Understanding Nighttime Right Foot Numbness: Causes and Remedies
Numbness in the right foot? For several consecutive nights, I have been awakened in the middle of the night by numbness in my right foot. Rubbing it with my hand doesn't help, so I have to get up and soak it in hot water. What is the best way to address this? What could be t...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your question and provide the following suggestions: 1. The numbness in your right foot may be due to nerve compression or poor circulation. It is important to undergo examinations to determine the underlying cause. You...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Right Foot Numbness: Causes and Remedies
Can Physical Therapy Help Relieve Postherpetic Neuralgia Pain?
Neuropathic pain? My mom said she inexplicably developed shingles, with pain radiating from the left back of her neck to her lower back. She has seen a dermatologist and has been taking medication for 7 days, but she is afraid to continue taking the medication. Now it seems the p...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions: 1. Herpes zoster is a viral infection, and antiviral medication should be taken for 10-14 days to completely eliminate the virus and prevent it from becoming ...[Read More] Can Physical Therapy Help Relieve Postherpetic Neuralgia Pain?
Understanding Rehabilitation After Amputation: What to Expect
After amputation My father underwent amputation due to a car accident, and the orthopedic surgeon advised him to return to the rehabilitation department for prosthetic fitting in four months. We are confused about whether rehabilitation is necessary after amputation. Can the pros...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Generally, rehabilitation can begin three days after amputation. In addition to standard strength training and education, laser therapy can be administered to promote wound healing. 2. After the...[Read More] Understanding Rehabilitation After Amputation: What to Expect
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Exercise vs. Rest Dilemma
Ankylosing Spondylitis I experience pain when bending over and have difficulty bending down. I consulted an orthopedic doctor who took X-rays and diagnosed me with ankylosing spondylitis. The doctor advised me not to exercise, but when I visited a rehabilitation specialist, I was...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your question and provide the following suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, in the case of ankylosing spondylitis, exercise is not recommended during the "acute phase," as it can exacerbate the condition. 2....[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Exercise vs. Rest Dilemma
Understanding Trigger Finger: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
Trigger finger has recurred? My uncle is fifty-two years old and has trigger finger in both his middle fingers. He underwent physical therapy for a while, but it has recently flared up again, making it difficult for him to bend his fingers. When he bends them, he cannot straighte...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. Generally speaking, the treatment for trigger finger, aside from heat therapy, should include guidance on proper movements to avoid repetitive injuries. 2. Both "superficial" and &q...[Read More] Understanding Trigger Finger: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
Can Flat Feet in Toddlers Be Treated with Rehabilitation?
Flatfoot Hello, doctor! My child is 1 year and 8 months old, and I suspect he has flat feet. Is it appropriate to take him to physical therapy at this age? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions: 1. Flatfoot that develops within six months of starting to walk can be considered "functional" flatfoot, as weight-bearing and bone development may st...[Read More] Can Flat Feet in Toddlers Be Treated with Rehabilitation?
Understanding Sacral Pain: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention Tips
Coccydynia Dear Doctor: I have previously fallen while skiing and also while canyoning, both of which injured my coccyx. I underwent rehabilitation for a period of time, but now I occasionally experience pain in my sacrum. Does this mean that my injury was not fully treated? What...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Falls generally transmit force upward, which can injure the lumbar spine and directly impact the ischium and coccyx. 2. It is advisable to enhance deep thermal therapy, such as shortwave diathermy ...[Read More] Understanding Sacral Pain: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention Tips
Non-Surgical Options for Treating Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Is surgery avoidable? My uncle is a laborer who often experiences back pain. He once visited an orthopedic doctor who diagnosed him with grade I spondylolisthesis and recommended surgery. However, he is afraid and does not want to undergo surgery. Are there options for rehabilita...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. Whether to proceed with surgery or rehabilitation for grade I lumbar spondylolisthesis depends on the structural (anatomical) and functional (nerve compression) assessment. 2. If there is stru...[Read More] Non-Surgical Options for Treating Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Should You Take Calcium Supplements for Osteoporosis? Risks and Recommendations
Should I reduce my calcium intake? I was diagnosed with moderate osteoporosis during my health check-up, and my doctor recommended taking calcium supplements. However, I found online that excessive calcium intake may lead to kidney stones. Should I take them or not? How much shou...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, the daily calcium requirement is approximately 800 mg. It is recommended to consider more soluble forms such as calcium citrate or calcium lactate. 2. About 90% of calcium stones...[Read More] Should You Take Calcium Supplements for Osteoporosis? Risks and Recommendations
Understanding Thigh Pain: Is It Nerve or Muscle Related?
Dull pain I've been experiencing sharp pain just above the back of my right thigh while walking in the early mornings. It's so intense that I can barely continue walking. When I drive and press the accelerator, my right leg feels very heavy. I noticed some bruising when...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your questions and provide the following suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, you may have a coagulation issue, which could be due to low platelet count or problems with clotting factors. It is advisable to visit ...[Read More] Understanding Thigh Pain: Is It Nerve or Muscle Related?
Understanding Swelling and Numbness in Extremities: Causes and Solutions
Numbness and swelling in the hands and feet? When the weather is hot, my fingers and the thighs of my legs swell and feel very uncomfortable. Whether I am standing or sitting, sometimes my feet even swell to the point of numbness. Could this be poor circulation? How can I resolve...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, it may be due to poor peripheral circulation. Since you are still young, you might consider performing pumping exercises for your hands and feet, which involve gradually tight...[Read More] Understanding Swelling and Numbness in Extremities: Causes and Solutions
Is Surgery Necessary for Hallux Valgus? Exploring Rehabilitation Options
Hallux valgus Is surgery the only treatment for hallux valgus (bunion)? Can rehabilitation cure it? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. Generally speaking, if hallux valgus (bunion) is too severe and alters your weight-bearing points while walking, it can lead to pain and deformity, and surgical intervention may be considered. 2...[Read More] Is Surgery Necessary for Hallux Valgus? Exploring Rehabilitation Options
Understanding Neck Stiffness and Dizziness: Could It Be Myofascial Pain?
Stiff neck and dizziness? Since experiencing dizziness a year ago, I have been feeling dizzy for over a year, accompanied by a sensation of pressure in my head, neck stiffness, and facial rigidity. I have undergone various examinations at different clinics (neurology, otolaryngol...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your questions and make the following suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, myofascial pain syndrome is characterized by multiple tender points and muscle spasms, but it does not cause dizziness or facial stiffness....[Read More] Understanding Neck Stiffness and Dizziness: Could It Be Myofascial Pain?
Understanding Persistent Leg Numbness: Causes and Treatment Options
Lower limb numbness and tingling? Hello Dr. Chen, I have been experiencing frequent numbness and tingling in my left leg, extending from my buttocks to my heel, especially in the heel area. It becomes very pronounced when I stand still for a few minutes or squat down to use the t...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. Based on your symptoms, it appears to be a case of radiculopathy, specifically from the buttocks to the heel, with exacerbation of symptoms when standing or squatting (due to tension), rather t...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Leg Numbness: Causes and Treatment Options
Is Knee Osteoarthritis Always Treated with Joint Replacement Surgery?
Degenerative arthritis Is it necessary to undergo joint replacement surgery for knee osteoarthritis, or is rehabilitation therapy an option? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, the indications for knee joint replacement surgery are as follows: A. Severe pain that affects daily life. B. Increased pain wh...[Read More] Is Knee Osteoarthritis Always Treated with Joint Replacement Surgery?
Recovering from Ligament Injuries: Effective Rehab Strategies
Ligament injury The day after playing basketball, I found that my left foot could hardly touch the ground steadily, almost like I was limping. Walking was very painful, so I consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who said it was a ligament injury. Will rehabilitati...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. Generally speaking, ligament injuries are associated with issues related to blood supply, which makes recovery difficult. 2. During the acute phase, apply ice, take pain relievers, or use top...[Read More] Recovering from Ligament Injuries: Effective Rehab Strategies
Shoulder Pain Radiating to Arm: Possible Frozen Shoulder and Treatment Options
Shoulder pain radiating down to the forearm? I have recently been experiencing pain in my shoulder and armpit, which radiates down to my lower arm. Medication and acupuncture have not been effective. Could this be frozen shoulder? What treatment options are available?
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. Generally speaking, pain radiating to the lower arm may be a phenomenon of cervical nerve root compression, indicating that there may be issues not only with the shoulder tendons or ligaments....[Read More] Shoulder Pain Radiating to Arm: Possible Frozen Shoulder and Treatment Options
Is It Time to See a Rehabilitation Specialist for My Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain I have been experiencing lower back pain for several days. I initially thought it was caused by a cold and consulted an internal medicine doctor. However, after the pain medication wore off, the pain returned to the point where I can't sleep. I would like to ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your question and provide the following suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, your back issues may not be solely muscular; there could be structural problems, including spinal curvature or slippage, degeneration or her...[Read More] Is It Time to See a Rehabilitation Specialist for My Lower Back Pain?
Can't Move My Neck After Waking Up: Causes and Solutions
Woke up with neck stiffness? I woke up this morning and found that I couldn't move my neck, and the area is also painful. What should I do? This happens to me frequently; how should I seek medical attention?
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, it is possible that you are experiencing a stiff neck due to inflammation of the sternocleidomastoid muscle; however, the pain in the area may be caused by the rhomboid muscle o...[Read More] Can't Move My Neck After Waking Up: Causes and Solutions
Effective Strategies for Managing Shoulder Blade Pain and Discomfort
Shoulder blade pain? I often experience pain in my scapula that prevents me from sleeping or doing tasks, and it feels like there is a soft cartilage protrusion. What should I do when I have pain in my scapula? Please advise! Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. Generally, this may be related to the rhomboid muscles in the upper back or a protrusion of the thoracic vertebrae cartilage. 2. I recommend applying a hot compress or taking a warm shower to alle...[Read More] Effective Strategies for Managing Shoulder Blade Pain and Discomfort