggravated by dampness and cold.

Calcarea phosphorica
Stiffness and soreness of the spinal muscles and joints, especially in the neck and upper back, may be relieved by this remedy. The person feels worse from drafts and cold, as well as from exertion. Aching in the bones and feelings of weariness and dissatisfaction are often seen in people who need this remedy.

Natrum muriaticum
Back pain that improves from lying on something hard or pressing a hard object (such as a block or book) against the painful area suggests a need for this remedy. The person often seems reserved or formal, but has strong emotions that are kept from others. Back pain from suppressed emotions, especially hurt or anger, may respond to Natrum muriaticum.

Nux vomica
This remedy is indicated for MUSCLE CRAMPS or constricting pains in the back. Discomfort is made worse by cold and relieved by warmth. Pain usually is worse night, and the person may have to sit up in bed to turn over. Backache is also worse during constipation, and the pain is aggravated when the person feels the urge to move the bowels.

Rhus toxicodendron
This remedy can be useful for pain in the neck and shoulders as well as the lower back, when the pain is worse on initial movement and improves with continued motion. Even though in pain, the person finds it hard to lie down or stay still for very long, and often restlessly paces about. Aching and stiffness are aggravated in cold damp weather and relieved by warm applications, baths or showers, and massage.

Sulphur
This remedy is often indicated when a person with back pain has a slouching posture. The back is weak and the person feels much worse from standing up for any length of time. Pain is also worse from stooping. Warmth may aggravate the pain and inflammation.
Other Remedies

Cimicifuga (also called Actaea racemosa)
Severe aching and stiffness in the upper back and neck, as well as the lower back—with pains that extend down the thighs or across the hips — may be eased with this remedy. It is often helpful for back pain during menstrual periods, with cramping, heaviness, and soreness. A person who needs this remedy typically is talkative and energetic, becoming agitated or depressed when ill.

Dulcamara
If back pain sets in during cold damp weather, along with catching a cold, or after getting wet and chilled, this remedy may be indicated. Stiffness and chills can be felt in the back, and pain is usually worse from stooping.

Ignatia
Back pains related to emotional upsets—especially grief—will often respond to this remedy. Thee muscles of the lower back may spasm, and twitches, drawing pains, and cramps often occur in other areas.
Kali carbonicum
Kali Carbonicum is a homeopathic medicine for lower back pain with the feeling that the knees are going to "give in."

Hypericum perforatum
This honeopathic remedy relieves lower back pain with sharp throbbing pain.
Ruta graveolens
This is used to relieve lower back pain caused or worsened by staying immobile.

                                 Alcoholism and alcohol abuse

Alcoholism (alcohol dependence) and alcohol abuse are two different forms of problem drinking.

Alcoholism is when you have signs of physical addiction to alcohol and continues to drink, despite problems with physical health, mental health, and social, family, or job responsibilities. Alcohol may control your life and relationships.
Alcohol abuse is a disease that is characterized by the sufferer having a pattern of drinking excessively despite the negative effects of alcohol on the individual's work, medical, legal, educational, and/or social life.
Alcohol abuse affects about 10% of women and 20% of men in the United States, most beginning by their mid teens.

Signs of alcohol intoxication: include the smell of alcohol on the breath or skin, glazed or bloodshot eyes, the person being unusually passive or argumentative, and/or a deterioration in the person's appearance or hygiene.
note:-Almost 2,000 people under 21 years of age die each year in car crashes in which underage drinking is involved. Alcohol is involved in nearly half of all violent deaths involving teens.
Symptoms of alcohol dependence include:

Memory lapses after heavy drinking

Needing more and more alcohol to feel "drunk"

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms when you haven't had a drink for a while

Alcohol-related illnesses such as alcoholic liver disease


Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

There is no known cause of alcohol abuse or alcoholism. Research suggests that certain genes may increase the risk of alcoholism, but which genes and how they work are not known.

How much you drink can influence your chances of becoming dependent. Those at risk for developing alcoholism include:

Men who have 15 or more drinks a week

Women who have 12 or more drinks a week

Anyone who has five or more drinks per occasion at least once a week

One drink is defined as a 12-ounce bottle of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or a 1 1/2-ounce shot of liquor.

You have an increased risk for alcohol abuse and dependence if you have a parent with alcoholism.

You may also be more likely to abuse alcohol or become dependent if you:

Are a young adult under peer pressure

Have depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, or schizophrenia

Have easy access to alcohol

Have low self-esteem

Have problems with relationships

Live a stressful lifestyle

Live in a culture alcohol use is more common and accepted

Alcohol abuse is rising. Around 1 out of 6 people in the United States have a drinking problem.

Symptoms & Signs and tests
The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical and family history, including use of alcohol.

The following questions are used by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to screen for alcohol abuse or dependence:

Do you ever drive when you have been drinking?

Do you have to drink more than before to get drunk or feel the desired effect?

Have you felt that you should cut down on your drinking?

Have you ever had any blackouts after drinking?

Have you ever missed work or lost a job because of drinking?

Is someone in your family worried about your drinking?

Tests that may be done include:

Blood alcohol level (this can tell whether someone has recently been drinking alcohol, but it does not necessarily confirm alcoholism)

Complete blood count (CBC)

Liver function tests

Magnesium blood test

Advised:(how to contorl )

Completely stopping the use of alcohol is the ideal goal of treatment. This is called abstinence. A strong social network and family support are important in achieving this.

Completely stopping and avoiding alcohol is difficult for many people with alcoholism. There will be times when it is difficult. You should aim to avoid drinking for as long as possible.

Some people who abuse alcohol may be able to simply reduce the amount they drink. This is called drinking in moderation. If this method does not work, you should try to quit drinking completely.

DECIDING TO QUIT

Many people with alcohol problems do not recognize when their drinking gets out of hand.

The ideal approach to treatment is to help the person realize how much their alcohol use is harming their life and those around them.

Studies find that more people with alcohol problems opt for treatment when their family members or employers are honest with them about their concerns, and try to help them see that drinking is preventing them from reaching their goals.

Withdrawal from alcohol is best done in a controlled, supervised setting. Complications from withdrawal can be life threatening. For more information, see: Alcohol withdrawal

Your health care provider should order blood and urine tests to check for health problems that are common in people who abuse alcohol.

LONG-TERM SUPPORT

Alcohol recovery or support programs can help you stop drinking completely. These programs usually offer:

Counseling and therapy to discuss alcoholism and its effects and how to control your thoughts and behaviors

Mental health support

Medical care

 Homeopathy Treatment :

Sulphuric acid 
This is the remedy for chronic alcoholism. It corresponds to inebriates on their last, who are pale and shriveled and cold, whose stomach will not tolerate the slightest amount amount of food. They cannot drink water unless it be well whiskied. They area quick and hasty in everything, and have a great and constant craving for brandy. It comes in long after Nux vomica, perhaps after Keely and other cures have failed over and over again. It suits the sour breath and vomiting of alcoholic dyspepsia. It may be given low. "Should it produce a diarrhea Pulsatilla is the proper antidote." (Dr. Luther Peck.) The constant craving for brandy reminds one of Sulphur, Nux vomica and Arsenicum, all of which have craving for spirituous liquors.

Nux vomica
Nux is the great anti-alcoholic remedy. It corresponds to the tremor, to the nervous affection, to the headache, to the bad taste. It also corresponds to delirium tremens, where every little noise frightens and the victim finds no rest any place, springs up at night and has frightful visions. The tremor is marked with ugliness and irritability and gastric disturbance. It is the remedy for the acute results of a spree; the morning big head is often large enough for the Nux cap, and the "rich brown" taste corresponds beautifully. It is a remedy to be given while the patient is still under the influence of liquor or any of the stages of alcoholism. Agaricus will sometimes control the characteristic tremor when Nux fails.

Hyoscyamus 
When delirium tremens occurs this is usually one of the first remedies indicated. The delirium is constant and loquacious, rarely inflammatory enough for Belladonna or maniacal enough for Stramonium; the pulse is small and quick and compressible, the skin is cold and clammy, the patient is tremulous and picks constantly at objects in the air. Marked sexual excitement, desire to expose person and fear of poison. The vision are those of persecution, are \terrifying, and the patient makes efforts to escape. Constant insomnia is an excellent indication; outburst of laughter alerting with weeping may also occur. Dr. Butler says that for the production of sleep no remedy compares with Hyoscyamus in the tincture, five or ten drops in a half glass of water, and teaspoonful doses given half-hourly.

Cannabis Indica 
A very reliable remedy in acute alcoholism. Some violence, talkativeness and active mind; subjects crowd upon it, delusions and hallucination relate to exaggerated subjects time,space, etc.; face flushed, pupils dilated, perspires easily. Surprise is constantly expressed on the countenance.

Opium
This is a remedy indicated in "old sinners" who have had the delirium tremens over and over again. There is a constant expression of fright or terror, they have visions of animals springing up everywhere, they see ghosts, the sleep is uneasy, the breathing is stertorous. It is especially indicated in those cases simulating apoplexy. Lachesis has visions of snakes and hideous objects. It has a choking sensationin throat which awakens suddenly from sleep. Stramonium is suitable in habitual drunkards. The prevailing mental characteristic is terror,all hallucinations and illusions are fright and terror producing. It has visions of animals coming at him from every corner and he tries to escape. The face of Stramonium is bright red, not dark red as in Opium. Arsenic has visions of ghosts, with great weakness; diseases from overuse of alcohol; patients must have their accustomed drinks; great tremulousness and nervous weakness. Suicidal tendency constantly annoyed by bugs and vermin that he sees upon his person and unceasingly tries to brush them off. Belladonna, too has delirium with visions of rats, mice,etc.,and so has Calcarea carbonica. Belladonna is easily distinguished from Opium, and Calcarea comes in as a last resort after Belladonna and Stramonium have ceased to do good. Aconite also has worked well in the acute mania of delirium tremens where the prevailing attitude is fear. Fears darkness, ghosts, with the same desire to escape found under Belladonna. Ranunculus bulbosus given in the tincture has been found to be most calming in attacks of delirium tremens. It is undoubtedly one of our best remedies in the treatment of acute alcoholism. The writer has prescribed this remedy with good results.Phosphorus sees faces peering at him from all parts of the room.Cimicifuga is useful in cases that are mentally depressed and tremor is a prominent symptom. The delirium is mild and the hallucinations of sight relate to small objects; there is persistent sleeplessness and physical restlessness. Avena sativa is a valuable remedy in alcoholism where the victim is nervous and sleepless almost to the point of delirium tremens. It is also a useful remedy in the opium and cocaine habits. Strophanthus has also been successfully used.


Tartar emetic
may be useful when mucous gastric derangement predominates as after beer, with tendency to pneumonia, and accompanied by cool sweat. Capsicum in ten drop doses of the tincture will stop the morning vomiting, sinking at the pit of the stomach and intense craving for alcohol in dipsomania, and promote the appetite. It reduces the agitation and tremor and induces calm sleep. Delirium tremens will often be speedily relieved by Capsicum. Cantharis. Continual attempts to bite; sexual excitement; face pale, yellow, dysuria. Spiritus glandium quercus. Burnett recommended this remedy as an antidote to the affects of alcohol,

                                                   Moles

There are several skin lesions that are very common and benign (non-cancerous). These conditions include moles, freckles, skin tags, benign lentigines, and seborrheic keratoses
            Besides being a small burrowing mammal and a unit of chemical weight, the term mole (in reference to skin) is used to describe a variety of skin imperfections. Personally, I prefer the term beauty mark. Moles may be tan, brown, black, reddish brown, red, purple, or skin-colored and perfectly flat or raised. Most moles are the size of a pencil eraser (about 6 mm).

Certain moles become darker and more apparent with sun exposure and pregnancy. These typically lighten somewhat in the winter months. Moles can occur anywhere on the skin, including the scalp, ears, eyelids, lips, palms, soles, genitals, penis, and anal area.

causes

The medical term for most moles is melanocytic nevus (plural nevi) which is composed of masses of melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of the skin. However, there are a variety of other skin lesions that are also mole-like. These include seborrheic keratoses, skin tags, dermatofibromas lentigines, and freckles. In this article, the term moles will be synonymous with melanocytic nevus. .
  The genes we inherit from our parents, along with the amount of sun we are exposed to (especially before adulthood) are the major factors in determining the number of moles that we will develop. The more sun one gets, the higher the risk of moles in that area. However, moles may also occur in fully sun-protected areas like the palms, soles, and genitals.

Both moles and freckles (medically termed ephelides) are darker than the surrounding skin. Moles may be raised, slightly raised, or completely flat while freckles are always totally flat. Freckles and "liver spots" (medically termed lentigines) are due to an increase in the amount of dark pigment called melanin. Moles are more common in people prone to freckles. Freckles are flat spots that are tan, slightly reddish, or light-brown and typically appear during the sunny months. They are most often found in people with light complexions. Many people with blond or red hair and green or blue eyes are more prone to these types of skin growths. Sun avoidance and sun protection, including the regular use of sunscreen may help to suppress the appearance of some types of moles and freckles.

Moles occur in all races (Caucasian, Asian, African, and Indian) and skin colors. Moles also are seen in animals.

Moles and Your Skin

Picture of Moles Moles are growths on the skin that are usually brown or black. Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups.

Most moles appear in early childhood and during the first 30 years of a person's life. It is normal to have between 10-40 moles by adulthood.

As the years pass, moles usually change slowly, becoming raised and/or changing color. Often, hairs develop on the mole. Some moles may not change at all, while others may slowly disappear over time.
What Causes a Mole?

Moles occur when cells in the skin grow in a cluster instead of being spread throughout the skin. These cells are called melanocytes, and they make the pigment that gives skin its natural color. Moles may darken after exposure to the sun, during the teen years, and during pregnancy.

Types of Moles:

Picture of Congenital Nevi Congenital nevi are moles that appear at birth. Congenital nevi occur in about one in 100 people. These moles may be more likely to develop into melanoma (cancer) than are moles that appear after birth. A mole or freckle should be checked if it has a diameter of more than a pencil eraser or any characteristics of the ABCDEs of melanoma (see below).

Picture of Dysplastic Nevi Close-Up Dysplastic nevi are moles that are larger than average (larger than a pencil eraser) and irregular in shape. They tend to have uneven color with dark brown centers and lighter, uneven edges. People with dysplastic nevi may have more than 100 moles and have a greater chance of developing melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. Any changes in a mole should be checked by a dermatologist to evaluate for skin cancer.


Skin Tag

Picture of Skin Tags A skin tag is a small flap of tissue that hangs off the skin by a connecting stalk. Skin tags are not dangerous. They are usually found on the neck, chest, back, armpits, under the breasts, or in the groin area. Skin tags appear most often in women, especially with weight gain, and in elderly people.

Skin tags usually don't cause any pain. However, they can become irritated if anything, such as clothing or jewelry, rubs them.

lentigo

A lentigo (plural: lentigines) is a spot on the skin that is darker (usually brown) than the surrounding skin. Lentigines are more common among whites, especially those with fair skin.
 
 Causes Lentigines?

Exposure to the sun seems to be the major cause of lentigines. Lentigines most often appear on parts of the body that get the most sun, including the face and hands. Some lentigines may be caused by genetics (family history) or by medical procedures such as radiation therapy.

Freckles and Your Skin

Picture of Freckles Freckles are small brown spots usually found on the face and arms. Freckles are extremely common and are not a health threat. They are more often seen in the summer, especially among lighter-skinned people and people with light or red hair.

 Causes Freckles?

Causes of freckles include genetics and exposure to the sun.

Is Mole  Cancer????????

The vast majority of moles are not dangerous. The only moles that are of medical concern are those that look different than other existing moles or those that first appear after age 30. If you notice changes in a mole's color, height, size, or shape, you should have a dermatologist (skin doctor) evaluate it. You also should have moles checked if they bleed, ooze, itch, or become tender or painful.

Examine your skin with a mirror or ask someone to help you. Pay special attention to areas of the skin that are often exposed to the sun, such as the hands, arms, chest, neck, face, and ears.

If a mole does not change over time, there is little reason for concern. If you see any signs of change in an existing mole, if you have a new mole, or if you want a mole to be removed for cosmetic reasons, talk to your dermatologist.

The following ABCDEs are important characteristics to consider when examining moles. If a mole displays any of the signs listed below, have it checked immediately by a dermatologist. It could be cancerous.

    Asymmetry. One half of the mole does not match the other half.
    Border. The border or edges of the mole are ragged, blurred, or irregular.
    Color. The color of the mole is not the same throughout or has shades of tan, brown, black, blue, white, or red.
    Diameter. The diameter of a mole is larger than the eraser of a pencil.
    Evolution. The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer. The most common location for melanoma in men is the back and in women, it is the lower leg. Melanoma is the most common cancer in women ages 25 to 29.
How Are Moles Treated?

If a dermatologist believes a mole needs to be evaluated further or removed entirely, he or she will either remove the entire mole, or first take just a small tissue sample of the mole to examine thin sections of the tissue under a microscope (a biopsy). This is a simple procedure. (If the dermatologist thinks the mole might be cancerous, cutting through the mole will not cause the cancer to spread.)

If the mole is found to be cancerous, and only a small section of tissue was taken, the dermatologist will remove the entire mole by cutting out the entire mole and a rim of normal skin around it, and stitching the wound closed.

Homeopathy Remedies :