What is Urinary Catheterization?

Urinary catheterization is the process of inserting a catheter into a person’s bladder through his or her urethra. Urinary catheters then act as the medium through which urine from the bladder collects in bag or a container attached to the catheter.

Urinary catheterization is performed for a variety of reasons—to maintain urine output in patients who are undergoing some surgical procedure, to monitor the output of urine in severely ill patients, and on bed-ridden patients who are unable to physically use the bedpan. In particular, urinary catheterization is done on patients suffering from chronic or acute urinary retention problems, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and other bladder and prostate conditions. Certain other medical conditions like dementia, multiple sclerosis, and injuries to the spinal cord also demand the use of urinary catheters on patients. They are also inserted on patients to inject them with liquids used for treating or diagnosing bladder conditions.   

Urinary catheters may be permanent (indwelling catheters) or temporary ones that are removed after every catheterization process. A Foley catheter is an indwelling type which sits in place with the aid of a balloon at the tip. The balloon contains sterilized water and is usually made of silicone or natural rubber. On the other hand, the Robinson catheter is a temporary or intermittent catheter that does not have a balloon at its tip and hence cannot stay in place.

Urinary catheterization is considered a sterile medical procedure and hence must be performed only by qualified medical professionals or care givers. Self-catheterization is also possible and is in fact, a viable option for patients who require intermittent catheterization. However, these patients must be thoroughly trained in the process by a qualified professional.

Urinary catheterization comes with the risk of patients developing urinary tract infection (UTI). So health care professionals and the patients themselves must ensure that the catheter is kept clean and absolutely free of bacteria at all times. In fact, health care professionals should make it a point to educate the patients on the maintenance and care routine, like cleansing the region from which the catheter exits the body, the catheter itself, and cleaning the hands before disconnecting the drainage bag or container from the catheter.

Proper insertion of the most suitable catheter and careful maintenance ensures that urinary catheterization is a painless process.

About Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is a medical condition. It is related to inflammation and irritation of large tendon in the back of the ankle. Achilles tendonitis is considered amongst the common injuries which tend to take place with the recreational athletes. The overuse of Achilles tendon may cause the inflammation which can lead to swelling and even pain. However, the reasons of Achilles tendon tear can be different.

Achilles tendonitis is often distinguished from the other common Achilles tendon conditions called the Achilles tendinitis. Patients diagnosed with the Achilles tendinitis suffer from the chronic Achilles pain and swelling as a result of the microscopic, degenerative tears within the tendon. The 2 major causes of the Achilles tendonitis include overpronation and lack of flexibility.

The other factors which are associated with the Achilles tendonitis include the recent changes in the footwear and changes in exercising the training schedules. More often the long distance runner will have the symptoms of the Achilles tendonitis after the increasing the total amount of the hill training that they are doing.

As people gets older, tendons like the other tissues present in the body becomes much more rigid and less flexible and hence susceptible to the injury. Therefore, the middle age recreational athletes are much susceptible to the Achilles tendonitis.

Achilles Tendonitis and its Symptoms

The major symptom connected with Achilles tendonitis is a pain felt behind heel. The pain is often prominent in area about two to four centimeters above where tendon attaches to heel. The pain is prominent in areas about two to four centimeters above tendon which attaches to the heel. In such location, the supply of blood to tendon makes the area particularly susceptible.

Patients with disease Achilles tendonitis generally experience most pain after some periods of inactivity. Therefore, the patients tend to experience the pain after the first walk in morning or when you get up after sitting for a long time. Patients will even experience serious pain when participating in such activities like jumping and running. Achilles tendonitis pain connected with exercise is most important when jumping and pushing off.

For Achilles tendonitis treatment, the X-rays are generally carried out to evaluate the possible conditions of Achilles tendonitis. The Achilles tendonitis treatment actually starts with the resting of tendon to allow inflammation to settle down. In much serious conditions, proper rest can be required.

The other methods of Achilles tendonitis treatment include application of cold therapy, proper rest, wear in the heel pad to raise heel and to take some strain off Achilles tendon. This must only be one temporary measure while Achilles tendon is curing. Be sure that you use the right type of running shoes for your own foot type and sport.