Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Las Vegas Carpal TunnelUnderstanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If your job or hobby requires you to spend a lot of time punching cash register keys, gripping strings or holes on a musical instrument, clicking a mouse, or doing any other repetitive, forceful movement with your hands, you may be at risk for a painful condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome. The same appears to be true if you use your hands to control a jackhammer or other powerful, vibrating tool. Finding out about the symptoms and some home remedies for carpal tunnel may be the best way to understand them and take care of them. First, let’s talk about the symptoms.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a collection of symptoms that generally includes episodes of numbness, tingling, or “pins and needles” sensation, aching and burning in the thumb, index and middle fingers, and thumb side of the ring finger. Early on, these symptoms tend to appear in the night, or shortly after a period of repetitive motion, and shaking out the hand may bring relief. As the condition worsens, the discomfort occurs more frequently and becomes more bothersome. In some sever cases, pain may shoot from the wrist up the forearm and maybe even into the shoulder. The numbness in the fingers and thumb may become constant, and the thumb muscles may waste away. This can cause a loss of grip strength and coordination.

Why does this occur?

It is wise to look inside the wrist to understand how this works. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway that runs through the wrist. It is only about the size of a postage stamp, but it is crowded with nerves, blood vessels, and nine different tendons (packed in like strands of spaghetti) that control finger movements. Repetitive motions or certain medical conditions can cause these tendons to swell up, which decreases blood flow and compresses the median nerve. This controls movement and sensation in your thumb, middle, and index fingers, as well as one side of the ring finger. This is what causes episodes of numbness, tingling, and burning of the carpel tunnel syndrome. If it is left unchecked, muscle wasting and permanent damage can result.

The most common cause to carpal tunnel syndrome is repetitive, forceful movements of the hand, especially if the wrist or hand is bent in an awkward position, such as in piano playing or typing. This is a difficult condition to endure.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is very common in the United States today, and there are many things that can be done to take care of the symptoms. This week, we will have an ongoing series about how best to take care of these carpal tunnel symptoms. If you have any questions or problems with carpal tunnel, contact our offices. We can help you with our new endoscopic carpal tunnel release procedure, and your wrist will be feeling better in no time. Come back tomorrow for more tips!

Click here to read an article Dr. Reynolds had published in the local LVAC magazine about carpal tunnel syndrome (See page 26).

Be Wary of Black Market Injections

plastic surgery las vegasWomen all over the United States are quite literally risking their lives for black market procedures to make their buttocks bigger.

These procedures may include home-improvement materials such as silicone injected by people with no medical training. The consequences of these “cheaper” procedures are frightening.

Some women may want to fill out a pair of jeans or look better in a bikini. Others believe a bigger bottom will bring them work in the entertainment industry. Whatever the reason they might have, they are seeking cheaper alternatives to plastic surgery – sometimes with disfiguring or even deadly results.

There have been deaths reported from black market buttocks injections have been reported in New York, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Florida, and Georgia. An interior decorator in  Mississippi faces a trial for the deaths of two women who were injected in her home.

There is little official data on the procedures or the injuries that result from them, but authorities are saying they see them more often every day. Online forums used to set up the procedures have thousands of replies.

The problem with these procedures is that some people toss their caution to the wind when black market procedures are the only ones they can afford.

It’s a frightening reality.

For Apryl Michelle Brown, her journey toward a black-market injection started when she was a young child and people teased her about having a “flat butt”.

Years down the road, a woman in Brown’s California beauty salon told her she could make her butt bigger with injections. I thought it was “divine intervention,” says Brown.

The next week, she was at the woman’s house getting injections and followed with more later.

Before long, the injection sites got hard and extremely painful. Brown started looking for doctors to remove the material, which she soon learned was an industrial silicone available at home improvement stores.

After the surgery to remove the foreign substances in 2011, a staph infection left her close to death. She had to get both hands and feet amputated.

Today, Brown speaks out on the topic, and has a website about it too. She tries to convince others that they’re beautiful the way they are.

She wouldn’t ever want anyone to go through what she’s suffered through.

If you wish to enhance your body appearance, it is essential you do it through a trusted, board-certified plastic surgeon. Trying to get injections or cosmetic procedures on the black market may land you with serious complications and even cause death. Nobody should risk that. It’s just not worth it.

Before having an plastic surgery or cosmetic procedure done, be sure to talk to your doctor for a consultation beforehand. A trusted, competent doctor will be able to talk to you about the risks involved and what you can realistically expect from your procedure. Contact us today for a consultation on your desired procedure. You’ll be much happier with your results!

For more information on plastic surgery in Las Vegas, click here.

Things to Consider Before Plastic Surgery

Las Vegas RhinoplastyThings To Consider Before Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic or plastic surgery definitely isn’t something that should be taken lightly. You should know as much as possible about your procedure before undergoing something new and different. If you do your research, you will find that you feel much more confident going into you procedure. Follow these tips to help you feel more confident going into your surgery:

Know your surgeon

Select a qualified, reputable practitioner to perform your procedure, and research that surgeon thoroughly. Find out how long they have been practicing, what qualifications they offer, which areas or procedures they specialize in, and you will slowly but surely get an idea of whether they are the right doctor for you.

Meet them in person

It is vital to meet your doctor in person before the day of your treatment. Surprisingly, not all practices require that patients meet the surgeon prior to the surgery. If you are told this is not possible before your procedure, be wary. You should choose to meet elsewhere. Not being able to meet with your provider just screams sketchy.

Research the procedure

The internet provides a plethora of information about specific cosmetic procedures being carried out, so read the stories of people who have already undergone the procedures and engage in conversation on reputable forums. All of this will help you make an informed decision about whether this is the right procedure for you. Remember there is conflicting information, so be sure to verify the information you find with your potential practitioner.

Understand the risks

There are always risks involved with every cosmetic procedure, regardless of how non-invasive they are. During your consultation, your surgeon should be open and honest with you about the potential risks or dangers involved. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions, particularly if there is something about the procedure that worries you. Any surgeon who claims there are no risks involved is not to be trusted.

Understand the recovery process

Being completely informed about the recovery process is vital so you can prepare yourself in advance. Patients often neglect to think about many post-op factors. Ask if it’s a walk-out procedure, if there will be pain, if you need to take time off work. What does the post-operative care entail? When are the follow up visits? Your doctor should discuss these things thoroughly in advance.

Plastic surgery is a wonderful opportunity to enhance your cosmetic appearance and feel great about your new body. If you wish to have a procedure done, talk to one of our doctors today for a consultation! We can give you information on what is the best procedure for you, and how well it should work for you. If you make an informed decision, you’ll be much more likely to have a great experience all around. Talk to our professionals today for a consultation at 702.410.9800!

At Home Skincare Tips

plastic surgery las vegasHome Skincare Tips

It may seem odd for a plastic surgeon to be giving out advice on defying your age without surgery, but this is an important aspect of the cosmetic industry! Read on to find out ways to keep your skin healthy and looking fresh and beautiful.

Use Avocado-Honey Moisturizer

A moisturizer is an anti-aging must-have. By helping your skin keep a lot of is moisture, it makes your complexion look smooth! This recipe will also leave your skin feeling dewy and youthful. Use 3 tablespoons of fresh cream, ¼ of an avocado, and 1 tablespoon of honey.

Wrinkle-Fighting Salad

This fruit salad is energy-boosting, and is packed with antioxidants, which protect the skin from sun damage. It will also up your circulation to help deliver essential nutrients to skin. Eat it for breakfast and start your day on a wonderful note.  Combine ½ cup fresh strawberries, blueberries, 1 kiwi, ½ cup pomegranate seeds, ½ cup organic orange juice, and a handful of chopped walnuts.

Spot Treatment for Acne

If you have a blemish that needs to disappear fast, try out this trick – a yeast concoction will help your acne be gone before you know it! Include Brewer’s Yeast, a squeeze of lemon juice, and water. Apply right on your pimple and leave for 10 minutes.

Basil Toner

This is a great recipe for those who are prone to acne. The basil acts as an antiseptic, which helps clear acne-causing bacteria, and will also improve circulation to your skin. Use 3 tablespoons dried basil leaves, and 1 cup of boiling water.

Agave/Lemon Age Spot Removal

Your hands are the first indicator of your age, but this scrub can help. If you exfoliate your hands, you will lift off the top layer of dead skin cells, which contains much of the pigment that leaves age spots behind. Use ½ cup cooked rice, a tablespoon of agave nectar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.

Almond and Sugar Facial Scrub

Exfoliating your face often helps get rid of skin cells which dull your complexion. If you do this, your skin will look smoother and brighter. Use 3 tablespoons of fresh cream, a cup of white sugar, ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of ground almonds, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Applying this to your face will give it a fresh, clean feel!

Coconut Deep Conditioner

Keep your hair smooth, shiny, and hydrated with this natural conditioning treatment and apply it once a week. Use ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 teaspoon coconut extract.

These tips and more will get you feeling your best and will also make you look younger! You will love these results, and you’ll love the way you feel! Come into our Las Vegas Plastic surgery offices for more information on cosmetic procedures for your skin! We offer a wide variety of invasive and non-invasive procedures to keep you looking your best for your entire life. Call us today at 702.410.9800.

Plastic Surgery Secrets

plastic surgeon in las vegasPlastic surgery is a quickly growing field in the world today, and offers a wide variety of options for enhancing your cosmetic appearance. Today, we have some secrets for you on how to get the best plastic surgery. If you’re in the market, read on to find our insider tips.

  1. If you’re looking for the best doctor, ask hospital employees. Their word will trump any degree, title or charm. They’ve worked alongside these doctors, and understand exactly what they do and how they do it. You’ll be glad you got their recommendations.
  2. If an airline told you that their pilot is the best, but he’s not certified to fly the plane, would you board? No, you wouldn’t.  For the same reason, it is always vital to check that your surgeon is board-certified in his specialty. You’d be surprised by how many are not.
  3. Don’t assume your primary care doctor’s recommendation is the absolute best. Although not always, referrals may possibly be politically motivated or be given because the doctors work within the same group. Ask around before choosing a doctor.
  4. Talk to former patients. It’s always a great idea to get references from previous patients before you undergo surgery. Talking to previous patients about their experience will give you a better idea of what to expect.
  5. Go to your pre-operative appointment with a family member. This will help you feel more secure and comfortable in the office, knowing you have a trusted family member there with you. They also may be able to bring up questions you might forget.
  6. Your doctor should not push you to make a quick decision. Especially with cosmetic surgery, rushing into it is never a good idea. It’s important to make sure you know and understand all the possibilities and expectations before undergoing any procedure.

Cosmetic surgery is a great field in the world today. It can greatly improve an individual’s self esteem, and sometimes even reduce or remove severe health problems. If you wish to have a plastic surgery procedure done, talk to our office today. We can get you scheduled for a consultation and talk with you regarding any questions or needs you may have prior to surgery.