Question: I recently injured foot whilst running. I don't have any outside bruising but think I might have bruised my bone. How should I proceed with treating the injury and recovering in a speedy manner?

Answer: It is important to understand what the mechanism of injury was. For example, was it an acute sprain or is it an overuse injury?

Furthermore, where exactly on the foot is the pain?

More than likely it is not 'the bone' that is injured, but inflammation of the soft tissues, namely ligaments and tendons. This requires rest, ice, analgesia, a support strapping and physiotherapy to heal in the shortest space of time. However, you should visit your GP for an examination and diagnosis as a start.

Question: Dear Doctor, I would like to know the difference between good cholesterol and bad cholesterol?

Answer: The term good cholesterol refers to HDL (high density lipoproteins). It protects the body against heart attacks and strokes. The good news is that it can be increased with regular exercise. Thus the higher it is the better.

Bad cholesterol refers to LDL (low density lipoproteins). This results from either genetic factors or poor dietary habits, namely fatty, oily foods rich in cholesterol. This fatty build up blocks the arteries and causes complications such as heart attacks and strokes. You want this reading to be low.

It is advisable to visit your GP at least once a year to test your fasting cholesterol which means that you take your test usually overnight before breakfast (i.e. after an 8-12 hour fast). Use this visit to discuss dietary, exercise, lifestyle changes (e.g. smoking) and check your BP.

Question: I had a stent fitted last year, since this proceedure, I have a strange feeling in my groin, as if there is somthing there. I have had twice an ultrasonic scan done with no result. Is it possible that the stent has been dislodged. This feeling has been there ever since I had the stent fitted. There is no pain, but a discomfort and at times a pinching feeling. My doctor tells me there is nothing to worry about, but yet it is a concern to me. Is there anything else I can do?

Question: I assume you are referring to a cardiac stent and that your cardiologist has re-assessed you. You have also had an ultra-sound which has been normal. A dislodged cardiac stent will be immediately noticed based on severe worsening cardiac symptoms which your doctor would immediately pick up. If this is so, please return to your doctor.

However, other causes of groin pain can be related to e.g. inguinal hernias where there is a defect in the abdominal wall that leads to the discomfort in the groin area. This condition is aggravated by coughing, heavy lifting or any increase in abdominal pressure resulting in further discomfort in the groin. It is best to visit your GP to exclude other causes.

Question: I am 48, currently in menopause and using daily oestrogen replacement (femigel) yet still suffer from night sweats and hot flushes. Can I use natural remedies like black cohosh with the femigel? Please help.

Answer: If you're still having hot flushes it is best to discuss a systemic hormone replacement therapy with your GP rather than a topical therapy. Your naturopath is best to discuss natural remedies with you.

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