Perhaps the most important thing that attracts attention in shoe shopping stores is high heel shoes, but have you ever wondered about the dangers and health disadvantages related to them?

High heels and tight shoes cause many back and feet pains, in addition to causing many deformities, of which the hallux valgus is the most common.

It is a pathological condition in which a bony protrusion appears on the joint at the base of the big toe, which leads to its deviation towards the rest of the toes.

Women are more likely to suffer from this deformity, as a result of wearing tight shoes and high-heeled shoes, in addition to the presence of other factors that predispose to infection, such as the genetic factor, obesity, flat feet, and some chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

This condition leads to many symptoms whose severity varies according to the degree of deformity, starting with mild pain to reach inflammation and defective deformation in the shape of the foot, which leads to chronic pain that accompanies the patient throughout his life.

Hallux valgus treatment

Management of this condition requires two types of treatments:

One of them is pain relief using NSAID's and corticosteroid injections.

And the other is by using physical therapy, wearing flexible shoes, and reducing excess weight. In some severe cases, we may have to perform surgery in order to relieve the patient from the severe pain he suffers from. To prevent the occurrence of injury or to reduce its severity, it is recommended to follow the following instructions:

• Exercising daily and periodically without stressing the feet.
• Use appropriate medical shoes for the foot.
• Not wearing high heels.

Prepared by Dr.: Moaz Muhammad Moataz Al-Mahaini.

Linguistic proofreading: Lana Muhammad Moataz al-Mahaini.

Sources and references

Bunion. (n.d)

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002211/

Bunions. (2012, September)

orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00155

Bunions (hallux abducto valgus). (n.d.)

foothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/bunions.htm

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014, February 11). Bunions

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bunions/home/ovc-20262028

Gestational diabetes is defined as diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and is characterized by an increase in the blood sugar levels of the expectant mother. Gestational diabetes is one of the most important health problems facing pregnant women, and its proper diagnosis and treatment is vital for the health of the mother and fetus.

Definition of gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs when hormonal production increases in the body of the expectant mother, which leads to increased levels of sugar in the blood. This is caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin, which is required to convert sugar into energy. And the high level of sugar in the blood affects the development of the fetus and the health of the expectant mother.

Causes of gestational diabetes

The reasons can be genetic, as the chances of developing gestational diabetes increase in women who have diabetes in their families. Excess weight, an unhealthy diet, and an inactive life also increase the risk of gestational diabetes.

Symptoms of gestational diabetes

Some people feel that there are no symptoms of gestational diabetes, but in some cases symptoms can include:

• Excessive thirst and excessive hunger.
• Frequent urination.
• Exhaustion and fatigue.
• Muscle spasm.
• Headache.
• Nausea or vomiting.

Although these symptoms aren't always obvious, they warrant blood sugar levels for a diagnosis of gestational diabetes.

Prevention of gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes can be prevented through lifestyle changes, such as:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Do regular exercise.
• Eat healthy and balanced meals.
• Maintaining blood sugar levels within the normal range.

Gestational diabetes treatment

Treatment options for gestational diabetes vary according to each case, and treatment includes:

• Lifestyle changes: This includes improving your diet and exercising regularly to help lower your blood sugar levels.
• Medication: Doctors can prescribe medications to keep blood sugar levels regular, and this usually includes insulin or oral medications.
• Pregnancy follow-up: The pregnant mother must follow up her condition accurately and regularly with the attending physician, and perform the necessary tests to monitor blood sugar levels and the health of the fetus.
• Childbirth: The expectant mother must undergo specific health care during the delivery period, and a cesarean delivery may be required in some cases.

Diagnosis

Gestational diabetes is usually diagnosed by checking blood sugar levels after eating breakfast, and in pregnant women, this test should be done periodically during pregnancy. The primary test for gestational diabetes is the oral glucose tolerance test, in which the blood glucose level is checked after a specific amount of glucose is consumed. If blood sugar levels are high, gestational diabetes is diagnosed.

Complications

Failure to properly manage gestational diabetes may lead to serious complications during pregnancy and childbirth, including:

• Increased risk of high blood pressure, which can lead to serious complications such as cerebral hemorrhage and heart disease.
• Increased risk of vaginitis and cystitis, which can cause pain, swelling, and itching.
• Increased risk of premature birth, which may lead to serious complications for the baby such as poor breathing and pneumonia.
• Increased risk of surgical infections during childbirth, which can lead to uterine bleeding and trauma.

Therefore, pregnant women with gestational diabetes have to follow up their condition regularly with their physician and follow a healthy lifestyle and appropriate treatment to avoid these potential complications.

Prevention of gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes can be prevented through lifestyle changes, such as:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Do regular exercise.
• Eat healthy and balanced meals.
• Maintaining blood sugar levels within the normal range.

Gestational diabetes treatment

Treatment options for gestational diabetes vary according to each case, and treatment includes:

• Lifestyle changes: This includes improving your diet and exercising regularly to help lower your blood sugar levels.
• Medication: Doctors can prescribe medications to keep blood sugar levels regular, and this usually includes insulin or oral medications.
• Pregnancy follow-up: The pregnant mother must follow up her condition accurately and regularly with the attending physician, and perform the necessary tests to monitor blood sugar levels and the health of the fetus.
• Childbirth: The expectant mother must undergo specific health care during the delivery period, and a cesarean delivery may be required in some cases

Ultimately, expectant mothers must carefully monitor their condition and seriously deal with gestational diabetes, which can lead to serious complications for the mother and fetus. A healthy lifestyle and appropriate treatment should be adhered to to prevent these complications and ensure the health of the mother and fetus.

Survivors of the catastrophic earthquake in Turkey and Syria, which killed more than 20,000 people, injured tens of thousands, and displaced hundreds of thousands, are facing scientifically proven possibilities of suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, which is one of the long-term mental health disorders. So let's learn in this article about the signs of this disorder, symptoms and treatment methods.

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

During our daily lives, each of us is exposed to a terrible accident that is out of our control. What is meant by a terrible accident is when a person feels that he is in danger or his life is threatened, or we see others dying or injured, for example:

Serious road accidents, battles, wars and natural disasters (earthquakes, volcanoes, floods and hurricanes) sexual assault, rape, physical assault, exposure to theft or burglary, and also a diagnosis of a life-threatening disease or when a family member dies may trigger post-traumatic stress disorder Which appears as a reaction to the chemical changes that occur in the brain after exposure to painful events, and is not the result of a defect or weakness in the personality. 

Fortunately, most people overcome these experiences over time even without psychological help, but for some people it causes them a reaction that may last for months or even years and this is what we call post-traumatic stress disorder.  Post-traumatic stress symptoms may begin weeks or even months after the event, but usually appear within one month of the event.

symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder

PTSD is usually categorized into four types: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. Symptoms can change over time or differ from person to person.

First: Flashbacks & Nightmares

• Recurrent, unwanted traumatic memories of the traumatic event.
• Live the moment of the traumatic event as if it were happening again (retrospection).
• Disturbing dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event.
• Intense emotional stress or physical reactions about something that reminds you of the traumatic event.

Second: avoidance

• Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event.
• Avoid places, activities, or people that remind you of the traumatic event.

Third: Negative changes in thinking and mood

• Negative thoughts about yourself, others, or the world.
• Despair about the future.
• Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of a traumatic event.
• Feeling alienated and separated from family and friends.
• Lack of interest in activities you previously enjoyed.
• Difficulty experiencing positive emotions.

Fourth: Changes in physical and emotional reactions

• An exaggerated response, such as a sense of panic or extreme fear that is disproportionate to the situation.
• Feeling of constant alertness (hypervigilance), that is, the person feels as if he is always in danger and cannot relax.
• Difficulty sleeping and difficulty concentrating.
• Irritability, outbursts of anger, or aggressive behavior.
• An intense sense of guilt or shame.

For children 6 years of age and younger, signs and symptoms may also include:

• Reenact the traumatic event or aspects of the traumatic event during play.
• Frightening dreams that may or may not include aspects of the traumatic event.

How is PTSD diagnosed?

PTSD is not diagnosed until at least one month after exposure to the traumatic event, and the doctor relies on the diagnosis of knowing the medical history and what the person has gone through from painful experiences and events, in addition to the symptoms he is currently suffering from based on the criteria for diagnosing PTSD .

Post-traumatic stress disorder treatment

Treatment for PTSD cases includes psychotherapy, medication, or both.

1- Psychotherapy:

Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the effective methods in reducing and treating the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, as it works to change the thoughts and behaviors of the individual, which helps to overcome the trauma and relieve symptoms. Other psychotherapeutic approaches used to treat this disorder include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
• Exposure therapy.
• Eye movement therapy (EMDR) (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing).
• Group psychotherapy.

2- Pharmacological treatment:

The use of antidepressants may be useful in treating post-traumatic stress disorder, as they contribute to improving mood and relieving anxiety, such as Sertraline and Paroxetine.

How can PTSD be prevented?

Receiving psychological support and appropriate treatment after experiencing psychological trauma can help prevent the condition from developing into PTSD.

Initial psychological support plan:

First: come close

Ask the person how he feels. Calm him down if he is agitated or panicked.

Second: listen

Listen to the person without judgment and make them feel understood.

Third: support

Offer him emotional support and then informational solutions to his problem.

Fourth: Encourage

Encourage him to choose one of the specialized options available, such as medication and psychotherapy.

Fifth: Tell

Talk to him about psychological self-help strategies (support groups - family - friends).

And in conclusion, don't forget yourself!!

After you provide assistance to a person in psychological distress that may affect your feelings in a negative way, pay attention to these feelings and try to deal with them and mitigate their impact, such as talking to a person you trust, and take into account the privacy of the injured person by not mentioning information about his condition.

Prepared by: Dr. Moaz Muhammad Moataz Al-Mahaini.

Linguistic proofreading: Lana Muhammad Moataz al-Mahaini.

Sources and references:

• Lauren Krouse. What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? Retrieved on the 20th of December, 2022.
• WebMD. What Is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? Retrieved on the 20th of December, 2022.
• Geraldine Orentas. Signs and Symptoms of PTSD in Women. Retrieved on the 20th of December, 2022.
• Healthdirect. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Retrieved on the 20th of December, 2022.
• WebMD. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Retrieved on the 20th of December, 2022.

• Matthew Tull. What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder? Retrieved on the 20th of December, 2022