Managing Sciatica: Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Help?
Sciatica I would like to ask the doctor about my condition. Last year, around February and March, I developed sciatica in my right leg due to poor sitting posture. After examination and treatment by a physician, the severe pain has subsided, and I can resume my normal activities....
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, it is important to determine whether sciatica is caused by compression in the spinal region, as the treatment would be completely different, or if it is simply due to overexertion and fatigue. Traditional Chinese medicine may be effective, but it depends on the underlying ...[Read More] Managing Sciatica: Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Help?
Understanding Multiple Pain Symptoms: Back, Abdomen, and Hip Issues
Multiple areas of pain in the body, including back pain, abdominal pain, hip joint pain, and lower back pain? Hello Doctor: My mother has been experiencing abdominal discomfort and pain daily, along with upper back pain, right shoulder pain, hip joint pain, lower back pain, and u...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Lumbar degenerative stenosis can present with the aforementioned symptoms; however, imaging studies such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) are necessary to confirm the diagnosis before treatment can be initiated.[Read More] Understanding Multiple Pain Symptoms: Back, Abdomen, and Hip Issues
How to Address Stunted Growth at 18: Can You Still Get Taller?
What should be done if there has been no height increase over a four-year period? I'm sorry, but I would like to ask, since I haven't grown taller since the third year of junior high school, my height has been stuck at 176 cm. Now, at 18 years old in my senior year of h...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
You can go to the hospital for a bone age assessment or to get an X-ray to check if the growth plates in the knee joint have closed.[Read More] How to Address Stunted Growth at 18: Can You Still Get Taller?
Do Finger Bending and Ganglion Cysts Have a Connection?
Is there a connection between a wrist fracture and tenosynovitis? I recently came across an interesting news article stating that a doctor in the United States conducted an experiment for sixty years on cracking his fingers and concluded that there was no difference between finge...
Dr. Shen Boquan Reply:
Hello, it's unlikely that a single incident of finger fracture would cause a tendon sheath cyst; you may have already had the cyst and just discovered it. If it is not very painful or bothersome, rest or observation is sufficient. If discomfort occurs, you can take or apply ...[Read More] Do Finger Bending and Ganglion Cysts Have a Connection?
Understanding Hard Lumps on Finger Joints: When to Seek Medical Advice
Finger joints Hello: I feel a hard lump in the joint of my left pinky finger, which causes the pinky to bend upwards about 45 degrees when my palm is facing down. However, it is not painful, and the finger's function is normal. Is it necessary to seek medical attention?
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Continue to monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention if they occur.[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps on Finger Joints: When to Seek Medical Advice
Post-Surgery Insights on Jaw Bone Tumor: Recurrence and Recovery
Postoperative care for bone tumors? Hello, doctor. I underwent a mandible osteoma resection in early January this year, and the pathology report states: "The section shows skeletal muscle and sclerotic bony trabeculi." Can you tell me if this indicates that the tumor is...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, the pathology report mentioned in your letter is incomplete. It only states that there are muscle and bone trabeculae in the specimen. To determine whether it is benign, please consult your attending physician. After the surgery, please monitor for any pain and temporary f...[Read More] Post-Surgery Insights on Jaw Bone Tumor: Recurrence and Recovery
Understanding Toe Deformities: Causes, Prevention, and Self-Care Tips
Toe deformity Hello, Director! Previously, I asked you about a toe issue, and recently I visited an orthopedic specialist and had X-rays taken of both feet. The doctor informed me that the bones appeared to be fine. I inquired and showed the doctor that my little toe is angled ou...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Loose-fitting shoes are less likely to compress the toes and cause deformities, and toe socks may not provide significant benefits.[Read More] Understanding Toe Deformities: Causes, Prevention, and Self-Care Tips
Understanding L3 Vertebral Decompression Surgery: Risks and Recovery Insights
At that time, I was eager to find a one-time solution? Due to an injury from lifting heavy objects, I have been experiencing symptoms similar to sciatica for a long time without identifying the cause. At an orthopedic clinic, I discovered that I have L3 vertebral arch dissociatio...
Dr. You Dianqi Reply:
Each individual's condition and recovery process varies. It is recommended to follow up with the original treating physician or consult an orthopedic specialist at a regional hospital or higher for a second opinion. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding L3 Vertebral Decompression Surgery: Risks and Recovery Insights
Understanding Ankle Tendon Tears: Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Pain Management
Ligament tear injury Six months ago, I had an accident that injured my ankle, and since then, walking has become increasingly painful. I consulted an orthopedic doctor who informed me that I have an ankle tendon tear, which may have worsened previously. It is slowly healing now, ...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, 1. Is it normal to experience increasing pain after rehabilitation? It should improve. 2. Should I wear an ankle brace while working? If your job requires frequent movement, wearing an ankle brace is advisable. 3. What is the typical recovery time for an ankle tendon...[Read More] Understanding Ankle Tendon Tears: Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Pain Management
Post-Fracture Triceps Strength Recovery: Can Targeted Training Help?
Triceps strength after femoral fracture surgery? Hello Doctor: In 2021, I suffered a comminuted fracture of the right humerus due to excessive wrist strength. After evaluation, the doctor recommended surgery to implant a steel plate for stabilization and recovery (the surgery inv...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Gradual training can help restore function to a certain extent, but it may be challenging to reach the level prior to the fracture. One can only train as much as possible.[Read More] Post-Fracture Triceps Strength Recovery: Can Targeted Training Help?
Post-Operative Concerns After Clavicle Surgery: What to Expect
Postoperative Issues Following Clavicle Surgery Hello, Doctor You. I underwent surgery for a right acromioclavicular joint dislocation on December 12, using a hook plate. I have the following questions: 1. Is it normal to feel hard, protruding screws or plates under the healed ...
Dr. You Dianqi Reply:
Each individual's condition and recovery process varies, so it is recommended to consult your attending physician or surgeon. Thank you.[Read More] Post-Operative Concerns After Clavicle Surgery: What to Expect
Bone Grafting vs. Bone Cement: Which is Best After Screw Removal?
Bone grafting and bone cement? I am a scoliosis patient who had surgery eight years ago and I am considering having the screws removed. I would like to ask about the differences between bone grafting and using bone cement for filling the void left after the screws are removed, as...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, actually, there is no need for additional filler material after the removal of the metal pins. Thank you.[Read More] Bone Grafting vs. Bone Cement: Which is Best After Screw Removal?
Recovery Timeline After Tibial Plate Removal for Heavy Lifting
Tibial screw removal I had a tibial plateau fracture from a car accident a year and a half ago, and I am considering having the fixation plate removed (self-funded plate). How long after the removal can I lift heavy objects, as my job often requires me to lift around 30 kg? Thank...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
You can return to the outpatient clinic for an evaluation by the physician.[Read More] Recovery Timeline After Tibial Plate Removal for Heavy Lifting
Understanding Scaphoid Fractures: Causes, Risks, and Recovery
Scaphoid fracture 1. In the case of a motorcyclist colliding with the left side of another motorcycle during an emergency brake situation, is it possible for the right wrist to sustain a scaphoid fracture while firmly gripping the right brake lever? 2. Is a scaphoid fracture a p...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
These questions can be answered in detail after an evaluation and examination at the outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Scaphoid Fractures: Causes, Risks, and Recovery
Post-Surgery Concerns: Understanding Bumps and Indentations After Bunion Surgery
Postoperative care for hallux valgus surgery? I would like to ask the doctor, it has been over two months post-surgery, and I have consistently noticed a depression or protrusion at the surgical site, which seems to be at the osteotomy location. Pressing on it or wearing shoes ca...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, there are various surgical methods for hallux valgus. There may be some protrusions, possibly from plates or osteotomy sites. Please discuss this with your attending physician. If the condition is severe, it can be readjusted. Thank you.[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: Understanding Bumps and Indentations After Bunion Surgery
Understanding Toe Problems: Size Variations and Foot Deformities
Regarding toe issues? Hello, Doctor! Sorry to bother you. I have a few small questions I'd like to ask, and I appreciate your help in advance. 1. Do feet vary in size throughout the day? Recently, I visited a family medicine doctor for other reasons and took the opportunit...
Dr. Shen Boquan Reply:
Hello, online friends. Our feet may appear slightly larger in the afternoon due to fluid accumulation. After a nap, lying flat can reduce some of that fluid. Generally speaking, East Asians tend to have wider feet, and wearing shoes that are too narrow can be uncomfortable. For f...[Read More] Understanding Toe Problems: Size Variations and Foot Deformities
Understanding Knee Swelling: Is It Fluid or Blood After Injury?
Knee swelling can be due to either fluid accumulation (effusion) or bleeding (hemarthrosis)? On January 6th, I had a bike accident and fell. At that moment, my knee did not swell; it only had some abrasions. By the next day, I felt that the wound was oozing serous fluid, but ever...
Dr. Shen Boquan Reply:
Hello, if you have swelling in your knee, it is often necessary to aspirate the fluid to determine whether it is blood, synovial fluid, or pus from a bacterial infection. The physician will discuss with you whether to proceed with aspiration or laboratory testing based on your co...[Read More] Understanding Knee Swelling: Is It Fluid or Blood After Injury?
Can Bending Fingers Cause a Ganglion Cyst in Children?
Can a finger fracture cause a tendon sheath cyst? The child at home, influenced by a classmate's comment that the little finger is inherently weak, bent his little finger inward to make the joint crack (similar to how fingers are bent before a fight in action movies). As a r...
Dr. Shen Boquan Reply:
Hello, it's unlikely that a single injury to your finger would cause a tendon sheath cyst; you may have already had the cyst and just noticed it now. If it’s not very painful or bothersome, resting or monitoring it is sufficient. If you experience discomfort, you can take an...[Read More] Can Bending Fingers Cause a Ganglion Cyst in Children?
Can Knee Anesthesia Cause Meniscus Damage After ACL Surgery?
Will knee anesthesia and flexion cause damage to the meniscus? Hello, Doctor. I have two questions and a somewhat lengthy situation I would like you to review. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Question 1: After undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructio...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, 1. In three months, I will undergo anesthesia for a knee procedure. Will it damage the meniscus? No, during the arthroscopic surgery after anesthesia, the pressure is applied gradually, which will not harm the meniscal cartilage. 2. Can X-rays detect a small fragment ne...[Read More] Can Knee Anesthesia Cause Meniscus Damage After ACL Surgery?
Understanding Pain in the Iliac Crest: Causes and Solutions
Anterior superior iliac spine pain? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing intermittent pain in the outermost part of my left ilium (the widest area). In the past, I would occasionally feel pain on the same side, but the frequency was low, and I didn't pay much...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, regarding the part you mentioned in your letter, the area where the tendon attaches often experiences pain due to tendonitis. Please reduce your physical activity or workload. Applying heat and massaging the affected area, as well as using some anti-inflammatory pain relie...[Read More] Understanding Pain in the Iliac Crest: Causes and Solutions