salam aleekm
hey ya’ll
for a long time i’ve been having these recurrent cracks whenever i move a joint, and lately it seems to have gotten worse, untill at one point my hib cracked XP, people told me it’s pobably cus i dont move as much as i’m supposed to but i know as a med student that this can’t be it ” besides when you have to walk your way into finding your bus from 500 buses parked in rows you come to know that lack of movement is not a good diagnosis XP “
so i decided to google it over and i stumbled upon this magnificent article..
What’s Your Body Trying to Tell You?
Every pop, ping, ache, and pain has a meaning. Here’s when to take action
Cracking Joints
Most Likely Causes: The fluid around a joint contains a variety of gases, such as oxygen and nitrogen. When you crack a joint, you cause the joint to stretch, which rapidly releases gas bubbles that snap, crack, or pop. The cracking sound could also be due to a tendon rubbing across bone.
Less Likely Cause: If you feel pain each time a joint cracks, it may be a sign of a cartilage or joint problem, such as arthritis.
What to Do:
- If the cracking doesn’t hurt, don’t sweat it.
- If you have pain or swelling, or the joint is red or warm or has limited motion, see a doctor to find out what’s going on.
Dry Eyes
Most Likely Causes: Staring at a computer for too long, consuming too much alcohol, or being in cold, dry, or windy conditions can increase the evaporation of the tear film on the eyes. Antidepressants, antihistamines, and cold medicines can dry out the eyes.
Less Likely Causes: Chronically dry eyes can also point to hyperthyroidism or an autoimmune disease, like lupus.
What to Do:
- For mild dryness, preservative-free over-the-counter artificial tears will lubricate and protect the eyes.
- Wear UV-blocking wraparound sunglasses when you’re out in cold or windy weather.
- At night, use an ointment like Refresh PM (available at drugstores) inside your lower lids.
- For severely or chronically dry eyes, see your doctor for tests and perhaps a prescription for eyedrops.
Cold Hands
Most Likely Causes: Stress or apprehension can rev up the nervous system, causing blood vessels to constrict and thus inhibiting circulation to the hands. Also, some people simply have slower circulation than others.
Less Likely Causes: If your fingers also spasm, go numb, and change in color (from whitish to blue to bright red), you may have Raynaud’s phenomenon, which can affect blood flow to the extremities. Other possibilities: a connective-tissue disorder, blocked arteries, or side effects from some drugs, such as beta-blockers.
What to Do:
- Try deep breathing or any easy relaxation technique to enhance circulation if you suspect stress is the cause. Keep your hands warm.
- If your hands go cold for no apparent reason or if it happens frequently, talk to your doctor about being tested for Raynaud’s or other conditions.
A Chronic Cough
Most Likely Causes: Something is tickling your throat, and a cough is your body’s reflexive way of trying to expel the irritant. It may be postnasal drainage from allergies, or you may have hyperactive nasal mucus membranes sending liquid down your throat. Acid reflux can also irritate the throat and trigger coughing.
Less Likely Causes: Airway spasms are a side effect of some drugs, such as ACE inhibitors. Chronic obstructive lung disease (often due to smoking), pulmonary fibrosis (which involves scarring of the lungs), or a heart-valve problem can also produce coughing if fluid accumulates in the lungs.
What to Do:
- Schedule a checkup and discuss any other symptoms you may have to help your doctor figure out what’s going on. He will probably listen to your lungs and heart and may order a chest X-ray. Treating the underlying condition should stop the cough.