Understanding Intramedullary Drug Delivery in Orthopedics
Intrathecal administration Dr. Lin, I apologize for the interruption! I would like to ask what intrathecal drug delivery is. How is this technique performed? What types of patients require this procedure? What precautions and contraindications should be considered before and afte...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: Intrathecal administration includes the delivery of analgesics, sedatives, corticosteroids, muscle relaxants, etc. This is typically performed by anesthesiologists or neurosurgeons, and is generally conducted in a pain management department within the hospital. Lin Hsiao-Y...[Read More] Understanding Intramedullary Drug Delivery in Orthopedics
Managing Bone Spurs and High Uric Acid in Elderly Patients
Bone spur Hello Dr. Lin: My father is 70 years old and has bone spurs, elevated liver enzymes, and high uric acid levels. He experiences shortness of breath when walking and needs to stop and rest after just a few steps. He has visited many hospitals for examinations, but they ha...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: All pain in bones, joints, and muscles can be referred to as rheumatism, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the synovial joints throughout the body, particularly in the hands. Therefore, your father's condition is likely not rheumatoid ar...[Read More] Managing Bone Spurs and High Uric Acid in Elderly Patients
Understanding Blount's Disease: Is It a Terminal Condition?
What is Langerhans cell histiocytosis? Is Langerhans cell histiocytosis a terminal illness? What is Langerhans cell histiocytosis? Does it require treatment? And what about Langerhans syndrome? Is it a terminal illness?
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: You are referring to Sjögren's syndrome, also known as xerostomia, which is a chronic inflammatory disease of the exocrine glands and is classified as an autoimmune disorder. The main symptoms include dry eyes and dry mouth, with other common symptoms such as joint pa...[Read More] Understanding Blount's Disease: Is It a Terminal Condition?
Is It Normal to Experience Symptoms After Stopping Arthritis Medication?
Is it normal to experience the following symptoms after abruptly stopping medication? Hello: My father is 78 years old and regularly undergoes health check-ups. Last year, he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and was prescribed Donison (5) and Acetal (500mg), which he is cu...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: Donison is a type of steroid - prednisolone, used to treat inflammatory conditions. Acetal is acetaminophen, used for pain relief and fever reduction. Based on your description, these symptoms may be due to the sudden discontinuation of steroids. Long-term use of steroids ...[Read More] Is It Normal to Experience Symptoms After Stopping Arthritis Medication?
When to Reduce or Stop Uric Acid Medications: Key Considerations
When should the dosage of uric acid-lowering medications be considered for reduction or discontinuation? When should urate-lowering medications be considered for dose reduction or discontinuation? Is lifelong treatment necessary? If a patient has been off medication for a period ...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: 1. Generally speaking, gout patients need to take urate-lowering medications if they experience more than three attacks a year, or if they have tumor lysis syndrome. After careful evaluation, if the physician confirms the need for urate-lowering therapy, it must be taken...[Read More] When to Reduce or Stop Uric Acid Medications: Key Considerations
Can Cola Really Help Treat Gout? Debunking the Myths
Can cola treat gout? Recently, my dad heard that drinking cola can treat gout, so he bought a lot of cola to drink! I want to know if cola really has therapeutic effects for gout, or if drinking cola can reduce the frequency of gout attacks? After searching online, some users men...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Janice: Hello! Currently, there is no scientific evidence to support that cola is a diuretic beverage. If you need treatment for gout, I recommend following standard medical practices or discussing with your rheumatologist what dietary treatments would be most appropriate for you...[Read More] Can Cola Really Help Treat Gout? Debunking the Myths
Psoriasis and Joint Pain: Should You See a Rheumatologist or Dermatologist?
Psoriasis Hello Doctor! In September and October, I visited the Veterans General Hospital to see Dr. Lin for joint pain. Blood and urine tests were normal, and I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis, with rheumatoid arthritis to be monitored. However, I have noticed symptoms of psor...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Vicky: Hello! Since you still have issues related to your joints, I recommend that you see a rheumatologist first.[Read More] Psoriasis and Joint Pain: Should You See a Rheumatologist or Dermatologist?
Understanding Urate Crystals in Gouty Arthritis: Key Insights
Regarding urate crystals in gouty arthritis? Hello, Dr. Lin. I would like to ask you about my condition. I have been diagnosed with gouty arthritis and it has been about 7 years since my first gout attack. I have been undergoing treatment for some time, but recently, for the past...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: 1. During a gout attack, injections are typically non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If administered locally, corticosteroids are usually used. The commonly used urate-lowering medications are oral, and patients who are not on urate-lowering therapy should not...[Read More] Understanding Urate Crystals in Gouty Arthritis: Key Insights
Understanding Systemic Muscle and Joint Issues: Seeking Answers for Chronic Pain
Systemic musculoskeletal issues? Hello Doctor: I have had a problem with muscle fatigue since childhood, which has worsened over the past few years. Even riding a motorcycle for half a day causes me to experience full-body soreness the next day due to the vibrations, and my muscl...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: Your symptoms do raise suspicion for fibromyalgia; however, the diagnosis of this condition must first rule out other diseases. Many conditions, especially connective tissue diseases, may present with these symptoms. It is recommended to consult a rheumatologist for furthe...[Read More] Understanding Systemic Muscle and Joint Issues: Seeking Answers for Chronic Pain
Understanding Swollen Hands and Feet: When to See a Specialist
My hand is swollen? Hello, about a year ago, I started experiencing soreness and swelling in both of my legs, and I need assistance from others to get up after squatting down. Recently, my hands have also started to have issues; I cannot make a fist with my left hand, and my midd...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Ms. Chien Chien: Hello! You can first visit the Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology outpatient clinic for an evaluation and examination by a physician.[Read More] Understanding Swollen Hands and Feet: When to See a Specialist
Can Umbilical Cord Blood Treat Joint Damage from Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatic diseases and arthritis? Is it possible to use umbilical cord blood to treat damaged joints in rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis?
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: So far, there is no formal medical use of umbilical cord blood for the treatment of arthritis. It is recommended to follow the physician's instructions for treatment. Lin Hsiao-Yi, Department of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital.[Read More] Can Umbilical Cord Blood Treat Joint Damage from Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Genetics, Treatment, and Care Tips
Is rheumatoid arthritis hereditary? Is rheumatoid arthritis hereditary? I am only 19 years old and have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis for about six months, although I was misdiagnosed with growing pains for many years. I would like to ask the doctor if rheumatoid arthr...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: 1. Is rheumatoid arthritis hereditary? The factors contributing to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis include genetics, environment, and infections. Therefore, genetic material—genes—only partially influence the condition, so there is no need for excessive worry. Moreover...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Genetics, Treatment, and Care Tips
Chronic Back Pain: Seeking Solutions After 3.4 Years of Suffering
Lower back pain for 3.4 years? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing lower back pain since high school, and it has persisted for about 3 to 4 years now. Recently, the pain has worsened over the past six months, and it even hurts when I walk. The pain radiates from my lower back ...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello, Xiao Hong: If a diagnosis of seronegative spondyloarthritis is confirmed, the most commonly used immunomodulator is Salazopyrin (sulfasalazine). However, patients with G6PD deficiency may not be suitable for this type of medication (depending on the severity of the enzyme ...[Read More] Chronic Back Pain: Seeking Solutions After 3.4 Years of Suffering
Is It Really Ankylosing Spondylitis? Understanding Your Back Pain
Is it really ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, I am 25 years old and have been experiencing lower back pain for nearly a year. However, my pain is only significant when I engage the affected area, such as bending down or sitting upright. I believe this did not occur suddenly;...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: The diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis should be based on symptoms, physical examination, and X-ray findings. A positive HLA-B27 test is a reference point, but for clinically suspicious patients, a positive HLA-B27 significantly increases the likelihood of ankylosing spon...[Read More] Is It Really Ankylosing Spondylitis? Understanding Your Back Pain
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello, I have a few questions: 1. How can the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis be improved? 2. What causes rheumatoid arthritis? 3. How can rheumatoid arthritis be prevented? 4. If one seeks medical treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, will it not worsen signi...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
1. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease. Once a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is confirmed, it is essential to manage the disease with medications, including immunomodulators, corticosteroids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), along with app...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment
Managing Gout: Medication vs. Dietary Control for Long-Term Relief
Gout treatment Hello, do patients with gout need to take medication long-term, or can it be managed with dietary control alone?
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Repeated question, please refer to the response from July 5th. Thank you![Read More] Managing Gout: Medication vs. Dietary Control for Long-Term Relief
Understanding Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: Key Concerns and Treatments
Rheumatoid arthritis that cannot be defined by physicians? Hello Dr. Lin, my mother is 58 years old. For the past two years, she has been experiencing persistent inflammatory pain in both hands and ankles, which has led her to avoid walking and resulted in osteoporosis in her rig...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: 1. If the diagnosis of early rheumatoid arthritis is confirmed, quinine is the simplest immunomodulator with rare side effects and can be taken, but regular liver function tests are necessary. Additionally, hepatitis B carriers must undergo liver function tests, AFP, and u...[Read More] Understanding Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: Key Concerns and Treatments
Is Atrophie Blanche a Skin Disease or an Autoimmune Disorder?
Atrophie blanche is a type of skin change associated with chronic venous insufficiency and is not classified as a form of vasculitis. It typically presents as white, atrophic patches on the skin, often accompanied by telangiectasia and sometimes ulceration? Hello Dr. Lin, Could ...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: This disease is a rare condition that falls under a type of vasculitis-related vascular disorder. The treatment approach must be based on an accurate diagnosis; without directly observing the symptoms, it is not possible to assess whether the treatment is appropriate. Wish...[Read More] Is Atrophie Blanche a Skin Disease or an Autoimmune Disorder?
Morning Joint Pain Relief: Effective Home Remedies and Specialist Guidance
Every morning, I experience swelling and pain in the joints of my fingers and toes, but it improves immediately after soaking them in hot water? Hello, Dr. Lin! Every morning when I wake up, the joints in my fingers feel very swollen (numb) and painful (unable to touch). The firs...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: 1. Finger issues: They may originate from the cervical spine, but could also be due to carpal tunnel syndrome compressing the median nerve. Although the absence of rheumatoid factor makes rheumatoid arthritis less likely, it cannot be completely ruled out. Gouty arthriti...[Read More] Morning Joint Pain Relief: Effective Home Remedies and Specialist Guidance
Managing Gout: Persistent Swelling and Treatment Options Explained
Gout issues? In April, I had my first gout attack. After seeing a doctor and taking medication, it improved. However, shortly after, at the beginning of May, it swelled up again. Although it isn't very painful, it has been swollen for almost two months now (it's still s...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: 1. If gout is confirmed, the use of urate-lowering medications should not be changed during an acute attack. This means that individuals who have not been on urate-lowering therapy should not start it during this period, and those who are already on it must continue their ...[Read More] Managing Gout: Persistent Swelling and Treatment Options Explained