Health

3 Tips for Living with Erythromelalgia

Published

3 years ago

December 5, 2021

Erythromelalgia is an extremely rare condition that’s recognized as such by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). It affects an estimated 1.3 out of 100,000 people in the United States. But as rare as it is, it can be debilitating for the individuals who have it.

If you or a loved one has erythromelalgia, finding answers is obviously your greatest priority.

What is Erythromelalgia?

Erythromelalgia is extremely uncommon. However, for those who suffer from the condition, it’s a painful condition that commonly affects the feet and (sometimes) the hands. People with the condition describe it as an intense, burning pain that can be both episodic or continuous. Some people experience sudden flare ups, while others have a more chronic form of the condition.

“In most individuals, it is episodic/intermittent, with episodes of red hot feet and/or hands intermittently,” NORD explains. “Symptom onset may be gradual (insidious), with the condition potentially remaining relatively mild for years. However, in others, it may have a sudden (acute) onset, possibly spreading and becoming severe over weeks.”

For those interested in the etymology of the word, the prefix erythro means “redness.” Mel means “limb.” The suffix algia is typically used to indicate “pain.” So the term, while difficult for most to pronounce correctly on the first attempt, quite literally means painful red limbs.

Other names and related conditions for erythromelalgia include erythermalgia, Mitchell disease, Weir-Mitchell disease, and Gerhardt disease.

Doctors generally discuss erythromelalgia in two classifications: primary and secondary. Both tend to have similar symptoms, including burning pain, itchiness, redness, warmth to the touch, sores on the feet, and even radiating/shooting pain.

Primary erythromelalgia has no known cause. It’s most commonly seen in children, but can technically impact anyone. Painful symptoms and discomfort usually affect both sides of the body and get worse in warmer weather. Primary erythromelalgia attacks begin with itchiness that then progresses into severe burning pain. These attacks may last anywhere from several minutes to days.

Secondary erythromelalgia is diagnosed in people who have other conditions and diseases, like autoimmune diseases. This type of erythromelalgia is more commonly seen in adults and usually begins in middle age. The symptoms are pretty much identical to those of primary erythromelalgia.

Tips for Living With Erythromelalgia

Since most doctors know very little about erythromelalgia, there are no known cures. Most people just have to learn to live with it. Having said that, there are certain things you can do to treat the symptoms and make flare ups less likely.

See the Right Specialist

As frustrating as it is, most doctors simply don’t know much about erythromelalgia. And if you think about it, who can blame them? With just 1.3 out of 100,000 people suffering from this condition, they could go years without seeing an erythromelalgia patient in their office. Thankfully, there are specialists who are very familiar with this condition.

When choosing a specialist, look for someone who knows this disorder in and out. Untamed Iona, for example, has a specialist who actually has the condition herself! You can even book an online call with her (so it doesn’t matter where you’re located).

Try Medication

Again, there’s no perfect medication that works for everyone with erythromelalgia. There are, however, effective options that can work. You must be open to trial and error.

Oral medications include options like magnesium selective serotonin, calcium antagonists, tricyclic antidepressants, reuptake inhibitors, and others. Topical medications include compounded creams (gel of 1 percent amitriptyline and 0.5 percent ketamine), capsaicin cream (Zostrix), and lidocaine and menthol (Lidoderm).

Consider Surgery

While it’s definitely a last resort option, there are surgical treatments that can provide relief. The procedure, known as a sympathectomy, cuts nerve endings that send pain signals to the hands and feet. This procedure does come with the potential for serious side effects, including infection, bleeding, and permanent nerve damage. Thus it’s never an ideal choice.

Live Your Best Life

While there might not be a cure for erythromelalgia, there’s still plenty of hope. Just because you haven’t found relief yet doesn’t mean you never will. It’s a matter of speaking with the right people and trying a number of options until something works for you. Whether it’s eliminating a certain factor that seems to cause flare ups, using a specific medication, or even exploring surgery as an option, there are plenty of treatment methods. Don’t give up on yourself. You are your greatest advocate!

Health

How Circuhealth Clinic’s Treatment Will Benefit You: A Comprehensive Guide

Published

1 week ago

July 15, 2024

Michelle Langton

Maintaining optimal health can be challenging in the modern world. Busy lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and the stress of daily life can all contribute to a decline in our overall well-being. Circuhealth Clinic Clinic, led by the renowned Nadia Nassif, offers a holistic approach to health by improving circulatory health through various advanced, non-invasive treatments.

The Importance of Circulatory Health

Circulatory health is fundamental to overall wellness. The circulatory system is responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to every cell in the body and removing waste products. When this system is compromised, it can lead to a host of health issues, including chronic fatigue, poor skin health, and even cardiovascular diseases. Improving circulation can enhance energy levels, support organ function, and promote overall vitality.

Personalized Exercise Programs

One of the cornerstones of Circuhealth Clinic’s approach is the creation of personalized exercise programs. These programs are not one-size-fits-all; instead, they are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Personalized exercise programs can significantly enhance circulatory health by boosting blood flow, which delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to tissues and organs.

For instance, regular physical activity strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and helps regulate weight. A tailored exercise program can reduce the risk of injuries, increase motivation by aligning with specific fitness goals, and provide consistent progress tracking for optimal results. This personalized attention ensures that you are not only getting fitter but also healthier in the most efficient way possible.

Detoxification Treatments

Detoxification treatments are another vital aspect of Circuhealth Clinic’s offerings. These treatments are designed to remove toxins that impair circulation, thus enhancing overall health. Circuhealth Clinic detoxification protocols include Hydration Therapy, Detox Diets, Herbal Supplements, and antioxidant consumption.

Hydration Therapy: Drinking plenty of water and hydrating fluids helps flush out toxins, promoting better circulation.
Detox Diets: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while avoiding processed foods and sugars, supports the body’s natural detoxification processes.
Herbal Supplements: Using herbs like milk thistle, dandelion root, and burdock root, known for their detoxifying properties, supports liver function and toxin elimination.

By incorporating these detoxification treatments, Circuhealth Clinic helps to ensure that your body is free from harmful toxins, thus improving circulatory health and overall well-being.

Stress Reduction Techniques

Stress can significantly impact circulatory health. High-stress levels increase cortisol production, leading to various health issues such as high blood pressure, weakened immune function, and poor skin health. Circuhealth Clinic employs several stress reduction techniques to help manage and reduce stress, thereby supporting circulatory health.

For example, the 54321 method is a grounding exercise designed to manage acute stress and reduce anxiety. This method involves identifying five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This technique can be particularly useful before bedtime to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

Other stress reduction techniques include meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga. These practices help calm the mind, reduce cortisol levels, and improve overall mental health, supporting better circulatory health.

Importance of a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is crucial for maintaining good circulatory health. Circuhealth Clinic emphasizes the importance of eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Such a diet can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve energy levels, and support overall health.

For those looking to manage hypertension, Circuhealth Clinic suggests a specific dietary approach:

10 Hours Before Bed: No more caffeine.
3 Hours Before Bed: No more food or alcohol.
2 Hours Before Bed: No more work.
1 Hour Before Bed: No more screen time.
0: Number of times you hit the snooze button.

This structured approach helps regulate blood pressure and promotes better sleep, both essential for good circulatory health.

Conclusion

Circuhealth Clinic Clinic, under the expert guidance of Nadia Nassif, offers a holistic approach to health that focuses on improving circulatory health through personalized exercise programs, detoxification treatments, stress reduction techniques, and advanced diagnostics. By addressing the underlying causes of health issues and providing tailored treatment plans, Circuhealth Clinic helps individuals achieve optimal health and well-being.

Whether you are looking to manage a chronic condition, improve your overall health, or simply enhance your quality of life, Circuhealth Clinic’s comprehensive approach offers a path to better health. Embrace these treatments and lifestyle changes to experience the full benefits of improved circulatory health and overall wellness.