Glucosamine Supplements Tied to Risk of Eye Condition THURSDAY, May 23 (HealthDay News) -- Glucosamine supplements that millions of Americans take to help treat hip and knee osteoarthritis may have an unexpected side effect: They may increase risk for developing glaucoma, a small new study of older adults suggests. Glaucoma occurs when there is an increase of intraocular pressure (IOP) or pressure inside the eye. Left untreated, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness. In the new study of 17 ...

Top-Ranked Golfer Beats Scoliosis FRIDAY, May 24 (HealthDay News) -- As a world-class golfer, Stacy Lewis' accomplishments are remarkable. But it was a physical challenge in her childhood that defined her ascent to the top of her sport. "I was an 11-year-old girl with my heart set on playing golf when my scoliosis was diagnosed by my orthopedic surgeon," said Lewis, who has become a spokeswoman for both the Scoliosis Research Society and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons so she can help other...

Scientists Map the Fungi on Your Feet WEDNESDAY, May 22 (HealthDay News) -- Anyone who has ever wrestled with athlete's foot knows there is something about feet that fungi seem to like. But scientists now have the first detailed "map" of the fungal groups that live on your skin -- and, yes, your feet are the hottest neighborhood. It's no secret that the human body is awash in microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, both outside and inside. And it's mainly a friendly relationship that...

Migraine, Chronic Back Pain Tied to Higher Suicide Risk WEDNESDAY, May 22 (HealthDay News) -- People who endure chronic migraines or back pain are more likely to attempt suicide, whether or not they also suffer from depression or another psychiatric condition, according to a new study. "Clinicians who are seeing patients with certain pain conditions should be aware they are at increased risk of suicide," said study co-author Mark Ilgen, of the Veterans Affairs Serious Mental Illness Treatment Resource a...

Age, Other Illnesses May Make Prostate Cancer Treatment Unnecessary TUESDAY, May 21 (HealthDay News) -- Aggressive treatment for prostate cancer may not be warranted for many older patients with underlying medical conditions, a new study finds. Treatments for prostate cancer, such as surgery, radiation and radioactive seed implants, can cause serious side effects, such as erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence and bowel problems, explained researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (...

Many Can Blame Family for Their Bunions MONDAY, May 20 (HealthDay News) -- If you've got bunions, chances are others in your family suffer from the common foot disorder, with a new study finding the condition is often passed down from parents to children. Reporting in the May issue of Arthritis Care & Research , researchers found that people of European descent often inherit conditions such as bunions or other toe deformities. "Our study is the largest investigation of the heritability of common foo...

Sugar Injections for Knee Arthritis May Ease Pain: Study MONDAY, May 20 (HealthDay News) -- Injections of a sugar solution appear to help relieve knee pain and stiffness related to osteoarthritis, a new study suggests. The technique -- known as dextrose prolotherapy -- has been around for 75 years but is still considered an "alternative" therapy. "Our study suggests very strongly that prolotherapy is a safe and appropriate therapy for people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis that hasn't responde...

Health Tip: Before You Lift Something Heavy (HealthDay News) -- Lower back pain is among the leading causes of missed work in the United States. Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce your risk of hurting yourself. The American Council on Exercise suggests these techniques for proper lifting: Ask for help if you are trying to lift something that's too heavy. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, and stand as close as possible to the object you're lifting. Bend at the knees, never at the waist. Lift w...

Xofigo Approved for Prostate Cancer THURSDAY, May 16 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug to help men with advanced prostate cancer whose disease has spread to the bones. The drug, Xofigo, is targeted to patients with late-stage, metastatic disease that has spread to the bones but not to other organs, the FDA said in a news release. It is meant for patients who have already undergone surgery and/or drug therapies such as hormone-based treatments. In a clinical tr...

Erectile Dysfunction Tied to Long-Term Narcotic Use in Men WEDNESDAY, May 15 (HealthDay News) -- If you're a man, the pain-killing medications known as opioids may do more than relieve pain -- they may also put a damper on your sex life. A new study found that men who were prescribed medications for erectile dysfunction or low testosterone levels were more likely to be taking opioid (narcotic) medications for chronic back pain. "People who have persistent pain problems need to know that a potential side...