Understanding Lateral Ankle Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Pain on the outer posterior side of both ankles? Doctor: Hello! Initially, I experienced pain in my right ankle (on the outer posterior side), which hurt while walking, but I don't recall any significant injury. I went to a traditional Chinese medicine clinic for treatment, ...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Ms. Tseng, There are many causes of ankle pain, such as tendon and ligament sprains, fractures, joint disorders, tumors of the bone or soft tissue, neuropathy, gout, rheumatic autoimmune diseases, infections, and tendonitis due to improper use or overuse, all of which can l...[Read More] Understanding Lateral Ankle Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Causes, Commonality, and Impact
Clavicle fracture Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask about issues related to unilateral clavicle fractures. 1. Under what circumstances can a clavicle fracture occur? Does it require a certain amount of impact force to cause it, or can it happen from accidentally falling and h...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Miss Lin, Clavicle fractures are a common type of fracture, occurring in approximately 1 out of every 20 fractures. Among shoulder injuries, clavicle fractures account for 44%, making it the most common fracture in children. There are two mechanisms that can cause a clavicl...[Read More] Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Causes, Commonality, and Impact
Helping Your Mother Overcome Severe Back Pain and Hunching
Inability to stand upright due to back pain? My mother is only 67 years old, and for some unknown reason, she has developed a severe hunchback over the past two months and is almost unable to stand upright. We previously took her to the hospital for an X-ray, which showed that he...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear User: Your mother may be experiencing vertebral compression fractures due to osteoporosis, which can sometimes present as subtle fractures that are not visible on standard X-rays. The principle of treating vertebral compression fractures is to start with conservative managem...[Read More] Helping Your Mother Overcome Severe Back Pain and Hunching
Can Hand Surgery Correct Abnormally Wide Bone Structure?
Hand Surgery I would like to ask the doctor, my hand bones are not straight like most people; instead, they have developed horizontally, making them much wider—about one and a half times the size of normal bones. I would like to know if it is possible to have surgery to remove so...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Ms. Chen: Your issue requires further examination and testing to understand the underlying cause. Only then can we determine whether surgery is appropriate for you. I recommend that you first visit the orthopedic or plastic surgery outpatient clinic at a medical center (pref...[Read More] Can Hand Surgery Correct Abnormally Wide Bone Structure?
Understanding and Treating Stress Fractures in Athletes: Solutions and Insights
Bilateral fatigue fractures of the feet with evident fissures observed on X-ray? I would like to ask you~~~ I've been dealing with a stress fracture for five years~~~ Is there a way to completely cure it?? Surgery or other methods! The trainers keep saying to rest~~~ but it ...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear readers: A fatigue fracture refers to a fracture caused by excessive use. Of course, each individual's physical constitution is different, and the level of endurance one can tolerate varies. The same activity may be manageable for some, while others may experience disco...[Read More] Understanding and Treating Stress Fractures in Athletes: Solutions and Insights
Where to Get Growth Plate Imaging: Costs and Options Explained
Hello, how can I assist you today? Hello, doctor. I would like to have an X-ray of my growth plates to check for any healing conditions. Where should I go for this? How much does it cost for one X-ray? Can I get this done at a regular medical laboratory?
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear user: Hospitals or general medical laboratories should have X-ray equipment. The cost for each area is approximately NT$400, but it needs to be paid out of pocket. Since you are already 22 years old, your growth plates should be closed. It is not advisable to have high expec...[Read More] Where to Get Growth Plate Imaging: Costs and Options Explained
Understanding Stiffness in Fingers After Wrist Fracture Recovery
Stiffness in the middle finger? Hello, I had a car accident a year and a half ago, resulting in a fracture of the radius and ulnar bones (near the wrist). The metal pins were removed a year ago. Recently, within the past month, I have noticed stiffness in my fingers when I wake u...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Reader, Based on your description, it seems you may be experiencing trigger finger, which is likely not significantly related to your previous radius and ulnar fracture. The formal medical term for trigger finger is stenosing tenosynovitis of the flexor tendon. This conditi...[Read More] Understanding Stiffness in Fingers After Wrist Fracture Recovery
Understanding Pediatric Humerus Fractures: Need for Custom Fixators?
Comminuted fracture of the left humerus? Hello Dr. Chen: My child had a bicycle accident and suffered a comminuted fracture of the left humerus (broken in the middle). Surgery has been performed to implant a steel rod. The doctor mentioned that we will assess the bone growth in a...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Netizen, Even after surgical reduction and fixation with nails or plates, comminuted fractures can still be unstable. It is common to refer patients to the rehabilitation department to create a lightweight splint made of a plastic-like material for protection. As for whethe...[Read More] Understanding Pediatric Humerus Fractures: Need for Custom Fixators?
Left Pinky Toe Injury: When to Seek Medical Attention for Pain
I stubbed my left pinky toe, and now I feel pain when walking? 1. Do I need to seek medical attention immediately? 2. If not, how many days after the injury would it be more appropriate to see a doctor if the pain persists? 3. Generally, if there is pain in the toe, is it adv...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear readers: Injuries to the toes, such as contusions and sprains, are most concerning when they are accompanied by fractures of the toe bones. Generally speaking, if there is no fracture, the pain in the affected area should improve relatively quickly. It is advisable to observ...[Read More] Left Pinky Toe Injury: When to Seek Medical Attention for Pain
Recovery Insights for Femur and Clavicle Fractures After Accident
A 20-year-old female has sustained fractures of the left femur and clavicle, and has undergone surgical fixation? Hello: I was in a car accident on October 7, resulting in fractures of my left femur and left clavicle, with no external injuries. The femur was fractured in the midd...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Reader, The primary purpose of surgery is to reduce pain and promote functional recovery. Therefore, surgery is just the first step; you must also take good care of yourself and engage in active rehabilitation to minimize the losses caused by the injury. Below are the answe...[Read More] Recovery Insights for Femur and Clavicle Fractures After Accident
Understanding Wrist Lumps: Causes, Concerns, and When to See a Doctor
Unidentified lump on the wrist? Doctor, about a month ago, I noticed a small lump on my wrist. I'm not sure if it has been there for a longer time. In any case, I discovered it over a month ago. The lump is located on the back of my hand, at the wrist joint, and it is approx...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Reader, There are many types of tumors in the hand, with ganglion cysts being the most common. The condition you described does resemble this, but it is best to have a physician examine it for confirmation. Although they are all benign tumors of the hand, different types ha...[Read More] Understanding Wrist Lumps: Causes, Concerns, and When to See a Doctor
Understanding When to Use 'Calcium Supplements' for Joint Pain and Dislocations
At what age is it suitable to take "Bone Strength" and habitual dislocation? Hello, I am 22 years old. I experience pain in my knees when going down stairs or jogging, and sometimes I feel discomfort while walking. I am unsure if I should take "Weigu Li" (a su...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Netizen: There are many causes of knee pain, such as issues with tendons and ligaments, bone pathologies, and cartilage diseases. "Weiguli" is primarily used for treating patients with knee joint degeneration or cartilage disorders. You will need further examinatio...[Read More] Understanding When to Use 'Calcium Supplements' for Joint Pain and Dislocations
Understanding Right Arm Numbness: Causes and Treatments
Numbness in the right arm? Hello Dr. Chen, I started experiencing soreness in the muscles of my right upper arm around late July. I initially thought it was just muscle soreness, so I applied a topical analgesic and used pain relief patches. However, for the past three weeks, I h...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Netizen: Numbness in the arm is related to neuropathy, most likely caused by issues with the cervical spine or muscle tension in the neck and shoulder area, which can lead to nerve compression. It is advisable to visit a hospital for an examination as soon as possible to det...[Read More] Understanding Right Arm Numbness: Causes and Treatments
Concerns About Long-Term Effects of Bone Plates and Screws After Fracture
What are the issues related to a left humeral fracture with intramedullary nailing? On March 13 of this year, I was involved in a car accident that resulted in an open fracture of my left humerus. Last week, I consulted with my doctor regarding the need to remove the metal screws...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Readers, In principle, temporary fixation devices such as steel plates and screws implanted in the body should be removed as soon as possible after the fracture has healed. While it is possible to leave these fixation devices in place, there are several considerations: 1. ...[Read More] Concerns About Long-Term Effects of Bone Plates and Screws After Fracture
Understanding Lunate Bone Dislocation: Treatment and Recovery Insights
Dislocation of the lunate bone in the wrist? Hello doctor, I injured my wrist at the beginning of the month. At that time, it was swollen and painful. The swelling has subsided over the past few days, but the pain persists. Yesterday, I went to the hospital for an examination, an...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Reader, The healing process for fractures typically takes two to three months, and therefore, the protection provided by a cast should last for the same duration. Generally, after 4 to 6 weeks, you may be able to switch to a short arm cast. If you find the inconvenience of ...[Read More] Understanding Lunate Bone Dislocation: Treatment and Recovery Insights
Should You Remove Metal Plates After Bone Surgery? Risks and Recovery Explained
Will there be any sequelae after the removal of the metal plate? Hello, Dr. Chen! I had surgery for a right humeral fracture (with plates and screws) nearly two years ago. I've been considering whether I should have the hardware removed, but I'm concerned about potentia...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Readers, In principle, temporary fixation devices such as steel plates and screws implanted in the body should be removed as soon as possible after the fracture has healed. While it is possible to leave these fixation devices in place, there are several considerations: 1. ...[Read More] Should You Remove Metal Plates After Bone Surgery? Risks and Recovery Explained
Post-Surgery Recovery: Addressing Color Changes and Swelling After Ankle Fracture
Post-operative condition after fracture surgery? Hello Dr. Chen, I had surgery for a left ankle fracture due to a car accident in early July, and my condition seems to be quite good so far. The surgical wound is fine, and I don't feel any pain. However, I have a concern: th...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Reader, After surgery for an ankle fracture, it is common to experience some swelling or bruising in the foot. This phenomenon is due to poor peripheral blood circulation resulting from the injury and the surgery. Typically, this condition improves within about three months...[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery: Addressing Color Changes and Swelling After Ankle Fracture
Understanding Right Dorsal Foot Contusion: Causes and Treatment
What is a right dorsum of the foot contusion? Hello! I would like to inquire if there is a medical term for "right dorsum foot contusion" used by orthopedic doctors. I would greatly appreciate your help. Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Netizens: "Contusion" refers to an injury caused by external force impacting the body, typically indicating that there is no open wound and the injury severity has not resulted in fractures or other serious tissue damage. It can lead to swelling, pain, bruising, or...[Read More] Understanding Right Dorsal Foot Contusion: Causes and Treatment
Understanding Swelling and Pain in the Middle Finger: Surgical Options Explained
Swelling and redness of the middle finger? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you a question. My middle finger joint has swelling and redness of the periosteum, and it hurts a lot even with a light touch. Initially, I visited many traditional Chinese medicine clinics and various...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Netizen: There are many reasons for the redness and swelling of the finger joint membrane. Although X-rays show no issues with the bones, there are still numerous possibilities, such as ligament injuries, soft tissue inflammation, bacterial infections, tumors, foreign bodies...[Read More] Understanding Swelling and Pain in the Middle Finger: Surgical Options Explained
Are Ankle Braces as Effective as Casts for Ankle Injuries?
Are the effects of a cast and a rigid ankle brace the same? A few days ago, I sprained my ankle and an X-ray revealed a small bone fragment in the ankle that is fractured and displaced. The doctor advised against using screws but recommended a cast. However, wearing a cast is qui...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Readers, The treatment for fractures can be most simply and easily addressed with plaster casts. The purpose of immobilization is to reduce displacement, alleviate pain, and promote bone healing. Although having a cast can be quite inconvenient in daily life, it provides th...[Read More] Are Ankle Braces as Effective as Casts for Ankle Injuries?