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Featured Articles
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Sorting Out Knee Pain
When do you need help for your sudden or ongoing knee pain? Our expert sorts through the possible scenarios.
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Help for Hip Pain
Pain in the hip is all too common. Learn about some common causes and how to prevent or treat it.
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Simple Ways to Build Strong Bones
Osteoporosis can mean fractures and disability. Three steps you can take right now to strengthen your bones.
Ask an Expert
Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I am 37 years old and experiencing longer periods - two to three weeks long. I also have some bleeding after orgasm. What could be causing this? Do I need to see a doctor?
Yes, you should definitely consult with your gynecologist and have an exam and pelvic ultrasound. There may be a structural problem in your uterus, such as a polyp or fibroid (benign muscle mass) that can cause... continue reading about I am 37 years old and experiencing longer periods - two to three weeks long. I also have some bleeding after orgasm. What could be causing this? Do I need to see a doctor?
Alison J. Cook, DPM, M.S.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I have a 1-inch ganglion cyst on my right foot. I've had an X-ray, attempted needle aspiration, and an MRI. It causes periodic burning pain in my foot/ankle. I'm hesitant to have surgery. Any harm in just letting it be?
Theoretically, if your pain is intermittent, the aspiration pathology report was negative, your MRI showed that no important structures are being impinged, and you are being seen for frequent follow-ups, I thin... continue reading about I have a 1-inch ganglion cyst on my right foot. I've had an X-ray, attempted needle aspiration, and an MRI. It causes periodic burning pain in my foot/ankle. I'm hesitant to have surgery. Any harm in just letting it be?
Kathy O'Hare, ABT
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
What are some natural remedies you can take to improve sleep and to reduce frequent waking up at night?
Insomnia can be a pretty frustrating condition. But before you go to your doctor for those sleeping pills, there may be some effective natural remedies that you can try to get a good night's sleep. One of the f... continue reading about What are some natural remedies you can take to improve sleep and to reduce frequent waking up at night?
Junaid H. Khan, M.D., FACC, FACS
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I take medication for high blood pressure. My current numbers are 138/87 to 140/94. Is that okay or should my medication be changed? It's been over a year since I started taking the medication.
The American Heart Association lists 120/80 and lower as normal blood pressure. The numbers you list would qualify as hypertension requiring treatment. It looks like your physician has appropiately started you ... continue reading about I take medication for high blood pressure. My current numbers are 138/87 to 140/94. Is that okay or should my medication be changed? It's been over a year since I started taking the medication.
Joshua C. Richards, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I notice that my hip joint pops a lot more than it used to. Should I be concerned?
A feeling of painless joint "popping" is not terribly worrisome and can be normal for the individual. In major joints like the hip, knee or shoulder, an increase in popping can be a sign of weakness in the surr... continue reading about I notice that my hip joint pops a lot more than it used to. Should I be concerned?
Rakesh Donthineni, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I'm in my 50s and was recently diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in my back. Will the pain get worse as I get older? And is there anything I can do for the pain besides pain medication? Also does this condition ever require surgery?
Degenerative disc disease is part of the 'wear and tear' of the spine that occurs with age and use. Back pain is very common and best managed with the appropriate medications, exercises to keep your trunk/core ... continue reading about I'm in my 50s and was recently diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in my back. Will the pain get worse as I get older? And is there anything I can do for the pain besides pain medication? Also does this condition ever require surgery?
Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I had a partial hysterectomy in 2005 but still have my ovaries. A year later, I began to have cramps, gas and bloating every 28 days. Recently these symptoms began to appear every week. How much longer can this go on?
Many women after a hysterectomy can still have "cycles" if their ovaries are in place. They will not bleed since the uterus is no longer present, but they can still have the usual bloating and other PMS symptom... continue reading about I had a partial hysterectomy in 2005 but still have my ovaries. A year later, I began to have cramps, gas and bloating every 28 days. Recently these symptoms began to appear every week. How much longer can this go on?
Joshua C. Richards, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I get bad cramps in my feet, legs, thighs and sometimes fingers, from work. What can I do to prevent them and/or stop them once they start? They become debilitating at times and they keep me from getting the sleep that I need.
Common causes of muscle cramps include dehydration and deficiencies of minerals such as magnesium, potassium, sodium and calcium. Most cramps can be eliminated by proper hydration (eight glasses a day of water)... continue reading about I get bad cramps in my feet, legs, thighs and sometimes fingers, from work. What can I do to prevent them and/or stop them once they start? They become debilitating at times and they keep me from getting the sleep that I need.
Junaid H. Khan, M.D., FACC, FACS
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
My husband has heart disease. I heard that someone with this condition needs to be careful in the cold weather. We'll be vacationing in Lake Tahoe soon, so I'd like to know how cold weather affects the heart. Should we cancel the trip?
Great question. Here are a few additional thoughts about your particular situation: You mentioned a trip to Lake Tahoe, so keep in mind that altitude by itself, even without the cold weather, is a special consi... continue reading about My husband has heart disease. I heard that someone with this condition needs to be careful in the cold weather. We'll be vacationing in Lake Tahoe soon, so I'd like to know how cold weather affects the heart. Should we cancel the trip?
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