Understanding Tendon Ruptures: Rehabilitation After Surgery
Tendon rupture My uncle was injured at work when a machine crushed his hand. The orthopedic surgeon diagnosed a tendon rupture. It has been four weeks since the surgery, and he still cannot move his left hand's middle, ring, and little fingers. What could be the problem? Doe...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. First, assess the "sensation," "joint range of motion," and "muscle strength" of the injured finger. If necessary, perform a "nerve conduction study" to det...[Read More] Understanding Tendon Ruptures: Rehabilitation After Surgery
Managing Scoliosis in Seniors: Non-Surgical Options for Relief
Scoliosis My grandmother is 70 years old and has had noticeable scoliosis for several years, often experiencing back pain. She goes to physical therapy every day, but recently her back has become more hunched, and she needs to rely on a cane to walk. What can be done to prevent f...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. It is important to enhance the intake of calcium and collagen through food and supplements, such as glucosamine. 2. The use of assistive devices should be considered based on the degree of curvatur...[Read More] Managing Scoliosis in Seniors: Non-Surgical Options for Relief
How to Speed Up the Healing of Bruises After an Injury
Bruise Bruising due to impact is a common occurrence, with the affected area typically being painful for 2 to 3 days, and the bruise itself taking 6 to 7 days to fully resolve. What can be done to expedite the disappearance of the bruise? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, ma'am: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. If you experience bruising from a minor impact or even without any impact, it is advisable to consult a hematologist to check your platelet count and coagulation factors. 2. For bruising ...[Read More] How to Speed Up the Healing of Bruises After an Injury
Rehabilitation or Surgery: Choosing the Best Treatment for Disc Herniation
Rehabilitation or surgery? I often experience numbness and sharp pain in my right foot. An MRI showed a herniated disc at the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. Some doctors have recommended surgery, while others suggest rehabilitation. What should I do?
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following recommendations: 1. The conditions for surgery are as follows: A. Decreased muscle strength in the toes or foot when bending and straightening B. Severe pain that ...[Read More] Rehabilitation or Surgery: Choosing the Best Treatment for Disc Herniation
Understanding Back of Hand Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Pain in the back of the hand? Hello Doctor: I accidentally lifted something with a bit of weight, and suddenly my left hand felt like it went numb. It hurts a lot even with slight touch. Could I have injured a ligament? How should I handle this? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. It may be an injury to the "common extensor tendon" or the "extensor indicis tendon." During the acute phase characterized by pain, redness, and swelling, you can apply ice ...[Read More] Understanding Back of Hand Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Can Seniors with Osteoarthritis Swim? Tips for Joint Care and Maintenance
Degenerative arthritis Can elderly individuals with osteoarthritis swim? How should they maintain their health on a daily basis? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. Osteoarthritis, aside from age factors, is often caused by long-term overuse or excessive stress on the joints. 2. Therefore, swimming is an ideal exercise, as it reduces weight-bearing in water...[Read More] Can Seniors with Osteoarthritis Swim? Tips for Joint Care and Maintenance
Can Motorcycle Accidents Cause Brain Injury and Memory Loss?
Motorcycle skid? My family member had a motorcycle accident and experienced a brief episode of amnesia. Could this situation potentially cause brain injury? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. There may be signs of a concussion; it is advisable to consult a neurologist for an examination. 2. Generally, amnesia may involve the loss of memories from the time of the accident, while long-term...[Read More] Can Motorcycle Accidents Cause Brain Injury and Memory Loss?
Effective Treatments for Intercostal Muscle Pain in the Back
Intercostal muscle pain The intercostal muscles on the right side of my back often experience sharp pain. What treatments are available to alleviate my discomfort? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. There are three possible causes: A. Strain of the quadratus lumborum muscle B. Intercostal neuralgia C. Thoracic vertebral disc herniation 2. For A and B, treatment options inclu...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Intercostal Muscle Pain in the Back
Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis: Relief Strategies for Seniors
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello, doctor! My 60-year-old mother is suffering from rheumatoid arthritis with joint swelling, pain, and stiffness. What can be done to alleviate her symptoms? Is this type of arthritis curable? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are the responses to your questions and some recommendations: 1. Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition caused by a malfunctioning immune system, leading to a series of inflammatory and complement responses that result in joint damage. 2. ...[Read More] Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis: Relief Strategies for Seniors
Can Osteoporosis in Seniors Cause Digestive Issues and Impact Mobility?
Osteoporosis Hello Director Chen! Do elderly individuals with osteoporosis experience gastrointestinal discomfort symptoms such as constipation and bloating? Is it advisable for them to go out for exercise and take slow walks? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses to your questions and some recommendations: 1. Elderly individuals with osteoporosis should avoid rapid movements such as playing sports and weight-bearing activities like lifting objects and standing on one leg. Howe...[Read More] Can Osteoporosis in Seniors Cause Digestive Issues and Impact Mobility?
Improving Leg Strength After a Mild Stroke: Rehabilitation Tips
Muscle strength of the legs Hello, Doctor: My dad had a mild stroke and is undergoing rehabilitation. He is working hard to kick and lift his legs, but he still feels that his leg strength is not improving. What can we do to help him stand up and walk? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. After a stroke, the recovery of limbs relies on the coordinated movement of the entire muscle group, known as the synergistic pattern, rather than the recovery of individual muscles. 2. In stroke r...[Read More] Improving Leg Strength After a Mild Stroke: Rehabilitation Tips
Addressing Speech Delays in Toddlers: When to Consult Rehabilitation Specialists
Language barrier Hello Doctor: My precious son is almost 2 years old and his speech development is not on par with his peers. Due to his language expression difficulties, he often screams loudly, to the point of losing his voice and becoming hoarse yet still continues to shout! A...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses to your questions and some suggestions: 1. Your child may be experiencing language barriers due to the following factors: a. Insufficient expression, leading to difficulty in communication, which may result in y...[Read More] Addressing Speech Delays in Toddlers: When to Consult Rehabilitation Specialists
Can Seniors with Osteoporosis Safely Swim? Expert Insights
About swimming? Hello, Director! Can elderly individuals diagnosed with osteoporosis participate in swimming? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses to your questions along with some recommendations: 1. Osteoporosis patients should avoid weight-bearing joint exercises. Swimming, which has low impact, is a suitable activity; you can gradually increase the use of bu...[Read More] Can Seniors with Osteoporosis Safely Swim? Expert Insights
Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and Solutions for Rehabilitation
Foot pain Hello Dr. Chen: My mother has been experiencing some issues with her right foot recently. She cannot easily turn left or right; she must pause before changing direction. Sometimes, she can only lightly place her right foot on the ground, and while standing, her thigh oc...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. Patients with a history of ankle sprains may experience this phenomenon, which could be due to ligament inflammation that has become chronic. Sudden light movements or weight-bearing may cause...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and Solutions for Rehabilitation
Understanding Sudden Upper Arm Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Pain in the upper arm? Hello Doctor: My left upper arm suddenly cannot wring out a towel; it becomes very sore with just a little effort. It has been like this for two days and hasn't improved. Could this be due to overuse or improper use? What would be the best way to handl...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions regarding your issue: 1. It may be due to tennis elbow (tendinitis) that has not healed, exacerbated by repetitive overuse. 2. When wringing out a towel, you can place the towel over the faucet and use yo...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Upper Arm Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Is Outdoor Exercise Safe? Addressing Common Rehabilitation Concerns
Outdoor exercise Hello, Director Chen! My father often mimics others by colliding his back against tree trunks or large rocks during outdoor exercise in the morning. I believe this is incorrect, but I lack sufficient persuasive power to dissuade him. Is it right for my father 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. Colliding the back with a large rock or tree trunk may be intended to stimulate acupoints on the back; however, most acupoints are located in depressions, and th...[Read More] Is Outdoor Exercise Safe? Addressing Common Rehabilitation Concerns
Understanding Learning Delays: Seeking Help for Your Child's Development
Learning disability Director Chen, I would like to ask: My son is six years old, and his teacher says he is easily distracted and is falling behind in his studies, showing signs of learning delays. How should I seek medical attention? Can your hospital provide treatment for this?
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: 1. You can first go to a medical center for a comprehensive evaluation, including gross motor skills, fine motor skills, social functioning, and language assessment, and then take your child to a nearby hospital for treatment. 2. Sensory integration therapy is usually...[Read More] Understanding Learning Delays: Seeking Help for Your Child's Development
Rehabilitation Options for Seniors with Severe Diabetes Complications
Diabetic patients Hello Doctor: My father has had diabetes for over ten years, and now it has progressed to the point where he has almost no sensation in his feet. He often bumps into things and gets injured. The doctor mentioned that he might need an amputation. He is a 70-year-...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your questions and provide the following suggestions: 1. Dietary and medication management for diabetes is very important. 2. If there is an injury to the foot, immediate wound care is necessary. 3. When selecting shoes, ...[Read More] Rehabilitation Options for Seniors with Severe Diabetes Complications
Shoulder Pain from Heavy Lifting: Is It Tendonitis and Can Rehab Help?
Shoulder pain If you frequently carry heavy objects and are experiencing shoulder pain over time, it could be indicative of shoulder tendonitis. Rehabilitation is often an effective treatment option for this condition. Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Carrying heavy objects primarily leads to overuse of the "levator scapulae" and "trapezius" muscles. 2. At home, you can apply heat, use topical analgesic ointments and patches, a...[Read More] Shoulder Pain from Heavy Lifting: Is It Tendonitis and Can Rehab Help?
Preventing Mommy's Wrist: Tips for New Moms to Avoid Pain
De Quervain's tenosynovitis My daughter is over 5 months old and is very clingy. I often carry her and I'm always worried about developing "mommy's wrist" (de Quervain's tenosynovitis). What can I do to prevent this? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your question and provide the following suggestions: 1. "Mommy's thumb" is caused by the overuse of two tendons near the wrist: the abductor pollicis longus and the extensor pollicis brevis. 2. You ma...[Read More] Preventing Mommy's Wrist: Tips for New Moms to Avoid Pain