Archive for September, 2009

Lactic Acidosis: Exercise, Metformin Causes Lactic Acid Buildup

Lactic acidosis means you’ve built up lactic acid in your bloodstream faster than it’s metabolized. Or in other words production is out pacing removal.

Lactic acid is a by product of anaerobic glycolysis. Glycolysis is a metabolic process that converts stored muscle glycogen into glucose for energy. Whenever this breakdown takes place in an environment with little or no oxygen, then lactic acid has the potential to buildup.

The most common cause for lactic acid to build up is during intense or prolonged exercise. However, accumulation of lactic acid can be caused by other health related situations and conditions as well, such as:

  • shock
  • sepsis
  • alcohol
  • hypoxia
  • seizures
  • ischemia
  • liver failure
  • lung disease
  • kidney failure
  • liver problems
  • hypoglycemia
  • severe anemia
  • respiratory failure
  • metabolic diseases
  • severe dehydration
  • out of control diabetes
  • congestive heart failure
  • carbon monoxide poisoning
  • cancer ~ leukemia, lymphoma
  • severe infection ~ HIV, malaria, cholera

A standout of lactic acidosis concern is an adverse affect from metformin, frequently prescribed for Type 2 diabetes and PCOS. Albeit, it’s rare.

A couple of identified health related risks for metformin induced lactic acid buildup include:

  • cardiac failure
  • renal impairment
  • pulmonary disease
  • diabetic retinopathy
  • diabetic ketoacidosis
  • coronary heart disease
  • excessive alcohol intake
  • other acidosis conditions
  • peripheral vascular disease
  • B12, folate, iron deficiency
  • high daily metformin dosage

An important precaution to guard against this life-threatening form of metformin caused lactic acidosis is to ensure you health care provider checks your electrolyte levels within a couple weeks after your initial dose.

Symptoms of lactic acid buildup are:

  • thirst
  • anorexia
  • weakness
  • abdominal pain
  • nausea & vomiting
  • altered level of consciousness
  • hyperpnea ~ unusually deep & rapid breathing

Extreme exercise, for example participating in an ultra marathon, may cause just about all of these symptoms. Hopefully, those engaged in exercise beyond the norm know their limits and when to back off.

The primary treatment for lactic acidosis is via correction of the underlying health problem that caused its buildup. And if exercise is your instigator, then stop.

Stress Fracture, Hairline Fracture Symptoms, Healing Stress Fractures

A stress (hairline) fracture is a tiny crack in your bone caused by repetitive force. Most common in the weight-bearing bones of your lower leg and foot, stress fractures are time and again a consequence of overuse.

Moreover, a hairline fracture can arise from normal use if a bone is weak. And stress fractures frequently occur in the second and third metatarsals in your foot.

Symptoms of a stress fracture typically involve some combination of:

  • inflammation
  • pain decreases with rest
  • hairline area feels tender
  • pain increase with activity
  • persistent pain even at rest
  • pain intensification over time
  • pain occurs earlier with each successive workout

At first, you may hardly notice you even have a stress fracture.

Your peril of a stress fracture may be increased if you:

  • have flat feet, high arches
  • abruptly shift from sedentary to active lifestyle
  • females experiencing abnormal menstruation, ammenorhea
  • participate in high-impact movement ~ track & field, basketball, tennis, gymnastics, aerobics

So, if you’re just starting out with a new weight bearing fitness regime, refrain from doing too much too soon.

Also, some conditions that put you at a higher risk of a hairline fracture are:

  • lupus
  • rickets
  • acidosis
  • anorexia
  • kyphosis
  • myeloma
  • depression
  • renal failure
  • thalassemia
  • liver disease
  • osteoporosis
  • cystic fibrosis
  • malabsorption
  • hypogonadism
  • hypercalcemia
  • hyperthyroidism
  • hypophosphatasia
  • Gaucher’s disease
  • Cushing syndrome
  • hyperparathyroidism
  • osteogenesis imperfecta
  • medications ~ corticosteroids, loop diuretics, methotrexate, heparin

And adolescents are more susceptible to stress fractures as well.

Healing a hairline fracture centers around rest, which will likely take at least a month. Possibly longer.

While you heal, some suggests for treating any fracture pain and swelling caused by stress is via:

  • ice pack ~ swell & pain reduction
  • pain relievers ~ acetaminophen only, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen can interfere with bone healing

Immobilization with a splint or cast may be necessary to ensure proper healing. When hairline fractures don’t heal fitly, chronic pain can be the aftermath.

queries. 0.218 seconds. -->