Essential Tips for Recovering from a Fifth Metatarsal Fracture
Fracture healing Hello, I fractured my left fifth metatarsal at the end of March and underwent surgery to insert a screw and apply a cast. Now, five weeks have passed. During my follow-up appointment two days ago, the cast was removed and an X-ray was taken. The doctor mentioned ...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello, in response to your questions: 1. Initially, you should not put full weight on the affected limb; gradually increase the weight each day. 2. You should slowly reduce the use of crutches. Start with using two crutches, lightly placing weight on the left lower limb. Once ...[Read More] Essential Tips for Recovering from a Fifth Metatarsal Fracture
Understanding Spinal Injuries: Recovery, Surgery, and Rehabilitation
Spinal fracture? I went to see a doctor today because my lower back hurts after standing for a long time. After an X-ray, the doctor said that the vertebrae near my lower back had previously been injured and fractured. He also mentioned that if there is vertebral slippage, surger...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, spinal slippage does not heal on its own, but most patients experience mild symptoms and do not require surgery. Conservative treatments, such as wearing a back brace, taking pain relievers, or undergoing physical therapy, can alleviate the co...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Injuries: Recovery, Surgery, and Rehabilitation
Can I Regain Normal Walking After Iliac Fracture Recovery?
Iliac fracture Hello, I sustained a right iliac bone fracture in a car accident on March 26. I am undergoing conservative treatment without surgery, allowing the bone to heal on its own. The displacement is not significant. Now, nearly a month later, while resting at home, I have...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, it is best for you to consult an orthopedic physician as soon as possible. After a thorough examination, the orthopedic doctor will advise on the appropriate treatment (such as whether medication alone is sufficient or if rehabilitation therap...[Read More] Can I Regain Normal Walking After Iliac Fracture Recovery?
Understanding Nonunion Fractures: Treatment Options for Lumbar Injuries
The issue of nonunion fractures? Hello Dr. Lee, I was in a car accident a year ago that resulted in a burst fracture of my fifth lumbar vertebra. During the surgery, the procedure used to stabilize my lumbar vertebrae four and five, as well as the sacrum, was decompression. Howev...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello, In response to your question, please do not worry too much. Although the bone has not healed, the internal implants (pedicle screws and internal fixation) are still in place, so stability should not be an issue. What is more important is your clinical presentation. If yo...[Read More] Understanding Nonunion Fractures: Treatment Options for Lumbar Injuries
Will Daily Step Machine Use Harm My Knees Over Time?
I would like to inquire about knee problems? I want to control my weight, so I use a step machine for 40 minutes every day at a moderate pace—not too fast, but not too slow. Will this long-term activity cause knee injuries? I’m not used to wearing knee braces because they feel un...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, using a stair stepper is indeed not good for the knee joints. I personally recommend swimming or walking to control weight, or using a treadmill (but only for slow walking and without increasing the incline), as these options are less harmful ...[Read More] Will Daily Step Machine Use Harm My Knees Over Time?
Understanding Recovery from Fifth Metatarsal Fracture: Key Questions Answered
Fracture healing Hello Dr. Li, At the end of March, I sprained my ankle while exercising and went to the hospital for an X-ray, which revealed a fracture of the fifth metatarsal (I hope I got the name right). Following the doctor's advice, I underwent surgery to have a stee...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello, In response to your questions: 1. At this stage, using two crutches allows you to gently place weight on the affected limb, but it should be done without causing pain. If you experience pain, you should not increase the weight-bearing. The same principle applies when s...[Read More] Understanding Recovery from Fifth Metatarsal Fracture: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Ankle Fractures: Healing Time and Recovery Concerns
Closed fracture of the ankle? Hello Director Li, I suffered a closed fracture of the inner ankle in a car accident on November 7th last year, and I did not undergo surgery. The doctor advised that the fracture should heal on its own. It has been five months now, and yesterday I ...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, you should trust the orthopedic surgeon. If the rehabilitation therapist has any doubts, they can discuss them with the orthopedic surgeon. If there is indeed a non-union situation, the orthopedic surgeon will provide further treatment recomme...[Read More] Understanding Ankle Fractures: Healing Time and Recovery Concerns
Could My Pain Indicate Bone Cancer? Expert Advice on Symptoms and Tests
Could I have bone cancer? Hello Dr. Lee, I sometimes experience pain in the area inside my right buttock (I can't clearly tell if it's bone or nerve, but I can feel the location). The pain comes and goes; it will be fine for a few days, then it recurs after a while. Add...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello, In response to your question, you are overthinking it. Don't panic. Please consult your family physician as soon as possible. If you do not have a regular family doctor, visit an orthopedic specialist at a hospital you trust. A face-to-face consultation should help ...[Read More] Could My Pain Indicate Bone Cancer? Expert Advice on Symptoms and Tests
Understanding Foot Swelling: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Foot edema Hello Dr. Lee, I have some questions I would like to ask. About two months ago, I went to a martial arts center to adjust my ankle. Initially, the discomfort in my ankle improved; at that time, my ankle was not injured, just a little uncomfortable. After a few sessio...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question. Based on your description, since I cannot thoroughly review your blood test results, X-rays, or see the affected area online or perform any physical examinations, any conclusions drawn would merely be speculation, which is not ideal. I wonder ...[Read More] Understanding Foot Swelling: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Can Stress and Hormones Affect Height Growth in Young Men?
Growth issues Hello Dr. Chen: I am a 23-year-old male, but I am only 165 cm tall. When I was 20, I played basketball almost every day in hopes of reaching 170 cm. However, at 21, due to stress and bipolar disorder (which causes elevated mood), my forehead started to recede and my...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello, in response to your question: A male height of 165 cm is not considered very short; it is still within the 95th percentile. Additionally, by the age of 20, the growth plates have already matured and will not close prematurely due to other factors (as they are already close...[Read More] Can Stress and Hormones Affect Height Growth in Young Men?
Understanding Left Knee Stiffness: Concerns and Treatment Options
Stiffness in the left knee joint? Hello, doctor. I was in a car accident last October, and my left knee was injured. I have been undergoing rehabilitation since then (diagnosed with a sprain and hematoma). I can bend and squat at a good angle, but I still cannot fully straighten ...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, whether or not to undergo joint mobilization should be based on the advice of your attending physician, as they are most familiar with your detailed medical history. If you are not satisfied with your current physician, you may also consider s...[Read More] Understanding Left Knee Stiffness: Concerns and Treatment Options
Understanding Persistent Knee Effusion: Causes, Treatments, and Risks
Recurrent knee effusion? I am 52 years old, and I have been experiencing recurrent knee effusion since the year before last. I have undergone aspiration, fluid analysis, and blood tests, which have ruled out hereditary diseases. I have received numerous suggestions, visited many ...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, my personal opinion is that you should consider undergoing an arthroscopy as soon as possible. The greatest benefit of arthroscopy is that it allows for the collection of specimens, which can be sent for pathological examination to obtain corr...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Knee Effusion: Causes, Treatments, and Risks
Understanding Cubitus Varus in Children: Concerns and Treatment Options
Cubitus varus in children Dear Dr. Lee, Hello. My child has a supracondylar humeral fracture and underwent surgical treatment. Both extension and flexion functions are normal now, but there is currently an inward angulation of the elbow of about 12 to 13 degrees. I would like to...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures require ongoing outpatient follow-up. It is recommended that you continue to return for check-ups (every six months to a year) to monitor changes in the angle of cubitus varus and to determine if corre...[Read More] Understanding Cubitus Varus in Children: Concerns and Treatment Options
Understanding Orthopedic Issues: Pain Management After an Accident
Understanding Orthopedic Issues Twelve days ago, I fell off my motorcycle, and starting the next day, I began experiencing pain in my upper back. I initially planned to see a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for herbal patches, but by the fourth day, some areas improved ...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello, in response to your question, the ingredients of Yajie joint injection are hyaluronic acid. Its indications are for osteoarthritis of the knee joint. The symptoms you mentioned are not the primary indications for Yajie joint injection. I personally recommend that you seek ...[Read More] Understanding Orthopedic Issues: Pain Management After an Accident
Ankle Sprains: When to See a Doctor and Recognizing Symptoms
Ankle sprain Hello: I sprained my ankle while playing basketball yesterday. After applying a topical spray containing Indomethacin, I can walk without pain, but my ankle is slightly swollen. I would like to ask: 1. Should I see a doctor in this situation? 2. To what extent does a...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello Xiao Zhong: An ankle sprain generally refers to varying degrees of injury to the ligaments on the inner and outer sides of the ankle. In severe cases, the ligaments may completely tear, making it impossible to walk and requiring surgical intervention. However, most sprains ...[Read More] Ankle Sprains: When to See a Doctor and Recognizing Symptoms
Understanding Polydactyly in Infants: When and Where to Seek Treatment
Polydactyly in infants Hello! If a baby has polydactyly, which is the condition of having extra fingers or toes, you should consult a pediatric orthopedic surgeon or a hand surgeon. The appropriate age for surgery can vary, but it is often recommended to consider surgery when the...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, polydactyly in children often occurs on the thumb side. It is advisable to consult a pediatric orthopedic specialist. I recommend Professor Huang Shih-Chieh at National Taiwan University Hospital. Generally, parents tend to rush to the emergen...[Read More] Understanding Polydactyly in Infants: When and Where to Seek Treatment
Understanding and Treating a Baker's Cyst: Options and Procedures Explained
Baker's cyst I have recently noticed a hemispherical object behind my knee that feels like a tendon. It is not painful. The doctor at the clinic said it is a Baker's cyst. I researched online and found that it is referred to as a cyst. I would like to ask how it should ...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: The treatment for a Baker's cyst depends on the size of the cyst and the symptoms. If it affects your range of motion, such as difficulty squatting or climbing stairs, surgical intervention is recommended. If surgery is necessary, spinal anesthesia will be used. If th...[Read More] Understanding and Treating a Baker's Cyst: Options and Procedures Explained
Understanding Trigger Finger: Treatment Options and Home Exercises
Trigger finger Trigger finger patients have already received two steroid injections, and the outpatient physician suggested surgery to release the pulley if there is no improvement. Are there other surgical options, such as reducing the size of the nodule or widening the pulley? ...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: Based on clinical experience and literature, the effectiveness of stretching exercises is limited. More effective methods include oral medication treatment (approximately 30% effectiveness), steroid injections (approximately 50% effectiveness), and surgical treatment (90% ...[Read More] Understanding Trigger Finger: Treatment Options and Home Exercises
Do I Need Rehab for a Left Heel Fracture? Expert Insights
Fracture of the left calcaneus? Hello Dr. Lee, my attending physician told me that I don't need rehabilitation and just need to move my foot up and down at home. Would rehabilitation help reduce the pain? I apologize for taking up your valuable time!
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: Although your attending physician has stated that rehabilitation is not necessary, I personally suggest that you consider having a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist evaluate your condition. Trying a few sessions of rehabilitation may sometimes help alleviate ...[Read More] Do I Need Rehab for a Left Heel Fracture? Expert Insights
Understanding Recovery from Left Heel Bone Fracture: Pain and Treatment Options
Regarding left heel bone fracture? Hello, Doctor! On June 27, 2009, I fell from a height of one story while working at school, resulting in a fracture of my left calcaneus. I underwent surgery at Mackay Memorial Hospital in Tamsui, where the doctor performed an open reduction and...
Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: Your question should be directed to your surgeon. Each person's fracture location, shape, and treatment approach are different, so every patient's situation is unique. I wonder if you have undergone any rehabilitation therapy? Please ask your surgeon to recommend...[Read More] Understanding Recovery from Left Heel Bone Fracture: Pain and Treatment Options