How to Help My Mom with Knee Joint Issues and Stairs
Please help my mom's knee joint? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. My mother is 44 years old and her health check-up showed no issues, but the doctor mentioned she has mild joint degeneration. We live on the fourth floor of an apartment building without...
Dr. Lai Wenzhi reply Orthopedics
A health check showing no issues indicates that the bones, ligaments, and cartilage are generally fine. If there is weakness in the knees when climbing stairs, the first thing to consider is whether there is excess weight. If so, starting with weight loss is advisable; you may co...[Read More] How to Help My Mom with Knee Joint Issues and Stairs
Understanding Post-Surgery Effects of Lumbar Disc Removal and Recovery
Lumbar disc herniation excision surgery Hello: I underwent a discectomy for a herniated disc (lumbar vertebrae L4 and L5) in mid-May 2002, which had compressed the nerves, followed by the implantation of a fusion device. I wore a back brace for over four months afterward. I would...
Dr. Lai Wenzhi reply Orthopedics
(1) A stabilizer is used to maintain a space that prevents compression of the nerves, which is intended to be long-term or even lifelong, without the need to consider a subsequent surgery for removal. (2)(3) Regular physical activity should not have any adverse effects. (4) If th...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Effects of Lumbar Disc Removal and Recovery
How to Increase Height: Tips for Growing Taller in Childhood
How can one grow taller? I am currently in the second year of high school, but my height is only 151 cm. What should I do?
Dr. Lai Wenzhi reply Orthopedics
During the developmental stage, some adolescents grow quickly while others grow slowly. Those who are currently taller may not necessarily remain taller than their peers in the future; everything depends on the growth plates in the bones. If the growth plates have fused, it indic...[Read More] How to Increase Height: Tips for Growing Taller in Childhood
Intermittent Pain Below Left Rib: Which Specialist to Consult?
There is intermittent pain below the left rib cage? The area below the left rib cage experiences intermittent pain. I'm asking for my girlfriend as she is very busy, but I'm not sure which specialty to consult first. Could you advise me?
Dr. Lai Wenzhi reply Orthopedics
Pain below the left rib may be due to costochondritis. If the pain is intermittent, it could also be related to bone pain. It is advisable to check for peptic ulcers. You can consult either an orthopedic specialist or a family medicine physician. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Intermittent Pain Below Left Rib: Which Specialist to Consult?
Understanding Pelvic Tilt and Spinal Curvature: Correction Options
Spinal curvature assessment or pelvic tilt? My waist is uneven, with one side flatter and the other side more concave. Is this due to pelvic tilt or spinal curvature? Can it be corrected? Can I see a chiropractor? What methods are available to restore it to normal? I'm quite...
Dr. Lai Wenzhi reply Orthopedics
Ms. Chuang: Thank you for your consultation. If there is a discrepancy in leg length or congenital hip dislocation, it can cause pelvic tilt. If there is scoliosis, it may lead to uneven contraction of the back muscles, resulting in a convex or concave appearance. First, you shou...[Read More] Understanding Pelvic Tilt and Spinal Curvature: Correction Options
Understanding Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Degenerative arthritis Hello: My mother is 58 years old, 160 cm tall, and weighs 70 kg. In recent years, she has experienced swelling and persistent pain in her knee or ankle joints every time before it rains. What is this condition, how can it be treated, and what are the rehabi...
Dr. Lai Wenzhi reply Orthopedics
Based on the description provided by the internet user, who is 58 years old and weighs 70 kg, the knee and ankle joint pain appears to be related to the weather. Overall, it seems that the individual may have entered a stage of osteoarthritis. It is advisable to visit a hospital ...[Read More] Understanding Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Is Joint Cracking Normal After Age 32? Understanding Your Symptoms
After the age of thirty-two, bones may start to creak or crack? I am 33 years old, and over the past year, I have noticed that my joints make a cracking sound whenever I move them slightly, including my ankles, knees, wrists, elbows, shoulders, and neck. Is this normal?
Dr. Lai Wenzhi reply Orthopedics
The issue of joint sounds is caused by the movement of tendons over bones, resulting in noise. This often occurs when the tendons are relatively stiff. To minimize or alleviate these sounds, it is advisable to engage in activities such as massage or warm-up exercises like stretch...[Read More] Is Joint Cracking Normal After Age 32? Understanding Your Symptoms