Before the Needle Although many people have heard about Botox, few people know what it actually is. So, what are Botox injections? Many people would be surprised to learn that it actually is a drug derived from a neurotoxin created by a specific bacterium, the Clostridium botulinum. This is the same toxin that causes botulism, a life-threatening form of food poisoning. When ingested in its natural form, Botox can cause paralysis that spreads through the body until it eventually works its way to the breathing muscles, causing respiratory failure. This is why it is important to educate yourself before considering Botox injections. Why Do People Get Botox? Although this is a toxin, it is safe to use in small doses for medical use. Doctors often use the substance cosmetically. It is probably best known as an anti-wrinkle agent used to treat fine lines and signs of aging. Most commonly, it is used to treat wrinkles in the neck or face. Some people also get Botox injections to minimize their forehead lines. [youmaylike] In addition to smoothing skin to give it a more youthful appearance, it serves other medical purposes. Some patients use it to treat severe underarm sweating, migraines, uncontrollable blinking, overactive bladder and strabismus (misaligned eyes). How Does Botox Work? Botox causes paralysis. While this can be fatal in large, targeted doses, it is the property that helps with treatment. It acts locally, upon the injection site where it will weaken or paralyze targeted muscles. This is done as the neurotoxin attaches to nerve ending and blocks impulses from coming through. Instead of contracting as normal, the injected tissues will remain relatively frozen. Reducing the pulling of the skin is what makes the skin look more youthful. This signal-blocking property is also assisted with the other medical applications of Botox. It is important to realize that these are not the same as a filler. How Long Does Botox Last? The effects of Botox do not last forever. After a while, the signals will begin to pass through again. Procedures are expected to have a visual effect that lasts three to six months. Botox will not lose its effect overnight. Rather, you will experience a gradual decline in results as the muscles slowly regain their movement. The effects of your first session will wear off faster than the later sessions. Your first session is expected to last around three months where the later sessions will gradually last up to six months. Is Botox Safe? Under controlled medical environments, Botox injection procedures are considered low-risk. Most procedures are carried out safely and effectively with little side effects. The side effects one does experience are normally what is expected from any sort of injection procedure. This would be some temporary redness, bleeding or bruising at the injection site. In rare cases, one may experience a headache in the first two days after the procedure or temporary drooping. With this being said, there are certain situations where you should avoid getting Botox injections. You should not undergo treatments if you: Are 65 years of age or older, or under 18 years old. Have breathing problems. Have bleeding problems. Are allergic to or have sensitivities to Botox products. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any medications or supplements you are currently taking as there may be some interactions that could be dangerous. If you immediately experience signs of an allergic reaction upon the treatment, seek medical help immediately. To reduce any of the potential complications, it is important that you thoroughly research the performing physician. You need to make sure you are going to someone who knows what they are doing and has an adequate environment to perform hygienically and legally. It is not worth the risk to seek other methods. Does Botox Hurt? Botox procedures use very tiny needles. While injections are associated with some pain, the size of the needles keeps this pain at a minimum. Botox injections are generally preceded by some sort of anesthetic treatment to numb the pain. This is often done with a topical anesthetic cream or a cold pack. Most people report minimal to no pain at all. The Cost of Botox The cost of Botox will vary greatly depending on the specifications of your procedure. Some facilities will charge you by the area covered, but more often they charge you per unit of Botox used. On average, you will pay about $20 per unit. As the average treatment is about 20 to 60 units on average, you will likely pay between $500 and $800. The number of units used in a session will vary greatly depending on the space that you want to be covered. The bigger the area, the more units you will need to pay to achieve results. When it comes to cosmetic procedures, insurance will likely not pay for any of the costs. You can talk with your insurance provider to find out if they offer financial compensation for non-cosmetic procedures.
What is Gout?
To answer "what is gout?" you should know it is a relatively frequently occurring type of arthritis. The common condition is the result of having elevated levels of uric acid in your bloodstream. This excess of uric acid leads to uric acid crystal formation in the joints, notoriously the one on the base of the big toe. These crystals cause a number of alarming and uncomfortable symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms
Gout can manifest in several different ways depending on the patient. In general, gout can be characterized as episodes of joint pain, swelling and redness.
The pain itself can occur out of nowhere, and either turn into a general discomfort or disappear. Episodes of gout can occur abruptly and it is not uncommon for them to start in the middle of the night.
The big toe is one of the most common appendages that is affected, although it can also affect the forefoot, knees, ankles, knees, elbows and bones in your hand or wrist.
Types of Gout
Although these all refer to the same illness, there are “types” of gout, which indicate different stages of the illness.
- Asymptomatic hyperuricemia: This is the earliest stage of the disease. Some of the crystals may be causing some tissue damage, but symptoms may be mild to non-existent.
- Acute: This refers to a more extreme event. In acute gout, patients experience acute episodes of intense pain in a “flare” that lasts a couple of days. Different events can trigger the onset of symptoms, including stress or alcohol. They may also appear seemingly out of nowhere.
- Intercritical: When flares die down but you still have gout, your body is still depositing excess urate crystals into your joint tissue. These periods are called intercritical gout, where you may not really feel symptoms but the damage is still happening.
- Chronic tophaceous: This is the most extreme form of the disease. It is debilitating and can get to the point where permanent and extreme damage has been done to the joints and kidneys. Huge lumps and pain may be chronically present at this point.
There is also a condition that is referred to as pseudogout. This condition is not a form of gout, but it is very similar in terms of the symptoms someone might experience. These similar symptoms are not caused by urate crystals, but rather calcium pyrophosphate crystals. Generally, symptom expression is less severe in comparison to traditional gout.
Treatment Options
There are several different medications that may be prescribed to treat gout. Different medications may be used depending on the types of symptoms you are experiencing or expressing a desire to reduce.
These medications include some which may manage uric acid levels (aloprim, zyloprim, ulroic or lesinurad), inflammation (colcrys) or painkillers. Talk to your doctor to find a solution which is best for you.
Natural Remedies for Gout
One of the best natural remedies for gout is making lifestyle changes. By making these tiny lifestyle changes, you will be able to minimize the flares of gout or even prevent it entirely. If you know that you have had a flare before or are at risk for developing gout, consider taking the following steps:
- Drink lots of water: Drinking the recommended amount of water a day can help keep your body in tip-top shape.
- Achieve a healthy body weight: Obesity puts a lot of pressure on your body. If you are overweight, try to achieve and maintain healthy body weight.
- Stay sober: Alcohol can be an especially big trigger for gout. Consider abstaining from alcohol use in order to keep your gout under control.
- Change your diet: To limit the about of uric acid coming into your body, make changes to your what you eat. There are some foods that will encourage very high levels of uric acid in your body, including: anchovies, sardines, mackerel, herring, lobster, shrimp, mussels, scallops, mushrooms, organs (especially liver and kidneys), fast food, soda and alcohol.
Consider having healthier foods that encourage an overall healthy diet. Some of the best foods for managing gout include:
- Yogurt and skim milk.
- Nuts and grains.
- Fresh fruits and veggies.
- Potatoes.
Most importantly, be sure to practice moderation.
When to See a Doctor
As soon as you notice that your symptoms are interfering with your daily life, you should make an appointment with a medical professional. This is a good practice in general. Even if you do not have gout, alarming symptoms may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.