A New York Times article published last March 3, 2010 expressed, “All hip devices, regardless of the material, create debris as the ball rotates and rubs against the cup-like socket,”. “But in metal-on-metal hips, either because of poor design or poor implant technique, the ball can sometimes press against the cup’s edge. This creates a chisel-like effect referred to as ‘edge-loading’ that produces large volumes of microscopic metallic particles that can cause havoc in some patients.” This article has graced the pages of another article which was related to the increasing reports of defective ASR hip replacement device and the DePuy Pinnacle Hip Replacement System which was believed to cause heavy metal toxicity due to its metal-on-metal design. In a new article published recently entitled as New Hip Replacement System May Solve Heavy Metal Toxicity Problem, a metal-on-ceramic hip prostheses released by DePuy that is known as the Pinnacle CoMplete Acetebular Hip System is said to solve the problem about heavy metal toxicity. This being said, let us delve into the definition of heavy metal toxicity and what are the signs and symptoms one should observe.

 

What is Heavy Metal Toxicity?

 

Aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury are some of the usual heavy metals which has been known to cause heavy metal toxicity. Heavy metal toxicity occurs when there is an excessive amount of heavy metal detected in the person’s bloodstream. Normally, our body excretes the unwanted heavy metal in our body. Organ failure due to some disease process could also lead to a toxic build up of these type of metals.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Heavy Metal Toxicity

 

Some signs and symptoms of heavy metal toxicity include:

 

• Nervous system malfunctions (which includes burning sensation of the extremities, numbness, tingling sensation/paresthesia, paralysis, and/or an electrifying feeling throughout the body)

• Brain fogging (a state of forgetfulness and confusion)

• Mood swings, depression, and/or anxiety

• Migraines and/or headaches

• Visual disturbances

• Dizziness

• Food allergies

• Gastrointestinal complaints, such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, heartburn, and indigestion

• Chronic pain throughout the muscles and tendons or any soft tissues of the body

• Chronic body malaise (a general feeling of discomfort, fatigue, and illness)

• Chronic infections such as Candidiasis

   

If you notice that any of these signs and symptoms are experienced, it is better to consult your doctor first before jumping to conclusions since heavy metal toxicity’s signs and symptoms are more or less similar to chronic conditions such as autism, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome and such. For those who were affected by faulty DePuy hip devices, a hip replacement recall was issued. If your are interested to learn more about this case, you can visit related sites available.

 

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