Can I Still Grow Taller at 17? Understanding Growth Plate Closure
Growth issues Hello Dr. Lee, I am 17 years old and will turn 18 in mid-August. I haven't grown much in height for the past two years (basically not even a centimeter, possibly because I usually sleep at 1 or 2 AM). Is there still a chance for me to grow taller?
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: The chances of growing taller are slim, but it is not absolutely impossible. If you really want to grow taller, please visit the Metabolism and Endocrinology Department for further evaluation. Dr. Li Wen-Hong, Orthopedics, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Can I Still Grow Taller at 17? Understanding Growth Plate Closure
Managing Recurrence of Benign Toe Tumors in Children: A Parent's Guide
Recurrence of toe tumors in children after surgery? Hello Doctor: My child is currently 11 years old. At the end of last year, there was a small protrusion in the nail bed of one toe that caused pain when pressed and has continued to grow. After being referred from a clinic to a ...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: If you have symptoms that affect your ability to wear shoes or if there is rapid tumor growth, you should return for a follow-up appointment sooner rather than waiting two to three years. During your follow-up, discuss with your attending physician whether to proceed with ...[Read More] Managing Recurrence of Benign Toe Tumors in Children: A Parent's Guide
Understanding Patellar Malalignment and Hallux Valgus Pain in Athletes
Patellar valgus and hallux valgus pain? Hello, doctor. I have been running and playing tennis for a long time, but I stopped due to knee pain. I visited an orthopedic clinic in Hsinchu, where an X-ray showed mild patellar malalignment and some hallux valgus. The doctor only perfo...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: It is recommended that you visit a larger hospital's orthopedic sports medicine subspecialty for further evaluation. If there is no immediate need for surgical correction, you can then proceed to the rehabilitation department for rehabilitation therapy. Orthopedics, L...[Read More] Understanding Patellar Malalignment and Hallux Valgus Pain in Athletes
Understanding Lower Back Pain: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Lumbar issues? I have been experiencing soreness in certain areas over the past few months, but it hasn't lasted long. For instance, I feel discomfort just above my knee on my thigh and in the front of my calf. My ultrasound bone density is -1.00. This afternoon, I might hav...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: Your symptoms are likely due to muscle or fascia soreness caused by overuse or poor posture. However, your ultrasound examination shows issues with the liver, gallbladder, and kidneys, which may also cause discomfort in the abdomen or lower back. I cannot provide you with ...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Post-Tibial Plate Removal: Tips for Bone Health and Safety
Tibial screw removal Hello, doctor. This month I had the metal plate removed, and today I also had the sutures taken out. My attending physician advised me to be cautious about the possibility of re-fracturing the bone. As my job requires me to stand for long periods, will prolon...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: After the healing of a tibial fracture and the removal of the plate, normal weight-bearing and walking are possible, and standing for long periods will not harm the bone. However, if standing for too long leads to muscle fatigue and soreness, it is important to rest and no...[Read More] Post-Tibial Plate Removal: Tips for Bone Health and Safety
Can My Sister Still Grow Taller? Understanding Height Concerns in Adolescents
Short stature? Hello, doctor. I have a younger sister who is in the second year of junior high school. She is 151 cm tall and weighs between 43 to 44 kg. She hasn't grown taller for a while, and she started her menstrual period after the winter break in fifth grade. Her fath...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: There is a possibility of growth, but it is not possible to predict how much taller she will grow. If you are concerned about her height, please take her to a pediatric endocrinology and metabolism specialist for further evaluation. Orthopedics, Li Wen-Hong, Changhua Hospi...[Read More] Can My Sister Still Grow Taller? Understanding Height Concerns in Adolescents
Impact of Not Using Drainage Tubes on Complications After Tibia-Fibula Fracture Surgery
Tibiofibular comminuted fracture On June 10, 2020, an open reduction and internal fixation surgery was performed. No drainage tube was placed postoperatively. The patient was discharged on June 22, 2020. On July 12, 2020, the patient developed a fever. Hospital examination result...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Dear Mr. Zeng, Post-operative infections following fracture surgery are not related to the absence of a drainage tube. In some cases, placing a drainage tube during a clean surgical procedure can actually increase the risk of infection; therefore, it is not always necessary to u...[Read More] Impact of Not Using Drainage Tubes on Complications After Tibia-Fibula Fracture Surgery
Should You Take Your Child to the Doctor After a Head Injury?
An 8-year-old child was struck on the head with a hand? An 8-year-old child was struck on the head. I have examined the external appearance and found no abnormalities. The child shows no unusual symptoms, but when touching the area that was struck, the child complains of pain. Th...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: If there are no other symptoms besides localized tenderness, you can observe the situation first. If symptoms occur, please seek medical attention, and the physician will decide whether further examination is necessary. Changhua Hospital Orthopedics Dr. Li Wen-Hong.[Read More] Should You Take Your Child to the Doctor After a Head Injury?
Understanding Wrist Fractures: Post-Cast Care and Common Concerns
Radial fracture A few days ago, I fractured my right wrist while playing basketball and have some questions for the doctor: 1. What is the purpose of using a sling for immobilization after the cast is applied? If other positions are comfortable, is it necessary to use the sling...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: 1. A sling is used to support or distribute the weight of a cast, preventing prolonged drooping that can lead to edema in the distal extremities. It does not need to be worn continuously. 2. It is not necessary to wear the sling while sleeping. The area of the fracture tha...[Read More] Understanding Wrist Fractures: Post-Cast Care and Common Concerns
Is There Still Hope for Height Growth in Teenagers?
Is it still possible to grow taller at this age? I started my menstruation around the sixth grade, and during middle school, I would go to bed before 10 PM. However, due to my high school coursework, I now go to bed much later. In middle school, I used to jump rope every day, but...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: You may still grow taller, but it is impossible to predict whether you will reach 160 centimeters. The knee pain you experience at night may be caused by excessive activity during the day and does not necessarily indicate growth. Please maintain a regular and healthy lifes...[Read More] Is There Still Hope for Height Growth in Teenagers?
Post-Arthroscopy Recovery: Ice vs. Heat Therapy and Activity Guidelines
Post-arthroscopy Hello Dr. Lee, I recently underwent arthroscopic meniscus repair and synovial plication surgery on August 31, 2021. It has been a month since the procedure, and I still experience noticeable mild swelling despite applying ice packs three times a day and before be...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: If it has been more than a month with no significant redness, swelling, heat, or pain, you may switch to heat therapy. If you only have mild warmth and swelling without pain, it is still recommended to take anti-inflammatory pain medication, and both ice and heat therapy a...[Read More] Post-Arthroscopy Recovery: Ice vs. Heat Therapy and Activity Guidelines
Understanding Avascular Necrosis of the Knee in Adolescents: Causes and Treatment Options
Knee issues: Avascular necrosis of the patella? Hello: A 14-year-old child, 140 cm tall, has been receiving growth hormone therapy for about 2 years. Six months ago, there was swelling in the knee, and an MRI confirmed a 9 mm area of avascular necrosis in the knee. 1. Is there an...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: 1. The avascular necrosis of the patella cannot be confirmed to be related to the administration of growth hormone. 2. It is advisable to first observe whether the symptoms (pain) worsen and whether the articular cartilage is prone to detachment, causing joint movement res...[Read More] Understanding Avascular Necrosis of the Knee in Adolescents: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding the Need for Bone Grafting After Fracture Surgery
After the removal of the metal fixation, it was found that there is an approximately 8 cm bone fracture that has not healed? Hello Doctor, I was involved in a car accident in November 2019, resulting in a muscle rupture in my thigh (currently functioning normally but with a notic...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: Artificial bone is used to fill large bone defects and is appropriate to prevent the pain associated with autologous bone grafting. Initially, it lacks sufficient strength and requires protection, but after healing, new bone tissue will integrate, providing adequate streng...[Read More] Understanding the Need for Bone Grafting After Fracture Surgery
Understanding Height Growth Issues in Adolescents: A Focus on Genetics and Growth Patterns
Regarding height issues in ninth graders? I am currently about 159 cm tall. Since I transitioned from sixth grade to seventh grade, I have consistently grown 6 cm each year. However, since entering the second year of junior high, I have only grown 2 cm. Despite this, I have alway...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: 1. It is certain that height is influenced by genetic factors, unless a mutation occurs. However, environmental factors can affect gene expression, so you may be slightly taller than your father, but not significantly taller. 2. Males have a longer growth period; although ...[Read More] Understanding Height Growth Issues in Adolescents: A Focus on Genetics and Growth Patterns
Understanding Ear Sounds and Neck Pain: Causes and Solutions
Head shaking with sound? Two months ago, while running, I suddenly started hearing a popping sound in my left ear that coincided with my running rhythm, similar to the sound of a left mouse click. A few days later, I began experiencing pain in my shoulders and neck, which progres...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: You are experiencing shoulder and neck pain. After consultations with several physicians, there has been improvement. This condition is likely due to overuse or poor posture and is unrelated to the sounds produced when turning your head during exercise; these two issues ar...[Read More] Understanding Ear Sounds and Neck Pain: Causes and Solutions
Should Parents Worry About Their Toddler's Neck Clicking Sounds?
A 2-year-old child is experiencing cracking sounds in the cervical spine? Hello doctor, I have a question. My 2-year-old child rolled forward on the bed without tucking in her chin, and while in an extended position, I heard three cracking sounds from her neck. She cried for less...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: If there is a sound when you continuously rotate your neck, but there is no pain or limitation in movement, there is no need to seek immediate medical attention. However, if there is pain or restricted movement, please consult a doctor. Occasional sounds once or twice with...[Read More] Should Parents Worry About Their Toddler's Neck Clicking Sounds?
Can Adults Still Grow Taller? Insights from an Orthopedic Expert
Adult height increase Dr. Lee: Hello, I am currently 29 years old, 155 cm tall and weigh 55 kg. I understand that it may be difficult to grow taller at this age, but I still hope to increase my height. My diet is normal, and I don't drink coffee, but I do drink green tea. I ...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: You may not be able to grow taller anymore. However, you can appear taller through your appearance, clothing, and shoe inserts. Dr. Li Wen-Hong, Orthopedics, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Can Adults Still Grow Taller? Insights from an Orthopedic Expert
Can I Still Grow Taller at 15? Tips for Height and Leg Length
Growth issues Hello, I am currently 15 years old and will turn 16 in October. I am approximately 171 cm tall. Can I still grow taller? Does being overweight affect height? Additionally, my calves are relatively short; will stretching and doing jumping jacks help lengthen my legs ...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: You can grow taller, but it is impossible to predict how much more you will grow. Being overweight can affect height growth, so it is recommended that you maintain a balanced diet and reduce your intake of carbohydrates. Adequate rest and moderate exercise are equally impo...[Read More] Can I Still Grow Taller at 15? Tips for Height and Leg Length
Understanding Rib Bumps in Toddlers: Causes and Concerns
Rib lumps in infants? Hello Dr. Lee, I recently noticed that my daughter (about three and a half years old) has a bump on one of her right ribs (about one centimeter below the nipple). It feels like a protrusion of bone, approximately one centimeter in size, and is noticeably dif...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: If there is no pain and no rapid growth, it is likely normal bone or cartilage tissue, or a benign tumor. You can observe it for now and seek medical attention after the pandemic subsides. Thank you! Changhua Hospital Orthopedics Dr. Li Wen-Hong[Read More] Understanding Rib Bumps in Toddlers: Causes and Concerns
Persistent Swelling and Pain in 8-Year-Old's Foot: Causes and Solutions
An 8-year-old child presents with swelling and pain in the dorsum of the foot? Hello, I have an 8-year-old child whose foot has been swollen for about three weeks, specifically on the top of the foot near the fourth toe. It hurts when pressed, and X-rays show no bone issues. We h...
Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: Please elevate your left foot and apply local ice or heat (it has been three weeks; if there is no redness or warmth, heat application is recommended). If there is no improvement, you should return for a follow-up appointment. Thank you! Changhua Hospital Orthopedics Dr. L...[Read More] Persistent Swelling and Pain in 8-Year-Old's Foot: Causes and Solutions