Thigh: From 1 Different Sources
The portion of the lower limb above the knee. The thigh is supported by the femur or thighbone, the longest and strongest bone in the body. A large four-headed muscle, the quadriceps, forms most of the ?eshy mass on the front and sides of the thigh and serves to straighten the leg in walking as well as to maintain the erect posture of the body in standing. At the back of the thigh lie the hamstring muscles; on the inner side the adductor muscles, attached above to the pelvis and below to the femur, pull the lower limb inwards. The large femoral vessels emerge from the abdomen in the middle of the groin, the vein lying to the inner side of the artery. These pass downwards and inwards deeply placed between the muscles, and at the knee they lie behind the joint. The great saphenous vein lies near the surface and can be seen towards the inner side of the thigh passing up to the groin, where it joins the femoral vein. The femoral nerve accompanies the large vessels and controls the muscles on the front and inner side of the thigh; while the large sciatic nerve lies close to the back of the femur and supplies the muscles at the back of the thigh and muscles below the knee.
Deep wounds on the inner side of the thigh are dangerous by reason of the risk of damage to the large vessels. Pain in the back of the thigh is often due to in?ammation of the sciatic nerve (see SCIATICA). The veins on the inner side of the thigh are specially liable to become dilated.
This is neuralgia of the sciatic nerve. These are the two largest nerves in the body, composed of the tibial and common perineal nerves, bound together and containing elements of the lowest two lumbar and upper three sacral spinal cord nerves. Sciatica is felt as severe pain from the buttocks, down the back of the thighs, often radiating to the inside of the leg, even to the point of parasthesia or prickly numbness. Although tumors can cause the problem, far and away the most common causes are a lower back subluxation (responding to adjustment) or pelvic congestion and edema (responding to laxatives, exercise, and decreasing portal vein and lymphatic congestion).... sciatica
The thigh bone, which is the longest and strongest bone in the body. As the upper end is set at an angle of about 120 degrees to the rest of the bone, and since the weight of the body is entirely borne by the two femora, fracture of one of these bones close to its upper end is a common accident in old people, whose bones are often weakened by osteoporosis (see under BONE, DISORDERS OF). The femur ?ts, at its upper end, into the acetabulum of the pelvis, forming the hip-joint, and, at its lower end, meets the tibia and patella in the knee-joint.... femur
The region which includes the upper part of the front of the thigh and lower part of the abdomen. A deep groove runs obliquely across it, which corresponds to the inguinal ligament, and divides the thigh from the abdomen. The principal diseased conditions in this region are enlarged glands (see GLAND), and HERNIA.... groin
A rare malignant TUMOUR of adipose or fatty tissue. It occurs most frequently in the thighs, buttocks or retro-peritoneum. The four main types are: well di?erentiated; myxoid; round cell; and pleomorphic (variety of forms).... liposarcoma
The cup-shaped socket on the pelvis in which rests the head of the femur or thigh-bone, the two forming the HIP-JOINT.... acetabulum
A condition in which the neck of the thighbone is bent so that the lower limbs are turned outwards and lameness results.... coxa vara
Adjective relating to the FEMUR or the region of the thigh. For example, the femoral nerve, artery, vein and canal.... femoral
Three gluteal muscles form each buttock. The gluteus maximus is the large, powerful muscle that gives the buttocks their rounded shape. The remaining two muscles are the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus; together the three muscles are responsible for moving the thigh.... gluteus
That part of the body on each side of the pelvis where it articulates with the head of the femur (thigh bone).... hip
A condition characterised by pain and PARAESTHESIA on the front and outer aspect of the thigh. It is more common in men than in women, and the victims are usually middle-aged, overweight and out of condition. It is due to compression of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh, and exacerbated by an uncomfortable driving position when motoring long distances. Reduction in weight, improvement in general ?tness and correction of faulty posture usually bring relief. If these fail, surgical decompression of the nerve may help.... meralgia paraesthetica
Also known as the knee-cap, this is a ?at bone shaped somewhat like an oyster-shell, lying in the tendon of the extensor muscle of the thigh, and protecting the knee-joint in front. (See also KNEE.)... patella
Common papular eruption of the skin caused by a virus. Most common in children, it is highly contagious and often transmitted in swimming pools and sauna baths. Mollusca are often multiple and persistent in children with atopic eczema (see DERMATITIS), and epidemics may occur in boarding schools. The typical molluscum is 2–3 mm in diameter, skincoloured and translucent, with a dimpled centre. The armpits and adjacent chest, upper inner thighs and genital areas are common sites in young children. In adults the infection is usually transmitted sexually and affects the pubic area and lower belly. Mollusca eventually disappear spontaneously, but cure can be expedited by curettage (removal with a CURETTE) under surface anaesthesia.... molluscum contagiosum
(More accurately quadriceps femoris) – the large, four-headed muscle occupying the front and sides of the thigh, which straightens the leg at the knee-joint and maintains the body in an upright position. It comprises the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius and vastus medialis.... quadriceps
Ringworm, or tinea, is the name given to in?ammatory rashes caused by DERMATOPHYTES of the genera microsporum, epidermophyton and trichophyton. These fungi can infect skin, hair and nails. The important clinical patterns are:
Tinea capitis Usually seen in children in Britain and caused by microsporum species of human or animal (frequently a kitten) origin. Typically, patches of ALOPECIA are seen with broken-o? hair stumps which ?uoresce bright green under an ultraviolet (Wood’s) lamp. In Asia a chronic, scarring alopecia may be caused by a speci?c trichophyton (favus).
Tinea corporis is usually due to trichophyton species and forms ringed (hence ‘ringworm’) patches of redness and scaling on the trunk or limbs.
Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) is caused by epidermophyton or trichophyton species. Its minor form manifests as itching, scaling or blistering in the lateral toe clefts. More severe forms can be extensive on the sole. Trichophyton rubrum can cause a chronic, dry, scaling in?ammation of the foot, eventually extending into the nails and on to the soles and top of the foot which may persist for years if untreated.
Tinea cruris typically causes a ‘butter?y’ rash on the upper inner thighs in young adult males. It is usually caused by spread from the feet.
Tinea unguium (onychomycosis) Affecting the nails, especially of the toes, T. rubrum is the usual cause and may persist for decades.
Tinea barbae This rash of the face and beard is rare. It may be very in?ammatory and is usually contracted from cattle by farm workers.
Treatment Tinea of the toe clefts and groin will usually respond to an antifungal cream containing terbina?ne or an azole. Tinea capitis, barbae, extensive tinea corporis and all nail infections require oral treatment with terbina?ne or itraconazole (a triazole antifungal agent taken orally and used for candidiasis of the mouth, throat and vulgovaginal area as well as for ringworm) which have largely superseded the earlier treatment with the antiobiotic griseofulvin. (See FUNGAL AND YEAST INFECTIONS.)... ringworm
A major blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the leg. The femoral artery is formed in the pelvis from the iliac artery (the terminal branch of the aorta). It then runs from the groin, down in front of the thigh, and passes behind the knee to become the popliteal artery, which branches again to supply the lower leg.... femoral artery
Arteries are vessels which convey oxygenated blood away from the heart to the tissues of the body, limbs and internal organs. In the case of most arteries the blood has been puri?ed by passing through the lungs, and is consequently bright red in colour; but in the pulmonary arteries, which convey the blood to the lungs, it is deoxygenated, dark, and like the blood in veins.
The arterial system begins at the left ventricle of the heart with the AORTA, which gives o? branches that subdivide into smaller and smaller vessels. The ?nal divisions, called arterioles, are microscopic and end in a network of capillaries which perforate the tissues like the pores of a sponge and bathe them in blood that is collected and brought back to the heart by veins. (See CIRCULATORY SYSTEM OF THE BLOOD.)
The chief arteries after the aorta and its branches are:
(1) the common carotid, running up each side of the neck and dividing into the internal carotid to the brain, and external carotid to the neck and face;
(2) the subclavian to each arm, continued by the axillary in the armpit, and the brachial along the inner side of the arm, dividing at the elbow into the radial and the ulnar,
which unite across the palm of the hand in arches that give branches to the ?ngers;
(3) the two common iliacs, in which the aorta ends, each of which divides into the internal iliac to the organs in the pelvis, and the external iliac to the lower limb, continued by the femoral in the thigh, and the popliteal behind the knee, dividing into the anterior and posterior tibial arteries to the front and back of the leg. The latter passes behind the inner ankle to the sole of the foot, where it forms arches similar to those in the hand, and supplies the foot and toes by plantar branches.
Structure The arteries are highly elastic, dilating at each heartbeat as blood is driven into them, and forcing it on by their resiliency (see PULSE). Every artery has three coats: (a) the outer or adventitia, consisting of ordinary strong ?brous tissue; (b) the middle or media, consisting of muscular ?bres supported by elastic ?bres, which in some of the larger arteries form distinct membranes; and (c) the inner or intima, consisting of a layer of yellow elastic tissue on whose inner surface rests a layer of smooth plate-like endothelial cells, over which ?ows the blood. In the larger arteries the muscle of the middle coat is largely replaced by elastic ?bres, which render the artery still more expansile and elastic. When an artery is cut across, the muscular coat instantly shrinks, drawing the cut end within the ?brous sheath that surrounds the artery, and bunching it up, so that a very small hole is left to be closed by blood-clot. (See HAEMORRHAGE.)... arteries
In?ammation taking place in cellular tissue, and usually referring to infection in the subcutaneous tissue. A related word, cellulite, which has no medical meaning, is used in the slimming business to refer to excess fatty tissue in the arms, buttocks and thighs. (See ABSCESS; ERYSIPELAS.)... cellulitis
A rounded prominence at the end of a bone: for example, the prominences at the outer and inner sides of the knee on the thigh-bone (or FEMUR). The projecting part of a condyle is sometimes known as an epicondyle, as in the case of the condyle at the lower end of the HUMERUS where the epicondyles form the prominences on the outer and inner side of the elbow.... condyle
A super?cial mild infection of the skin caused by CORYNEBACTERIA. It produces pink or slightly brown ?aky areas of skin usually on the upper inner thighs or axillae. Toe clefts may be affected with thickened, white, macerated skin. The affected areas ?uoresce coral pink under ultraviolet light. CLOTRIMAZOLE or KETOCONAZOLE cream clears the rash rapidly. Very extensive erythrasma responds to oral ERYTHROMYCIN given for seven days.... erythrasma
The framework upon which the rest of the body is built up. The bones are generally called the skeleton, though this term also includes the cartilages which join the ribs to the breastbone, protect the larynx, etc.
Structure of bone Bone is composed partly of ?brous tissue, partly of bone matrix comprising phosphate and carbonate of lime, intimately mixed together. The bones of a child are about two-thirds ?brous tissue, whilst those of the aged contain one-third; the toughness of the former and the brittleness of the latter are therefore evident.
The shafts of the limb bones are composed of dense bone, the bone being a hard tube surrounded by a membrane (the periosteum) and enclosing a fatty substance (the BONE MARROW); and of cancellous bone, which forms the short bones and the ends of long bones, in which a ?ne lace-work of bone ?lls up the whole interior, enclosing marrow in its meshes. The marrow of the smaller bones is of great importance. It is red in colour, and in it red blood corpuscles are formed. Even the densest bone is tunnelled by ?ne canals (Haversian canals) in which run small blood vessels, nerves and lymphatics, for the maintenance and repair of the bone. Around these Haversian canals the bone is arranged in circular plates called lamellae, the lamellae being separated from one another by clefts, known as lacunae, in which single bone-cells are contained. Even the lamellae are pierced by ?ne tubes known as canaliculi lodging processes of these cells. Each lamella is composed of very ?ne interlacing ?bres.
GROWTH OF BONES Bones grow in thickness from the ?brous tissue and lime salts laid down by cells in their substance. The long bones grow in length from a plate of cartilage (epiphyseal cartilage) which runs across the bone about 1·5 cm or more from its ends, and which on one surface is also constantly forming bone until the bone ceases to lengthen at about the age of 16 or 18. Epiphyseal injury in children may lead to diminished growth of the limb.
REPAIR OF BONE is e?ected by cells of microscopic size, some called osteoblasts, elaborating the materials brought by the blood and laying down strands of ?brous tissue, between which bone earth is later deposited; while other cells, known as osteoclasts, dissolve and break up dead or damaged bone. When a fracture has occurred, and the broken ends have been brought into contact, these are surrounded by a mass of blood at ?rst; this is partly absorbed and partly organised by these cells, ?rst into ?brous tissue and later into bone. The mass surrounding the fractured ends is called the callus, and for some months it forms a distinct thickening which is gradually smoothed away, leaving the bone as before the fracture. If the ends have not been brought accurately into contact, a permanent thickening results.
VARIETIES OF BONES Apart from the structural varieties, bones fall into four classes: (a) long bones like those of the limbs; (b) short bones composed of cancellous tissue, like those of the wrist and the ankle; (c) ?at bones like those of the skull; (d) irregular bones like those of the face or the vertebrae of the spinal column (backbone).
The skeleton consists of more than 200 bones. It is divided into an axial part, comprising the skull, the vertebral column, the ribs with their cartilages, and the breastbone; and an appendicular portion comprising the four limbs. The hyoid bone in the neck, together with the cartilages protecting the larynx and windpipe, may be described as the visceral skeleton.
AXIAL SKELETON The skull consists of the cranium, which has eight bones, viz. occipital, two parietal, two temporal, one frontal, ethmoid, and sphenoid; and of the face, which has 14 bones, viz. two maxillae or upper jaw-bones, one mandible or lower jaw-bone, two malar or cheek bones, two nasal, two lacrimal, two turbinal, two palate bones, and one vomer bone. (For further details, see SKULL.) The vertebral column consists of seven vertebrae in the cervical or neck region, 12 dorsal vertebrae, ?ve vertebrae in the lumbar or loin region, the sacrum or sacral bone (a mass formed of ?ve vertebrae fused together and forming the back part of the pelvis, which is closed at the sides by the haunch-bones), and ?nally the coccyx (four small vertebrae representing the tail of lower animals). The vertebral column has four curves: the ?rst forwards in the neck, the second backwards in the dorsal region, the third forwards in the loins, and the lowest, involving the sacrum and coccyx, backwards. These are associated with the erect attitude, develop after a child learns to walk, and have the e?ect of diminishing jars and shocks before these reach internal organs. This is aided still further by discs of cartilage placed between each pair of vertebrae. Each vertebra has a solid part, the body in front, and behind this a ring of bone, the series of rings one above another forming a bony canal up which runs the spinal cord to pass through an opening in the skull at the upper end of the canal and there join the brain. (For further details, see SPINAL COLUMN.) The ribs – 12 in number, on each side – are attached behind to the 12 dorsal vertebrae, while in front they end a few inches away from the breastbone, but are continued forwards by cartilages. Of these the upper seven reach the breastbone, these ribs being called true ribs; the next three are joined each to the cartilage above it, while the last two have their ends free and are called ?oating ribs. The breastbone, or sternum, is shaped something like a short sword, about 15 cm (6 inches) long, and rather over 2·5 cm (1 inch) wide.
APPENDICULAR SKELETON The upper limb consists of the shoulder region and three segments – the upper arm, the forearm, and the wrist with the hand, separated from each other by joints. In the shoulder lie the clavicle or collar-bone (which is immediately beneath the skin, and forms a prominent object on the front of the neck), and the scapula or shoulder-blade behind the chest. In the upper arm is a single bone, the humerus. In the forearm are two bones, the radius and ulna; the radius, in the movements of alternately turning the hand palm up and back up (called supination and pronation respectively), rotating around the ulna, which remains ?xed. In the carpus or wrist are eight small bones: the scaphoid, lunate, triquetral, pisiform, trapezium, trapezoid, capitate and hamate. In the hand proper are ?ve bones called metacarpals, upon which are set the four ?ngers, each containing the three bones known as phalanges, and the thumb with two phalanges.
The lower limb consists similarly of the region of the hip-bone and three segments – the thigh, the leg and the foot. The hip-bone is a large ?at bone made up of three – the ilium, the ischium and the pubis – fused together, and forms the side of the pelvis or basin which encloses some of the abdominal organs. The thigh contains the femur, and the leg contains two bones – the tibia and ?bula. In the tarsus are seven bones: the talus (which forms part of the ankle joint); the calcaneus or heel-bone; the navicular; the lateral, intermediate and medial cuneiforms; and the cuboid. These bones are so shaped as to form a distinct arch in the foot both from before back and from side to side. Finally, as in the hand, there are ?ve metatarsals and 14 phalanges, of which the great toe has two, the other toes three each.
Besides these named bones there are others sometimes found in sinews, called sesamoid bones, while the numbers of the regular bones may be increased by extra ribs or diminished by the fusion together of two or more bones.... bone
Linn.
Synonym: D. fastuosa Linn.
Family: Solanaceae.
Habitat: Throughout India, particularly in waste place.
English: Thornapple, Downy Datura.
Ayurvedic: Dhattuura, Dhuurta, Dhastura, Unmatta, Shivapriya, Harapriya, Hema, Haatta, Dhustuu- ra, Dhustuuraka, Kanaka, Maatula. Also equated with Raaj-dhatuura. (white var.)
Unani: Dhaturaa.
Siddha/Tamil: Oomatthai, Karu- voomatthai.
Action: Various plant parts are used in headache, hemiplegia, epilepsy, delirium, convulsions, cramps, rigid thigh muscles, rheumatism. Leaf— antitumour, antirheumatic. Leaf and corolla—anti-inflammatory. Flower—antiasthmatic. Seed, leaf and root—anticatarrhal, febrifuge, antidiarrhoeal, antidermatosis; also used in cerebral complications. Seeds—used in asthma. Limited use in kinetosis (excessive salivation, nausea and vomiting).
Along with other therapeutic applications, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIndia indicated the use of the whole plant in dysuria and alopecia.The plant accumulates more hyos- cine than hyoscyamine. Hyoscine content of dried leaves and flowering tops—between 0.02-0.55%. Alkaloid content of leaves—0.55%; stem—0.4%; seeds—0.19%; pericarps—0.8%; root at flowering of the plant—0.77%.Hyoscine in large doses causes delirium and coma.
Dosage: Seed—30-60 mg. (API Vol. III.)... datura metel
As spinal chord nerves branch out into the body, some segments fan out across the skin; these are the nerves that monitor the surface and are the source of senses of touch, pain, hot, cold and distension. All this information is funneled back in and up to the brain, which learned early on to correlate WHAT information comes from WHERE. Think of the brain as the CPU, with the spinal chord nerves uploading raw binary data; the brain has to make a running program out of this. It must form a three-dimensional hologram or homunculus from the linear input, and retranslate it outwards as binary data. The surface of the forearm, as an example, has sensory input gathered from several different and very separate spinal chord nerves. The brain will origami-fold these separate data streams into FOREARM. If you were to inject novacaine into the base of the left first sacral nerve (LS1), you would find that a whole section of skin became numb. So well defined a section that you could outline in charcoal the demarcation between sensation and numbness. This section would be a long oval of of numbness around the left buttock, under to the groin, perhaps part of the thigh...and the left heel. That spinal nerve is solely responsible for carrying sensation from that zone of skin...that dermatome; your brain mixes all the dermatomes together to get a working hologram of your total skin surface. That particular nerve also brings and sends information about the uterus, abdominal wall and pelvic floor. If you are a woman suffering pelvic heaviness and suppressed menses, a hot footbath might be enough S1 (heel dermatome) stimulation to cross-talk over to the referred S1 pelvic functions...and heat up the stuck uterus. Much of acupuncture, Jinshinjitsu, and zone and reflex therapy (not to mention Rolfing) uses various aspects of this dermatome crossover phenomena (by whatever name) and zone counterirritation was widely used in American standard medicine up until...penicillin. It was still being described in clinical manuals as late as 1956, although with the mention that it was only used infrequently and a “mechanism not understood” disclaimer.... dermatomes
A rare disease in which areas of bone are replaced by ?brous tissue (see CONNECTIVE TISSUE). This renders the bone fragile and liable to fracture. It may involve only one bone – usually the thigh bone or FEMUR – or several bones. This latter form of the disease may be accompanied by pigmentation of the skin and the early onset of PUBERTY.... fibrous dysplasia
The groin – that area of the body where the lower part of the abdomen meets the upper thigh. The inguinal ligaments extend on each side from the superior spines of the iliac bones to the pubic bone. It is also called Poupart’s ligament (see diagram of ABDOMEN).... inguinal region
This is found in MENINGITIS. A healthy person’s thigh can be bent to a right-angle with the body when the knee is straight; in cases of meningitis the knee cannot be straightened when the thigh is bent this way – not without causing the patient intense pain.... kernig’s sign
A POLYPEPTIDE hormone (see HORMONES) produced in the PANCREAS by the beta cells of the ISLETS OF LANGERHANS. It plays a key role in the body’s regulation of CARBOHYDRATE, FAT, and PROTEIN, and its de?ciency leads to DIABETES MELLITUS. Diabetic patients are described as type 1 (insulin dependent), or type 2 (non-insulin dependent), although many of the latter may need insulin later on, in order to maintain good control.
Insulin is extracted mainly from pork pancreas and puri?ed by crystallisation; it may be made biosynthetically by recombinant DNA technology using Escherichia coli, or semisynthetically by enzymatic modi?cation of porcine insulin to produce human insulin. The latter is the form now generally used, although some patients ?nd it unsuitable and have to return to porcine insulin.
The hormone acts by enabling the muscles and other tissues requiring sugar for their activity to take up this substance from the blood. All insulin preparations are to a greater or lesser extent immunogenic in humans, but immunological resistance to insulin action is uncommon.
Previously available in three strengths, of 20, 40, and 80 units per millilitre (U/ml), these have now largely been replaced by a standard strength of 100 U/ml (U100). Numerous different insulin preparations are listed; these differ in their speed of onset and duration of action, and hence vary in their suitability for individual patients.
Insulin is inactivated by gastrointestinal enzymes and is therefore generally given by subcutaneous injection, usually into the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, or abdomen. Some insulins are also available in cartridge form, which may be administered by injection devices (‘pens’). The absorption may vary from di?erent sites and with strenuous activity. About 25 per cent of diabetics require insulin treatment: most children from the onset, and all patients presenting with ketoacidosis. Insulin is also often needed by those with a rapid onset of symptoms such as weight loss, weakness, and sometimes vomiting, often associated with ketonuria.
The aim of treatment is to maintain good control of blood glucose concentration, while avoiding severe HYPOGLYCAEMIA; this is usually achieved by a regimen of preprandial injections of short-acting insulin (often with a bedtime injection of long-acting insulin). Insulin may also be given by continuous subcutaneous infusion with an infusion pump. This technique has many disadvantages: patients must be well motivated and able to monitor their own blood glucose, with access to expert advice both day and night; it is therefore rarely used.
Hypoglycaemia is a potential hazard for many patients converting from porcine to human insulin, because human insulin may result in them being unaware of classical hypoglycaemic warning symptoms. Drivers must be particularly careful, and individuals may be forbidden to drive if they have frequent or severe hypoglycaemic attacks. For this reason, insurance companies should be warned, and diabetics should – after taking appropriate medical advice – either return to porcine insulin or consider stopping driving.... insulin
The several years, in the late forties or early fifties, when the great birth reservoir of potential ovarian follicles has been reduced to only a few, many with innately poor hormone-sensitivities (which is perhaps why they are still remaining...they never heard the clarion call of FSH). As fewer follicles are capable of fully- programmed function, corpus luteal fragilities start to show as diminished progesterone levels...later, even the pre-ovulatory estrogens start to diminish. The pituitary, sensing first the progesterone wobbles, then, maybe a year later, the erratic estrogens, tries to jump start the ovaries, sending increasing levels of Luteinizing Hormone (LH)...with diminishing results. Since the brain (hypothalamus) is actually controlling things, it is sending out higher levels of pituitary stimulating hormones, which the pituitary matches with its blood-carried trophic or gonadotropic hormones...in this case, LH. What the pituitary hears from the hypothalamus is TYPE of brain chemical, MAGNITUDE, and, as much of this is being pulsed, FREQUENCY of chemical. At a certain point, the gonadotropic-releasing-hormone sent out by the hypothalamus is so loud and frequent that the pituitary starts sending out things like TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and somatotropins (growth hormone) as well ...hot flashes, changes in food cravings, sleep cycles...whatever. Like old partners in an ancient dance whose music is ending, the hormonal imbalances are the reverse of those experienced years ago in menarche. As above, so below. When the dust settles, the metabolic hormones have found a new interaction, anabolic functions have been transferred from the ovaries to the adrenal cortex, and that reservoir of stored estradiol present in the “Womanly Flesh” of the breasts, thighs, hips and Page 31buttocks, started many years ago, maintains a low blood level, diminishing over the following years, easing some of the estrogen-binding tissue into the change.... menopause
Compression syndrome The tense, painful state of muscles induced by excessive accumulation of INTERSTITIAL ?uid in them, following unusual exercise. This condition is more liable to occur in the muscles at the front of the shin, because they lie within a tight fascial membrane: here the syndrome is known as the anterior tibial syndrome (‘shin splints’). Prevention consists of always keeping ?t and in training for the amount of exercise to be undertaken. Equally important is what is known in sporting circles as ‘warming down’: i.e., at the end of training or a game, exercise should be gradually tailed o?. Treatment consists of elevation of the affected limb, compression of it by compression bandages, with ample exercise of the limb within the bandage, and massage. In more severe cases DIURETICS may be given. Occasionally surgical decompression may be necessary.
Cramp Painful spasm of a muscle usually caused by excessive and prolonged contraction of the muscle ?bres. Cramps are common, especially among sportsmen and women, normally lasting a short time. The condition usually occurs during or immediately following exercise as a result of a build-up of LACTIC ACID and other chemical by-products in the muscles
– caused by the muscular e?orts. Cramps may occur more frequently, especially at night, in people with poor circulation, when the blood is unable to remove the lactic acid from the muscles quickly enough.
Repetitive movements such as writing (writer’s cramp) or operating a keyboard can cause cramp. Resting muscles may suffer cramp if a person sits or lies in an awkward position which limits local blood supply to them. Profuse sweating as a result of fever or hot weather can also cause cramp in resting muscle, because the victim has lost sodium salts in the sweat; this disturbs the biochemical balance in muscle tissue.
Treatment is to massage and stretch the affected muscle – for example, cramp in the calf muscle may be relieved by pulling the toes on the affected leg towards the knee. Persistent night cramps sometimes respond to treatment with a drug containing CALCIUM or QUININE. If cramp persists for an hour or more, the person should seek medical advice, as there may be a serious cause such as a blood clot impeding the blood supply to the area affected.
Dystrophy See myopathy below.
In?ammation (myositis) of various types may occur. As the result of injury, an ABSCESS may develop, although wounds affecting muscle generally heal well. A growth due to SYPHILIS, known as a gumma, sometimes forms a hard, almost painless swelling in a muscle. Rheumatism is a vague term traditionally used to de?ne intermittent and often migratory discomfort, sti?ness or pain in muscles and joints with no obvious cause. The most common form of myositis is the result of immunological damage as a result of autoimmune disease. Because it affects many muscles it is called POLYMYOSITIS.
Myasthenia (see MYASTHENIA GRAVIS) is muscle weakness due to a defect of neuromuscular conduction.
Myopathy is a term applied to an acquired or developmental defect in certain muscles. It is not a neurological disease, and should be distinguished from neuropathic conditions (see NEUROPATHY) such as MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE (MND), which tend to affect the distal limb muscles. The main subdivisions are genetically determined, congenital, metabolic, drug-induced, and myopathy (often in?ammatory) secondary to a distant carcinoma. Progressive muscular dystrophy is characterised by symmetrical wasting and weakness, the muscle ?bres being largely replaced by fatty and ?brous tissue, with no sensory loss. Inheritance may take several forms, thus affecting the sex and age of victims.
The commonest type is DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY, which is inherited as a sex-linked disorder. It nearly always occurs in boys.
Symptoms There are three chief types of myopathy. The commonest, known as pseudohypertrophic muscular dystrophy, affects particularly the upper part of the lower limbs of children. The muscles of the buttocks, thighs and calves seem excessively well developed, but nevertheless the child is clumsy, weak on his legs, and has di?culty in picking himself up when he falls. In another form of the disease, which begins a little later, as a rule at about the age of 14, the muscles of the upper arm are ?rst affected, and those of the spine and lower limbs become weak later on. In a third type, which begins at about this age, the muscles of the face, along with certain of the shoulder and upper arm muscles, show the ?rst signs of wasting. All the forms have this in common: that the affected muscles grow weaker until their power to contract is quite lost. In the ?rst form, the patients seldom reach the age of 20, falling victims to some disease which, to ordinary people, would not be serious. In the other forms the wasting, after progressing to a certain extent, often remains stationary for the rest of life. Myopathy may also be acquired when it is the result of disease such as thyrotoxicosis (see under THYROID GLAND, DISEASES OF), osteomalacia (see under BONE, DISORDERS OF) and CUSHING’S DISEASE, and the myopathy resolves when the primary disease is treated.
Treatment Some myopathies may be the result of in?ammation or arise from an endocrine or metabolic abnormality. Treatment of these is the treatment of the cause, with supportive physiotherapy and any necessary physical aids while the patient is recovering. Treatment for the hereditary myopathies is supportive since, at present, there is no cure – although developments in gene research raise the possibility of future treatment. Physiotherapy, physical aids, counselling and support groups may all be helpful in caring for these patients.
The education and management of these children raise many diffculties. Much help in dealing with these problems can be obtained from Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.
Myositis ossi?cans, or deposition of bone in muscles, may be congenital or acquired. The congenital form, which is rare, ?rst manifests itself as painful swellings in the muscles. These gradually harden and extend until the child is encased in a rigid sheet. There is no e?ective treatment and the outcome is fatal.
The acquired form is a result of a direct blow on muscle, most commonly on the front of the thigh. The condition should be suspected whenever there is severe pain and swelling following a direct blow over muscle. The diagnosis is con?rmed by hardening of the swelling. Treatment consists of short-wave DIATHERMY with gentle active movements. Recovery is usually complete.
Pain, quite apart from any in?ammation or injury, may be experienced on exertion. This type of pain, known as MYALGIA, tends to occur in un?t individuals and is relieved by rest and physiotherapy.
Parasites sometimes lodge in the muscles, the most common being Trichinella spiralis, producing the disease known as TRICHINOSIS (trichiniasis).
Rupture of a muscle may occur, without any external wound, as the result of a spasmodic e?ort. It may tear the muscle right across – as sometimes happens to the feeble plantaris muscle in running and leaping – or part of the muscle may be driven through its ?brous envelope, forming a HERNIA of the muscle. The severe pain experienced in many cases of LUMBAGO is due to tearing of one of the muscles in the back. These conditions are usually relieved by rest and massage. Partial muscle tears, such as occur in sport, require more energetic treatment: in the early stages this consists of the application of an ice or cold-water pack, ?rm compression, elevation of the affected limb, rest for a day or so and then gradual mobilisation (see SPORTS MEDICINE).
Tumours occur occasionally, the most common being ?broid, fatty, and sarcomatous growths.
Wasting of muscles sometimes occurs as a symptom of disease in other organs: for example, damage to the nervous system, as in poliomyelitis or in the disease known as progressive muscular atrophy. (See PARALYSIS.)... muscles, disorders of
Also known as jumper’s knee. In?ammation of the tendon of the extensor muscle of the thigh, in which the PATELLA or knee-cap is secured. Usually the result of injury or excessive use or stress – for example, in athletic training – symptoms include pain, tenderness and sometimes restricted movement of the parent muscle. Treatment may include NON-STEROIDAL ANTIINFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDS), ULTRASOUND treatment and PHYSIOTHERAPY, and, if persistent, injection of a corticosteroid drug (see CORTICOSTEROIDS) around the tendon.... patellar tendinitis
Also known as the inguinal ligament, it is the strong ligament lying in the boundary between the anterior abdominal wall and the front of the thigh.... poupart’s ligament
The name given to the region behind the knee. The muscles attached to the bones immediately above and below the knee bound a diamond-shaped space through which pass the main artery and vein of the limb (known in this part of their course as the popliteal artery and vein); the tibial and common peroneal nerves (which continue the sciatic nerve from the thigh down to the leg); the external saphenous vein; and several small nerves and lymphatic vessels. The muscles – which bound the upper angle of the space and which are attached to the leg bones by strong prominent tendons – are known as the hamstrings. The lower angle of the space lies between the two heads of the gastrocnemius muscle, which makes up the main bulk of the calf of the leg.... popliteal space
A powerful muscle which arises from the front of the vertebral column in the lumbar region, and passes down, round the pelvis and through the groin, to be attached to the inner side of the thigh-bone not far from its upper end. The act of sitting up from a recumbent posture, or that of bending the thigh on the abdomen, is mainly accomplished by the contraction of this muscle. Disease of the spine in the lumbar region may produce an ABSCESS which lies within the sheath of this muscle and makes its way down to the front of the thigh. Such an abscess is known as a psoas abscess.... psoas
(See SACROILIAC JOINT.) In?ammation of one or both sacroiliac joints, which lie between the sacrum and the iliac bones. The condition may be the result of RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, ankylosing spondylitis (see under SPINE AND SPINAL CORD, DISEASES AND INJURIES OF), REITER’S SYNDROME, or the arthritis that occurs with PSORIASIS or infection. Sacroileitis causes pain in the lower back, buttocks, thighs, and groin. Sti?ness may occur with ankylosing spondylitis. NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDS) relieve the symptoms. If the cause is infection, antibiotics should be used.... sacroileitis
Stretch-marks seen in the skin, common in adolescent boys and girls owing to stretching of the skin by rapid growth (striae distensae). In boys, striae occur around the shoulders and thighs; in girls the breasts and hips are affected. In both sexes horizontal striae on the back may be mistaken for signs of trauma. Striae are common in women in late pregnancy, especially on the lower abdomen (striae gravidarum). Injudicious prolonged use of potent topical CORTICOSTEROIDS can induce striae, particularly about the groins, inner thighs or armpits. Prolonged high-dose oral STEROID therapy may cause widespread striae.... striae
The larger of the two bones in the leg. One surface of the tibia lies immediately beneath the skin in front, forming the shin; fractures of this bone are usually compound ones. The thigh bone abuts on the larger upper end of the tibia at the knee-joint, whilst below, the tibia and ?bula together enter into the ankle-joint, the two bosses or malleoli at the ankle belonging, the inner to the tibia, the outer to the ?bula.... tibia
The name given to two bony prominences at the upper end of the thigh-bone (FEMUR). The greater trochanter can be felt on the outer side of the thigh; the lesser trochanter is a small prominence on the inner side of this bone.... trochanter
This is the lower portion of the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM which is situated within the SPINAL COLUMN. Above, it forms the direct continuation of the medulla oblongata, this part of the BRAIN changing its name to spinal cord at the foramen magnum, the large opening in the base of the skull through which it passes into the spinal canal. Below, the spinal cord extends to about the upper border of the second lumbar vertebra, where it tapers o? into a ?ne thread, known as the ?lum terminale, that is attached to the coccyx at the lower end of the spine. The spinal cord is thus considerably shorter than the spinal column, being only 37– 45 cm (15–18 inches) in length, and weighing around 30 grams.
In its course from the base of the skull to the lumbar region, the cord gives o? 31 nerves on each side, each of which arises by an anterior and a posterior root that join before the nerve emerges from the spinal canal. The openings for the nerves formed by notches on the ring of each vertebra have been mentioned under the entry for spinal column. To reach these openings, the upper nerves pass almost directly outwards, whilst lower down their obliquity increases, until below the point where the cord ends there is a sheaf of nerves, known as the cauda equina, running downwards to leave the spinal canal at their appropriate openings.
The cord is a cylinder, about the thickness of the little ?nger. It has two slightly enlarged portions, one in the lower part of the neck, the other at the last dorsal vertebra; and from these thickenings arise the nerves that pass to the upper and lower limbs. The upper four cervical nerves unite to produce the cervical plexus. From this the muscles and skin of the neck are mainly supplied, and the phrenic nerve, which runs down through the lower part of the neck and the chest to innervate the diaphragm, is given o?. The brachial plexus is formed by the union of the lower four cervical and ?rst dorsal nerves. In addition to nerves to some of the muscles in the shoulder region, and others to the skin about the shoulder and inner side of the arm, the plexus gives o? large nerves that proceed down the arm.
The thoracic or dorsal nerves, with the exception of the ?rst, do not form a plexus, but each runs around the chest along the lower margin of the rib to which it corresponds, whilst the lower six extend on to the abdomen.
The lumbar plexus is formed by the upper four lumbar nerves, and its branches are distributed to the lower part of the abdomen, and front and inner side of the thigh.
The sacral plexus is formed by parts of the fourth and ?fth lumbar nerves, and the upper three and part of the fourth sacral nerves. Much of the plexus is collected into the sciatic nerves, the largest in the body, which go to the legs.
The sympathetic system is joined by a pair of small branches given o? from each spinal nerve, close to the spine. This system consists of two parts, ?rst, a pair of cords running down on the side and front of the spine, and containing on each side three ganglia in the neck, and beneath this a ganglion opposite each vertebra. From these two ganglionated cords numerous branches are given o?, and these unite to form the second part – namely, plexuses connected with various internal organs, and provided with numerous large and irregularly placed ganglia. The chief of these plexuses are the cardiac plexus, the solar or epigastric plexus, the diaphragmatic, suprarenal, renal, spermatic, or ovarian, aortic, hypogastric and pelvic plexuses.
The spinal cord, like the brain, is surrounded by three membranes: the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater, from without inwards. The arrangement of the dura and arachnoid is much looser in the case of the cord than their application to the brain. The dura especially forms a wide tube which is separated from the cord by ?uid and from the vertebral canal by blood vessels and fat, this arrangement protecting the cord from pressure in any ordinary movements of the spine.
In section the spinal cord consists partly of grey, but mainly of white, matter. It di?ers from the upper parts of the brain in that the white matter (largely) in the cord is arranged on the surface, surrounding a mass of grey matter (largely neurons – see NEURON(E)), while in the brain the grey matter is super?cial. The arrangement of grey matter, as seen in a section across the cord, resembles the letter H. Each half of the cord possesses an anterior and a posterior horn, the masses of the two sides being joined by a wide posterior grey commissure. In the middle of this commissure lies the central canal of the cord, a small tube which is the continuation of the ventricles in the brain. The horns of grey matter reach almost to the surface of the cord, and from their ends arise the roots of the nerves that leave the cord. The white matter is divided almost completely into two halves by a posterior septum and anterior ?ssure and is further split into anterior, lateral and posterior columns.
Functions The cord is, in part, a receiver and originator of nerve impulses, and in part a conductor of such impulses along ?bres which pass through it to and from the brain. The cord contains centres able to receive sensory impressions and initiate motor instructions. These control blood-vessel diameters, eye-pupil size, sweating and breathing. The brain exerts an overall controlling in?uence and, before any incoming sensation can affect consciousness, it is usually ‘?ltered’ through the brain.
Many of these centres act autonomously. Other cells of the cord are capable of originating movements in response to impulses brought direct to them through sensory nerves, such activity being known as REFLEX ACTION. (For a fuller description of the activities of the spinal cord, see NEURON(E) – Re?ex action.)
The posterior column of the cord consists of the fasciculus gracilis and the fasciculus cuneatus, both conveying sensory impressions upwards. The lateral column contains the ventral and the dorsal spino-cerebellar tracts passing to the cerebellum, the crossed pyramidal tract of motor ?bres carrying outgoing impulses downwards together with the rubro-spinal, the spino-thalamic, the spino-tectal, and the postero-lateral tracts. And, ?nally, the anterior column contains the direct pyramidal tract of motor ?bres and an anterior mixed zone. The pyramidal tracts have the best-known course. Starting from cells near the central sulcus on the brain, the motor nerve-?bres run down through the internal capsule, pons, and medulla, in the lower part of which many of those coming from the right side of the brain cross to the left side of the spinal cord, and vice versa. Thence the ?bres run down in the crossed pyramidal tract to end beside nerve-cells in the anterior horn of the cord. From these nerve-cells other ?bres pass outwards to form the nerves that go direct to the muscles. Thus the motor nerve path from brain to muscle is divided into two sections of neurons, of which the upper exerts a controlling in?uence upon the lower, while the lower is concerned in maintaining the muscle in a state of health and good nutrition, and in directly calling it into action. (See also NERVE; NERVOUS SYSTEM.)... spinal cord
Stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is sudden damage to BRAIN tissue caused either by a lack of blood supply or rupture of a blood vessel (see ISCHAEMIC STROKE). The affected brain cells die and the parts of the body they control or receive sensory messages from cease to function.
Causes Blood supply to the brain may be interrupted by arteries furring up with ATHEROSCLEROSIS (which is accelerated by HYPERTENSION and DIABETES MELLITUS, both of which are associated with a higher incidence of strokes) or being occluded by blood clots arising from distant organs such as infected heart valves or larger clots in the heart (see BLOOD CLOT; THROMBOSIS). Hearts with an irregular rhythm are especially prone to develop clots. Patients with thick or viscous blood, clotting disorders or those with in?amed arteries – for example, in SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE) – are particularly in danger of having strokes. Bleeding into the brain arises from areas of weakened blood vessels, many of which may be congenital.
Symptoms Minor episodes due to temporary lack of blood supply and oxygen (called TRANSIENT ISCHAEMIC ATTACKS OR EPISODES (TIA, TIE)) are manifested by short-lived weakness or numbness in an arm or leg and may precede a major stroke. Strokes cause sudden weakness or complete paralysis of the muscles controlled by the part of the brain affected, as well as sensory changes (e.g. numbness or tingling). In the worst cases these symptoms and signs may be accompanied by loss of consciousness. If the stroke affects the area of the brain controlling the larynx and throat, the patient may suffer slurring or loss of speech with di?culty in initiating swallowing. When the face is involved, the mouth may droop and the patient dribble. Strokes caused by haemorrhage may be preceded by headaches. Rarely, CVAs are complicated by epileptic ?ts (see EPILEPSY). If, on the other hand, numerous small clots develop in the brain rather than one major event, this may manifest itself as a gradual deterioration in the patient’s mental function, leading to DEMENTIA.
Investigations Tests on the heart or COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY or ultrasonic scans (see ULTRASOUND) on arteries in the neck may indicate the original sites of distantly arising clots. Blood tests may show increased thickness or tendency to clotting, and the diagnosis of general medical conditions can explain the presence of in?amed arteries which are prone to block. Special brain X-rays show the position and size of the damaged brain tissue and can usually distinguish between a clot or infarct and a rupture of and haemorrhage from a blood vessel in the brain.
Management It is better to prevent a stroke than try to cure it. The control of a person’s diabetes or high blood pressure will reduce the risk of a stroke. Treatment with ANTICOAGULANTS prevents the formation of clots; regular small doses of aspirin stop platelets clumping together to form plugs in blood vessels. Both treatments reduce the likelihood of minor transient ischaemic episodes proceeding to a major stroke.
Once the latter has occurred, there is no e?ective treatment to reduce the damage to brain tissue. Function will return to the affected part of the body only if and when the brain recovers and messages are again sent down the appropriate nerves. Simple movements are more likely to recover than delicate ones, and sophisticated functions have the worst outlook. Thus, movement of the thigh may improve more easily than ?ne movements of ?ngers, and any speech impairment is more likely to be permanent. A rehabilitation team can help to compensate for any disabilities the subject may have. Physiotherapists maintain muscle tone and joint ?exibility, whilst waiting for power to return; occupational therapists advise about functional problems and supply equipment to help patients overcome their disabilities; and speech therapists help with diffculties in swallowing, improve the clarity of remaining speech or o?er alternative methods of communication. District nurses or home helps can provide support to those caring for victims of stroke at home. Advice about strokes may be obtained from the Stroke Association.... stroke
Not a medical term. Puffy skin from deposition of fat. “Orange peel skin”. Occurs chiefly in women as lumpy flesh on buttocks, thighs, stomach, knees and upper arm. Though not due to increased fluid in the tissues, it is sufficient to arrest the circulation. Constriction of capillaries causes toxic wastes to build up, forming nodules that lock away fat in the tissues. Hormone imbalance also suspected. Varicose veins may appear with cellulite from poorly supportive connective tissue. Usual cause: poor posture and unhealthy lifestyle.
Treatment. To activate capillary function and assist toxic elimination: Bladderwrack, Gotu Kola, Kola, Parsley tea. A diuretic may assist by eliminating excess fluid.
Gotu Kola tea: Quarter to half a teaspoon leaves to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-10 minutes. 1 cup morning and evening.
Formula. Tea. Equal parts: Alfalfa, Clivers, Fennel, Senna leaves. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water: infuse 5-10 minutes. Half-1 cup morning and evening.
Seline. Tablets. Ingredients: Each tablet contains Lecithin 100mg; Pulverised Dandelion 100mg; Pulverised Horsetail 100mg; Pulverised extract Fucus 5:1 30mg; Vitamin C 40mg; Vitamin B6 1mg. 1 tablet thrice daily.
Aescin. Compound isolated from Horse-chestnuts to decrease capillary permeability and swelling. Topical. Decoction of Horse-chestnuts as a lotion. Or: infusion of Bladderwrack.
Aromatherapy and Herb essences. Combination for external use. Ingredients: Almond oil 47ml; Fennel oil 1ml; Juniper oil 1ml; Cypress essence 0.5ml; Lemon essence 0.5ml. Apply to affected areas morning and evening; small area 5 drops, large area 10 drops (Gerard). Gentle massage with a string glove, loofah or massage glove.
Diet. Reduce calorie intake. Raw fresh fruits and vegetable salads to account for 50 per cent of the diet. No sweet or dried fruits. Conservatively-cooked vegetables. Seafood. Iodine-rich foods. Wholegrain cereals. Protein: beans, chicken, poached eggs, fish, little lean meat: no pork, bacon or ham. Low-fat yoghurt. Cold-pressed unsaturated oils for salad dressings with lemon juice. Dandelion coffee to stimulate liver. Avoid sugar, alcohol, bananas and white flour products. Spring water.
Supportives. Stop smoking. Adopt an alternative to the contraceptive pill. To avoid fluid retention, 2-3 glasses of water daily. ... cellulite
Cellulite is a painless affection which consists of the fat layer growth.
This is not very unusual and many women around the world suffer from it. Generally, cellulite is your body’s way of protecting your organism when you’re pregnant.
On the other hand, you can develop cellulite from having a very unbalanced diet: unhealthy foods and drinks (sodas and fast food).
Also, the lack of workout and exercise will slow your calories from burning, making them stick mostly to your hips and thighs.
How Tea for Cellulite Works
A Tea for Cellulite’s main purpose is to make your blood veins work properly and eliminate the lipids surplus. Also, their action implies veins dilatation and increased blood pressure so that your entire body will work to get rid of the unwanted fats.
What you need to know about cellulite is that this is not regular fat and, at times, even thin women have it. Keeping a diet will not make it go away so don’t starve yourself to death!
Efficient Tea for Cellulite
When choosing a Tea for Cellulite, you must keep in mind a couple of facts: it must be very efficient and safe. Since having a cellulite will not hurt more than your feelings, alternative medicine practitioners advice against all pills that promise to work miracles on your body and recommend, instead, an herbal treatment. If you don’t know which teas to choose from, here’s a list to guide you on:
- Horse Chestnut Tea – it has anti inflammatory properties. Its main active constituent, Aescin, improves your blood flow by decreasing the pore size of your capillary walls. This will make your skin look a lot smoother and reduce the cellulite level.
- Ginkgo Biloba Tea – is a great vasodilator whose main goal is to improve circulation. This Tea for Cellulite will also stop cholesterol level from enhancing and it can be used to treat memory loss, stress, anxiety, headaches and anemia. However, don’t drink more than 3 cups per day or you’ll get diarrhea.
- Green Tea – has blood thinning properties, so you must avoid it at all costs in case you’re already on regular blood thinners. A cup of Green Tea per day will also improve your general health and bring relief in case you’re suffering from infertility, anemia, headaches or stress.
However, don’t take it if you’re on menopause or menstruation in order to avoid stomach irritations and uterine contractions.
- Dandelion Tea – will enhance your liver’s ability to process lipids faster and energize your entire body. However, this Tea for Cellulite is also a strong diuretic and purgative so you may want to avoid it if you suffer from diarrhea or upset stomach. Also, too much dandelion tea might cause urinary tract infections.
Tea for Cellulite Side Effects
When taken properly, these teas are generally safe. However, exceeding the number of cups recommended per day may weaken your digestive and nervous systems and lead to vomiting, nausea, headaches and even hallucinations.
Before starting a treatment based on a Tea for Cellulite, talk to your doctor in order to find out which are the risks. Don’t take any of these teas if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on blood thinners, anticoagulants or preparing for a surgery. Children shouldn’t be allowed to take an herbal treatment since there is no study to prove how safe it is for them.
But if you have the green light from your doctor and nothing could interfere with your Tea for Cellulite cure, choose a tea that fits best your needs and enjoy its health benefits!... tea for cellulite
A term used to describe lavage of certain parts of the body, for washing wounds and ulcers, for eye douches with aid of an eye-bath, but especially for cleansing or applying medication to the vagina. Douches with herbal teas (or decoctions) are given for their antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties being used to irrigate the vagina in cases of infections or to soothe inflammation. They are best performed sitting on the toilet, the douche or enema can about two feet above the thighs. Fluid is retained for 5-10 minutes. Not advised in pregnancy. Once or twice daily for one week.
A strong tea is prepared from one of a number of agents according to indications.
Infections: Blue Flag root, Yellow Dock root, Echinacea, Marshmallow root, Sarsaparilla.
Leucorrhoea: Motherwort, Plantain, Bayberry, Black Cohosh.
Endometritis: Raspberry leaves.
Candida: injection of neat yoghurt or, half cup cider vinegar to 2 pints warm water.
Acute discomfort, itching, inflammation: equal parts Chamomile, Marshmallow, Ladies Mantle. 1oz to 2 pints boiling water; infuse, inject warm.
Alternative to herbs: use liquid extracts, 2-4 teaspoons to two pints water.
Thuja douche: Thuja, Liquid Extract half an ounce; Ginger Tincture 10 drops; Glycerine 1oz. Hot water to 1 pint. Candida, leucorrhoea, Polypi. ... douche
A type of hernia that occurs in the groin area, where the femoral artery and femoral vein pass from the lower abdomen to the thigh.... femoral hernia
Trace element. RDA 0.14 to 0.15mg.
Deficiency. Goitre, low metabolism, fatigue, sleepiness.
Body effects. Promotes thyroid hormones.
Sources. Seafood, meat, fruit and vegetables.
Herbs: Bladderwrack, Dulse, Garlic, Kelp, Iceland Moss, Irish Moss.
Iodine status check. Paint a small (about 2”) patch of tincture of Iodine on the inside of the thigh before going to bed. Allow to dry. It should be yellowish-orange. Next morning check results:–
1. Colour completely gone: significant shortage of iodine.
2. Colour barely detectable: shortage of iodine.
3. Colour slightly faded: adequate iodine.
4. Colour almost as strong: adequate iodine.
5. Colour turns red: indicates chemical sensitivities helped by Selenium supplementation.
6. Colour turns black: associated with food sensitivities.
7. Colour stays for several days: indicates iodine excess.
(Dr Robert Erdmann, PhD., ‘Balance your Metabolism with Iodine’, in “Here’s Health”, Nov 1991) ... iodine
The symptoms, treatment, and possible complications of a fracture of the femur (thigh-bone) depend on whether the bone has broken across its neck (the short section between the top of the shaft and the hip joint) or across the shaft.Fracture of the neck of the femur, often called a broken hip, is very common in elderly people, especially in women with osteoporosis, and is usually associated with a fall. In a fracture of the neck of the femur, the broken bone ends are often considerably displaced; in such cases there is usually severe pain in the hip and groin, making standing impossible. Occasionally, the broken ends become impacted. In this case, there is less pain and walking may be possible. Diagnosis is confirmed by X-ray. If the bone ends are displaced, an operation under general anaesthesia is necessary, either to realign the bone ends and to fasten them together, or to replace the entire head and neck of the femur with an artificial substitute (see hip replacement). If the bone ends are impacted the fracture may heal naturally, but surgery may still be recommended to avoid the need for bed rest.
Complications include damage to the blood supply to the head of the femur, causing it to disintegrate. Osteoarthritis may develop in the hip joint after fracture of the femur neck itself. However, immobility and the need for surgery in the elderly may result in complications, such as pneumonia, that are not directly related to the fracture site.
Fracture of the bone shaft usually occurs when the femur is subjected to extreme force, such as that which occurs in a traffic accident. In most cases, the bone ends are considerably displaced, causing severe pain, tenderness, and swelling.
Diagnosis is confirmed by X-ray. With a fractured femoral shaft there is often substantial blood loss from the bone. In most cases, the fracture is repaired by surgery in which the ends of the bone are realigned and fastened together with a metal pin. Sometimes the bone ends can be realigned by manipulation, and surgery is not necessary. After realignment, the leg is supported with a splint and put in traction to hold the bone together while it heals.
Complications include failure of the bone ends to unite or fusion of the broken ends at the wrong angle, infection of the bone, or damage to a nerve or artery.
A fracture of the lower shaft can cause permanent stiffness of the knee.... femur, fracture of
A group of muscles at the back of the thigh. The upper ends of the hamstring muscles are attached by tendons to the pelvis; the lower ends are attached by tendons called hamstrings to the tibia and fibula. The hamstring muscles bend the knee and swing the leg backwards from the thigh. Tearing of the hamstring muscles is common in sports. Repeated strenuous exercise may sprain the muscles (see overuse injury).... hamstring muscles
A rare, inherited condition in which the skin is dry, thickened, scaly, and darker than normal due to abnormal production of keratin. It usually appears at or shortly after birth and improves during childhood. Commonly affected areas are the thighs, arms, and backs of the hands. Lubricants, emulsifying ointments, and bath oils are helpful. icterus A term for jaundice. ICSI See intracytoplasmic sperm injection. id One of the 3 parts of the personality (together with the ego and superego) described by Sigmund Freud. The id is the primitive, unconscious energy store from which come the instincts for food, love, sex, and other basic needs. The id seeks simply to gain pleasure and avoid pain. (See also psychoanalytic theory.)... ichthyosis
Relating to the groin (the area between the abdomen and thigh), as in inguinal hernia.... inguinal
A common noncancerous tumour of fatty tissue. Lipomas are slow-growing, soft swellings that may occur anywhere on the body, most commonly on the thigh, trunk, or shoulder. They are painless and harmless, but may be surgically removed for cosmetic reasons.... lipoma
Inflammation of a sacroiliac joint. Causes include ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, Reiter’s syndrome or arthritis associated with psoriasis. The main symptom is pain in the lower back, buttocks, groin, and back of the thigh. Treatment is with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs.... sacroiliitis
A very common, harmless skin condition, also known as erythema neonatorum or toxic erythema, that affects newborn infants. A blotchy rash, in which raised white or yellow lumps are surrounded by illdefined red areas of inflammation, forms, mainly affecting the face, chest, arms, and thighs. The cause of neonatal urticaria is unknown. The rash usually clears up without treatment.... urticaria, neonatal
(sodium alendronate) a *bisphosphonate drug that is administered for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and fragility fractures in men and postmenopausal women or induced by corticosteroid therapy in women. Immediate side-effects may include abdominal pain, indigestion, and oesophageal irritation or pain. Long-term use (5–10 years) may increase the risk of poor dental healing and atypical fractures of the thigh bone (femur).... alendronic acid
n. a tissue graft taken from one part of the body and transferred to another part of the same individual. The repair of burns is often done by grafting on strips of skin taken from elsewhere on the body, usually the upper arm or thigh. Unlike *allografts, autografts are not rejected by the body’s immunity defences. See also skin graft; transplantation.... autograft
n. a muscle with two heads. The biceps brachii extends from the shoulder joint to the elbow (see illustration). It flexes the arm and forearm and supinates the forearm and hand. The biceps femoris is situated at the back of the thigh and is responsible for flexing the knee, extending the thigh, and rotating the leg outwards.... biceps
(peroneal muscular atrophy) a group of inherited diseases of the peripheral nerves, also known as hereditary sensorimotor neuropathy, causing a gradually progressive weakness and wasting of the muscles of the legs and the lower part of the thighs. The hands and arms are eventually affected. The genetic defect responsible for the most common form, type Ia, is a duplication on chromosome 17. The diagnosis is made by nerve conduction tests followed by genetic blood tests. [J. M. Charcot; P. Marie (1853–1940), French physician; H. H. Tooth (1856–1925), British physician]... charcot–marie–tooth disease
n. *traction on one part of a limb, while the remainder of the limb is held steady: used particularly in the treatment of a fractured femur (thigh bone).... counterextension
a superficial reflex in males elicited by stroking the inner side of the upper thigh with a sharp object. If the reflex is intact the scrotum on that side is pulled upwards as the cremaster muscle contracts. Absence or reduction of both cremasteric reflexes indicates an upper *motor neuron lesion; absence of the reflex on one side suggests a lower motor neuron lesion at the level of the first lumbar spinal nerve.... cremasteric reflex
adj. 1. relating to the thigh or leg. 2. relating to the crura cerebri (see crus).... crural
an acute mononeuropathy of the femoral nerve, usually of microvascular origin, associated with chronic poor diabetic control. Symptoms are thigh pain and progressive weakness of knee extension. Examination reveals wasting of the quadriceps muscle group and loss of the knee jerk. It may affect both legs and recovery is usually slow. Treatment is with physiotherapy and improved control of the diabetes; the condition never seems to recur in the same leg. The main *differential diagnosis is of compression of the nerve roots in the spinal canal.... diabetic amyotrophy
n. menstruation that is associated with cramping low abdominal pain radiating into the lower back and thighs; the pain sometimes precedes menstrual flow. In primary dysmenorrhoea the painful periods begin soon after *menarche and are associated with increased production of *prostaglandin F2? by the endometrium. Secondary dysmenorrhoea is caused by organic pelvic disease, such as fibroids or endometriosis.... dysmenorrhoea
n. mottled purplish discoloration on the legs and thighs, usually of adolescent girls or obese boys before puberty. The disorder sometimes occurs in older women and is worse in cold weather. Weight loss is the best treatment because it reduces the insulating effect of a thick layer of fat.... erythrocyanosis
(Scarpa’s triangle) a triangular depression on the inner side of the thigh bounded by the sartorius and adductor longus muscles and the inguinal ligament. The pulse can be felt here as the femoral artery lies over the depression.... femoral triangle
an operation involving removal of an entire leg and part or all of the pelvis associated with it. It is usually performed for soft tissue or bone sarcomas arising from the upper thigh, hip, or buttock. Compare forequarter amputation.... hindquarter amputation
n. a flat triangular muscle situated in the area of the groin. This muscle acts in conjunction with the *psoas muscle to flex the thigh.... iliacus
a symptom of *meningitis in which the hamstring muscles in the legs are so stiff that the patient is unable to extend his legs at the knee when the thighs are held at a right angle to the body. [V. Kernig (1840–1917), Russian physician]... kernig’s sign
(K-nail) a metal rod that is inserted down the middle of the femur (thigh bone) to stabilize a transverse fracture of the shaft. [G. Küntscher (1902–72), German orthopaedic surgeon]... küntscher nail
(Perthes disease, pseudocoxalgia) necrosis of the head of the femur (thigh bone) due to interruption of its blood supply (see osteochondritis). Of unknown cause, it occurs most commonly in boys between the ages of 5 and 10 and causes aching and a limp. The head of the femur can collapse and become deformed, resulting in a short leg and restricted hip movement. Affected boys are kept under observation and their activities are restricted; surgery may be required in more severe cases. [A. T. Legg (1874–1939), US surgeon; J. Calvé (1875–1954), French orthopaedist; G. C. Perthes (1869–1927), German surgeon]... legg–calvé–perthes disease
either of two muscles that cover the outer surface of the anterior wall of the pelvis (the obturator externus and obturator internus) and are responsible for lateral rotation of the thigh and movements of the hip.... obturator muscle
an itchy rash of small raised red spots. It occurs usually on the face, neck, back, chest, and thighs. Infants and obese people are susceptible to prickly heat, which is most common in hot moist weather. It is caused by blockage of the sweat ducts and the only treatment is removal of the patient to a cool (air-conditioned) place. Medical name: miliaria rubra.... prickly heat
an indicator of acute *appendicitis. The appendix lies close to the *iliopsoas muscle: if it is inflamed, any movement that involves the right psoas muscle (such as extension of the right thigh) will be painful in the right lower quadrant.... psoas sign
n. any of various four-sided muscles. The quadratus femoris is a flat muscle at the head of the femur, responsible for lateral rotation of the thigh.... quadratus
a large branch of the *femoral nerve that arises in the upper thigh, travels down on the inside of the leg, and supplies the skin from the knee to below the ankle with sensory nerves.... saphenous nerve
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