What is mastoiditis?

Mastoiditis is the inflammation of the bony protrusion of the skull just behind the ear canal. The mastoid process is a part of the temporal bone and has hollow air spaces known as the mastoid antrum and mastoid cells. In mastoiditis it is the mucosal membrane lining the mastoid antrum and mastoid cells system that becomes inflamed. Due to its close proximity to the ear, mastoiditis tends to arises as a complication of acute infections of the middle ear (otitis media). It is a potentially life threatening condition should the infection spread to the brain which lies near to the mastoid process.

Reasons for Mastoiditis

Mastoiditis occurs from the spread of infective organisms from the middle ear to the air cells in the mastoid process. The infection leads to pus formation within the narrow bony air spaces increasing the pressure in the air cells. The rate of pus production usually exceeds the rate of the pus drainage through the the eustachian tube and perforated eardrum. Swelling of the mucosal lining also hampers proper drainage of pus.

continue reading Mastoiditis (Back of the Skull Bone Infection)

Arthritis is the term for joint inflammation. There are several different types of arthritis but the two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Whereas osteoarthritis is mainly due to the erosion of the joint cartilage surrounding the ends of the bones, rheumatoid arthritis primarily involves the joint lining known as the synovium. Despite the term, osteoarthritis is not marked by inflammation although it may occur occasionally. Instead it is more of a degenerative disorder of the cartilage and bone. Drug therapy for osteoarthritis mainly aims at providing symptomatic relief of the pain and the inflammation which occasionally associated with the disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is marked by varying degrees of inflammation of the joint lining as a result of autoimmune processes. It is a progressive disorder meaning that it worsens over time. The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis focuses on control of disease progression and reduction of joint inflammation in addition to relief of pain.

continue reading Arthritis Symptomatic Relief (Palliative) Treatment with Drugs

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a type of degenerative joint disease where the articular cartilage is eroded. It is the most common type of arthritis and is mainly seen in the elderly. Osteoarthritis or OA is commonly known as bone-on-bone arthritis but this term can apply to other types of joint disease where the articular cartilage is damaged, such as post-traumatic arthritis. Although osteoarthritis is seen mainly in the elderly, it can start from as early as childhood since it is long term wear and tear of the cartilage. However, it is usually in the senior years where the body’s ability to repair this daily wear and tear is impaired leading to eventual breakdown of the cartilage.

Bone on Bone Arthritis Meaning

Joints are where two bones meet in a manner that allows for movement (articulation). There are different types of joints. The major joints with greatest flexibility are synovial joints. Here the ends of the bones that comprise the joint are covered by articular cartilage. It is this cartilage which reduces friction between the two surfaces and absorbs shock thereby protecting the underlying bone. The joint is lined with synovium and surrounded by a capsule. Within the joint space is synovial fluid which lubricates the articulating surfaces and helps absorb shock.

continue reading Osteoarthritis (Bone on Bone Arthritis) Neck, Back, Hip, Knee

What is ankle pain?

Ankle pain is any discomfort or soreness emanating from the ankle which may be related to the ankle structures or neighboring regions of the foot or lower leg. The most common causes of ankle pain are a sprained ankle, although there may be other causes such as a fracture, arthritis, or infection. Pain may be present in one or both ankles.The ankle connects the leg to the foot and the area around this region. The ankle joint is a hinge joint made up of bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. It is a very strong and stable joint which supports the body weight on standing. The up and down movement at the joint allows smooth movement while walking and running.

continue reading Ankle Pain Causes of Acute and Chronic Pain, Treatment

Sternal Swelling and Mass

The sternum or breastbone is the central bone at the front of the chest to which the clavicle (collarbone) and ribs attach. It is an elongated flat bone made up of three parts – manubrium (uppermost part), body of the sternum (longest part in the middle) and the xiphoid process (short pointed part at the bottom). Most of the sternum that can be felt in detail over the skin on the chest wall especially in a thin person.

The sternum is not a smooth bone – there notches at the top (suprasternal notch) and facets on the sides for the clavicle and ribs to attach to, it also has several transverse ridges on the sternal body. The xiphoid process with its pointed end may at times be felt as a small lump at the bottom of the sternum. Overall however, the sternum sits somewhat flush with the rest of the chest wall.

Sometimes there may be swelling in or over the sternum or isolated lumps (masses) that can be felt or can even be seen over the sternum. These abnormalities need to be investigated as it may be a clinical sign of certain underlying diseases.

continue reading Sternal Swelling, Mass and Lumps Over the Breastbone