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A reddish-brown spot above the ankle on the shin, or even a larger area of discoloration, is a common occurrence. It is a symptom that draws attention to venous circulatory insufficiency of the lower limb. In medical records the spot is called a “hemosiderin deposition.” Let's review what causes it, how you can prevent it, and whether there is any way to remove it.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection can cause serious respiratory, physical and psychological dysfunction in affected patients. It is increasingly clear that recovery can be prolonged and difficult even after moderately severe illness. For this reason, returning people who have had the disease to a normal life rhythm — that is, COVID rehabilitation — is receiving growing attention. Rehabilitation often begins in hospital, but most of it takes place after discharge at home. Since you or your relatives may be affected, it is worth knowing the available options.

I have written before that one important sign of how your body works is its electrical activity. Body processes are controlled by electrical impulses, so the functioning of your brain and your heart is largely governed by electricity. Electrocardiography records the electrical activity of your heart; it is performed with an ECG (electrocardiograph) device.

It is not easy to find your way among the available devices that provide electrical treatments. Electrotherapy is not a single treatment but consists of different treatment modes. How can you decide which one you might need? This article will help you navigate that. You can also watch it in a video (with subtitles if you wish), with somewhat shortened content.

COVID has thoroughly reshaped medical care. Although the pandemic has subsided, the problem remains: clinic capacity is limited, access is centralized in many places, and waiting lists have grown. Pain, however, doesn't wait for a new appointment. What can you do if you have complaints but can't reach therapy fast enough—or if regular travel during working hours simply isn't possible? This article explains how to assemble an evidence-based home therapy system that complements (but does not replace) medical care.

When in pain, most people immediately reach for tablets, i.e. they take an analgesic. If you only need 1–2 pills, that's not a problem. Those who require long-term medication, however, must reckon with the emergence of side effects. Of course I know most people don't care what tomorrow brings… they just don't want to hurt now. But there is an alternative… TENS treatment is an effective and, moreover, side-effect-free method of pain relief!

The English term biofeedback literally means biological feedback — a signal about how the body is functioning. It is a technique with which you can learn to control certain functions of your body. Biofeedback requires sensors that collect information about your body. Based on the feedback received, you can make fine adjustments, for example relaxing certain muscles to reduce pain.

If you notice your ankle has swollen or your sock leaves a dent above your ankle, do not ignore it! The cause of leg swelling (or, as doctors call it, an edematous leg) can be many things. Some causes are harmless, others require careful attention.

Pain is your body's signal warning you that "something is wrong". Although many pain relief methods are available, don't rush into treating it! If the pain appeared suddenly and you don't know the cause, however much you suffer, do not start treating it yourself—seek medical attention immediately. Using pain relief for pain of unknown origin can be dangerous because it may mask the real problem. First the cause of the pain must be determined! The situation is different for a long-known, chronic disease, and so are the treatment options.

Chest pain can take many forms, from sharp stabbing to dull throbbing. It can be a crushing pressure or a burning sensation. It may climb up to your neck, shoot into your jaw, and radiate to your back or one or both arms. Chest pain can be triggered by a variety of problems. Among the most dangerous causes are diseases of the heart and lungs. Because of these risks, it is essential to seek medical help immediately when chest symptoms appear. Depending on what causes the chest pain, it can produce many different sensations. Often its onset has nothing to do with your heart, although this is difficult to determine without a medical examination.

The paradigm shift that is changing chronic disease management. If you have chronic pain, musculoskeletal complaints, or face a long rehabilitation, you probably know the feeling: the doctor can spare a few minutes for you each month, the physiotherapist sees you once a week, and you are left alone with your complaints for the remaining 167 hours. Home medical technology addresses this problem — it extends medical care into your home so you are not left alone between treatments.