What Is a Medial Gastrocnemius Strain?

Thestrainoccurs when the musclestretchestoo far, tearing the tendon and muscle portion of the calf. The strain is commonly known as “tennis leg” because it’s so common among tennis players. Generally, it doesn’t require surgery, but it hurts. Verywell / Laura Porter This article explains the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of a medial gastrocnemius strain. Where Is the Medial Gastrocnemius? The most commonly injured muscle when acalf strainoccurs is an injury to the medial gastrocnemius muscle....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 322 words · Stacy Ross

What Is a Medical Technologist?

Medical technologists are responsible for operating and maintaining the equipment used to examine samples or specimens. This article describes what a medical technologist does. The main purpose of their work is to help healthcare providers make diagnoses. Cultura / Jason Butcher / Riser / Getty Images Medical technologists work in a pathology lab. They prepare samples, slides, andculturesfor themedical pathologistto review. They typically work under a pathologist. Most medical technologists work behind the scenes and do not interact with patients....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 395 words · Matthew Edwards

What Is a Melasma Mustache and How Do I Get Rid of It?

Is Melasma Dangerous? Melasma is not considered dangerous. What Causes a Melasma Mustache? VladimirFLoyd / Getty Images This can cause the skin to darken and result in hyperpigmentation or lead to the formation of melasma patches. What Does a Melasma Mustache Look Like? Melasma mustaches should not cause discomfort or swelling. It is typically asymptomatic and doesnt cause any pain or itching, Garshick said. That said, it can make people feel self-conscious or embarrassed....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 168 words · Jennifer Baldwin

What Is a Membrane Sweep?

Membrane sweeping, also known as membrane stripping, is a procedure that can helpinduce labor. Membrane sweeping is sometimes recommended for pregnant people who are close to or past their due date. During the procedure, your healthcare provider inserts a gloved finger into thecervixto loosen the amniotic sac from theuterus. EmirMemedovski / Getty Images Membrane sweeping can be done in your providers office and may speed up labor. This article will describe the procedure of membrane sweeping, what to expect, and who should avoid it....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 614 words · Destiny Mcgrath

What Is a Molar Pregnancy?

The mass often resembles a clump of grapes when viewed on an ultrasound. DjelicS / Getty Images Molar pregnancies are usually not cancerous, but sometimes the tumor can bemalignant. Certain types are more difficult to treat and can pose longer-term health complications. DjelicS / Getty Images Hydatidiform Mole Hydatidiform moles fall into one of two categories: complete or partial. A complete mole contains no maternalDNAbut two sets of paternal DNA....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 628 words · Jerry Mullins MD

What Is a Mono Rash?

The rash is usually non-itchy. Different people may experience different manifestations of a mono rash, includinghivesorpetechiae(purplish blood spots). The diagnosis may be confirmed with an antibody blood test. Hello World / Getty Images A rash can also sometimes occur in response toantibioticsused to treat complications of mono, particularlyAmoxil (amoxicillin). Hello World / Getty Images What Is Infectious Mononucleosis? Infectious mononucleosis, also called mono or the kissing disease, is resulting from theEpstein-Barr virus (EBV)....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 472 words · Megan Middleton

What Is a Mucolytic?

Mucinex (guaifenesin) is a common example of a mucolytic. Mucus is the gelatinous goo produced bymucous membranesof the lungs. It’s common in people who have respiratory conditions. Markus Gann / EyeEm / Getty Images Overproduction of mucus is sparked by theinflammationthese conditions cause in the lungs. This natural defense against injury or disease ends up causing tissues to swell. Types of Mucolytics Mucolytics belong to a group of mucoactive agents....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 213 words · Kayla Walker

What Is a Mucous Cyst?

A mucouscystoccurs as a benign, fluid-filled mass. It most often appears on your lower lip or in or around other parts of your mouth. It can also grow on a finger or toe. Justin Case / Getty Images A mucous cyst is not considered a sign or risk of cancer. A mucous cyst on your finger is often linked to joint wear and tear common inosteoarthritis. Some mucous cysts may not need treatment....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 420 words · Janet Stephens

What Is a Nasogastric (NG) Tube?

It is used to deliver food or medicine to the stomach for people who have difficulty eating or swallowing. It can also be used to remove liquids or air from the stomach. The placement of an NG tube, called nasogastric intubation, can be uncomfortable but is usually not painful. Leonello Calvetti / Science Photo Library / Getty Images When used to deliver liquid nutrition, the procedure is often referred to as “tube feeding....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 477 words · William Medina

What is a Nephrologist? When to See One and What to Expect

Kidney doctors are callednephrologists. They treat conditions that affect the kidneys, like chronic kidney disease and kidney stones. They also may help people manage chronic conditions like diabetes that could affect their kidneys. The Good Brigade / Getty Images The Good Brigade / Getty Images What Is a Nephrologist? Nephrologists are medical doctors who focus on the health of the kidneys. They can help diagnose kidney conditions and provide treatment and management....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 433 words · James Mayo

What Is a Neuroma?

Abnormal Nerve Tissue That Causes Severe Pain A neuromaa.k.a. Neuromas can occur anywhere in the body. This article explains neuroma symptoms and their causes. ljubaphoto / Getty Images ljubaphoto / Getty Images What Are the Symptoms of a Neuroma? Neuromas involve thickening of the nerve tissues, which often causes severenerve pain. A neuroma can also change the way your brain interprets touch and lead to pain types categorized asdysesthesias. Dysesthesias are defined as abnormal sensations....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 296 words · Robert Johnson

What Is a Nodule?

A nodule is a growth or lump that develops on or within the body. When a health condition presents with nodules, it is considered nodularity. Nodules are incredibly common and can becancerous (malignant) or benign (non-cancerous). peakSTOCK / Getty Images This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and types of nodules a person can develop throughout their lifetime. Other than the lump, a person may experience no symptoms at all. Other signs of a nodule will depend on where it is located....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 545 words · Susan Oconnor

What Is a Non-Stress Test?

It is used to ensure the health of the fetus before labor. This pop in of test is usually done when the fetus is considered high-risk. Later in pregnancy, the fetal heart rate typically increases with the fetus’s physical activity. Verywell / Jessica Olah However, it does not have any diagnostic value other than identifying whether fetal hypoxia occurs during the test. Therefore, other conditions or problems might be present....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 305 words · James Morris