Managing Gout: Medication vs. Dietary Control for Long-Term Relief
Gout treatment Gout requires long-term medication management, but dietary control can also play a significant role in managing the condition. Thank you for your inquiry!
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: The most fundamental treatment for gout patients is to adjust their diet, daily lifestyle, and discontinue medications that may elevate blood uric acid levels. Dietary considerations must include avoiding high-purine foods (such as organ meats, sardines, oysters, clams, cr...[Read More] Managing Gout: Medication vs. Dietary Control for Long-Term Relief
Understanding Persistent Lower Back Pain After Cold Medication
Lower back pain (present for two weeks)? Hello Doctor: Two weeks ago, I had a cold and took cold medicine, but after taking four packets, I experienced symptoms of rapid heartbeat and hand tremors. I reported this to my doctor, who advised me to stop taking one of the medications...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: The pain you are experiencing seems to be more related to a musculoskeletal issue, with soreness and weakness extending from the lower back down to the legs, resembling symptoms of spinal nerve root compression. There is a suspicion of a herniated disc, possibly caused by ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Lower Back Pain After Cold Medication
Understanding Wegener's Granulomatosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prognosis
Wegener's granulomatosis, now more commonly referred to as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), is a rare autoimmune condition characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis) that can affect various organs, particularly the lungs, kidneys, and sinuses? Weg...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Wegener’s granulomatosis, also known as granulomatosis with polyangiitis, is a type of vasculitis that falls under autoimmune diseases. The most commonly affected areas include the upper and lower respiratory tracts, kidneys, and nervous system. If inflammatory markers in the blo...[Read More] Understanding Wegener's Granulomatosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prognosis
Understanding Knee Effusion: RA Impact and Treatment Insights
Knee posterior flexion with effusion? Hello Dr. Lin: I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on some blood test results, but I have no clinical symptoms. I was originally taking methotrexate (MTX) and steroids (for six months), but in February of this year, I e...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello, This symptom is likely a Baker's cyst, which is mostly caused by issues within the knee joint (such as knee joint inflammation or injuries to the cartilage or ligaments within the knee) leading to fluid accumulation. This fluid extends out from the weaker area of th...[Read More] Understanding Knee Effusion: RA Impact and Treatment Insights
Managing Osteoarthritis: Medication, Supplements, and Health Tips
How to take care of degenerative arthritis? Dear Doctor: I am a patient with osteoarthritis, and I also have hallux valgus and cartilage hypertrophy. When my condition is severe, walking becomes inconvenient, so I have been taking medication for a while. It's been three mont...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: Your symptoms of degenerative arthritis have significantly improved, which is a positive sign. It is advisable to engage in moderate exercise for maintenance, such as walking or swimming in water, or taking a leisurely 20-minute walk to maintain good physical fitness. Addi...[Read More] Managing Osteoarthritis: Medication, Supplements, and Health Tips
Concerns About Long-Term Medication Use for Wright's Syndrome
Medication issues Hello, doctor. I previously asked you some questions, and today I have a few more... I have been diagnosed with Wright's syndrome. During my follow-up appointment today, the doctor prescribed me antibiotics (Sinflo), a gastric medication, and an immunomodul...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: Regarding reactive arthritis (Reiter's syndrome) with serological findings of Chlamydia infection, if there are no symptoms of Chlamydia infection, theoretically, treatment may not be necessary, and you would not need to take antibiotics for an extended period. Please...[Read More] Concerns About Long-Term Medication Use for Wright's Syndrome
Understanding Unexplained Joint Pain and Redness in Fingers and Toes
Unexplained swelling and pain? Hello Doctor: My fingers and toes often develop small red spots about 0.5 cm in size on the sides of the fingertips and the last joint. These red spots then expand into a larger area that becomes red and swollen, and they are painful to touch. In se...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: The sudden onset of redness, swelling, and pain in the fingers and toes, if gout is ruled out, should consider other causes, including other types of arthritis and vasculitis. These conditions rarely resolve on their own within three to four days. Based on your situation, ...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Joint Pain and Redness in Fingers and Toes
Understanding Lyme Disease: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
Leigh syndrome Hello Dr. Lin, I previously asked you a question, and today during my follow-up appointment, the doctor informed me that I have a Chlamydia infection. She believes it was contracted through sexual contact, but I have never had any sexual experience. Why would I sti...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
The most common infection caused by Chlamydia is Chlamydia trachomatis, which can lead to conjunctivitis, keratitis, and sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, Chlamydia infections do not necessarily require sexual contact; exposure to secretions can also result in infection. ...[Read More] Understanding Lyme Disease: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
Can You Safely Combine Salazopyrin and Finasteride for Arthritis?
Please provide the content you would like me to translate? Rogaine (Minoxidil) is known to inhibit male hormones to improve male pattern baldness, which may have a minimal impact on male sexual function and sperm count, but these effects are usually reversible after discontinuati...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: Salazopyrin may affect the quantity and motility of male sperm, leading to male infertility. These two medications can be taken together, but if you are planning to conceive, please discuss with your physician whether it is advisable to discontinue Salazopyrin to prevent t...[Read More] Can You Safely Combine Salazopyrin and Finasteride for Arthritis?
Understanding the Difference Between Spondyloarthritis and Seronegative Spondyloarthritis
Spondyloarthritis I previously had an examination in the rheumatology department, and my B27 blood test result was negative. The doctor said I do not have ankylosing spondylitis, but rather spondyloarthritis. I would like to ask if "spondyloarthritis" refers to "se...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: Spondyloarthritis refers to seronegative spondyloarthritis, which is termed "seronegative" due to the absence of rheumatoid factor in the blood. Among these, ankylosing spondylitis is the most typical, along with reactive arthritis, Reiter's syndrome, psoria...[Read More] Understanding the Difference Between Spondyloarthritis and Seronegative Spondyloarthritis
Understanding Sudden Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Arthritis Around mid-April, I woke up one morning and started to notice that I couldn't open my mouth very well. The joint near my temple was painful. Later, I also experienced pain in the soles of my feet when I got out of bed in the morning, but it would improve after an h...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: The diagnosis your physician provided is likely Palindromic Rheumatism. This condition is a type of arthritis that does not cause joint deformity. However, your symptoms should still be monitored for the potential progression to Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is important to con...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Understanding Gout Crystals: Diagnosis and Management Tips
Gout crystals I have been dealing with gout for several years, experiencing about 5-6 episodes per year with uric acid levels around 10. Will I have gout crystals in my joints? How should I ask my doctor to check this? Do I need to have an attack for it to be detectable?
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: In clinical practice, the definitive diagnosis of gout requires the extraction of synovial fluid from the joint cavity using a needle for microscopic examination to identify the presence of urate crystals or to observe tophi. The ability to extract urate crystals during go...[Read More] Understanding Gout Crystals: Diagnosis and Management Tips
Should I Stop My Immunomodulator or Flexeril for Arthritis?
Immunomodulators I am currently taking Ropinirole, but recently my doctor prescribed me an immunomodulator due to arthritis. I noticed in the drug dictionary that both medications can affect sperm. Should I stop one of these medications?
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: Finasteride inhibits male hormones to improve male pattern baldness, which may have a minimal impact on male sexual function and sperm count, but this is rare and can recover after discontinuation. When taking immunomodulators for arthritis, the effects depend on the speci...[Read More] Should I Stop My Immunomodulator or Flexeril for Arthritis?
Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Cause Diarrhea and Other Concerns?
Does ankylosing spondylitis cause diarrhea? 1. Can ankylosing spondylitis cause diarrhea? 2. Which specialty should be consulted for ankylosing spondylitis? 3. Can the medications for ankylosing spondylitis harm the kidneys? 4. What is the probability of passing it on to ch...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
1. The onset or exacerbation of ankylosing spondylitis may be related to gastrointestinal infections and diarrhea; some patients with ankylosing spondylitis may have inflammatory bowel conditions that can also cause diarrhea. 2. Please consult a rheumatologist for evaluation and ...[Read More] Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Cause Diarrhea and Other Concerns?
Why Do My Elbows Hurt After Push-Ups? Understanding Joint Pain
Unable to perform more than 10 push-ups due to pain in the wrist joint? I am unable to perform more than 10 push-ups due to pain in my wrist joints. When I press on the bony areas of the joints, there is a slight pain sensation. Can you tell me why this is happening? Two to three...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: If this situation occurs only after doing push-ups, it may simply be an exercise-related injury. It is advisable to reduce your workout intensity or even completely stop doing push-ups for now. Please note that before performing push-ups, in addition to stretching your wri...[Read More] Why Do My Elbows Hurt After Push-Ups? Understanding Joint Pain
Understanding Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: Concerns and Treatment Options
Please ask again? Dear Dr. Lin, Thank you for your detailed response last time. During my follow-up appointment on May 17, my rheumatoid factor was 196, and my inflammatory index was 3.67 (from blood tests taken on May 4). There was no redness or swelling in my joints, but I exp...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: Although the symptoms you described do not include swollen, red, hot, and painful joints, it is impossible to confirm the presence of arthritis without a direct physical examination. Additionally, while the lab results do show abnormalities, they cannot definitively diagno...[Read More] Understanding Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: Concerns and Treatment Options
Understanding Atypical Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms and Treatment
Consult a physician? Since last September, I have been experiencing pain in both sides of my upper back, which led me to consult an orthopedic doctor. The doctor indicated that I needed to take medication for two to three months, and I stopped the medication in December. However,...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: Based on your described symptoms of bilateral upper back pain without accompanying joint redness or swelling, it indeed does not appear to be rheumatoid arthritis. It is more consistent with myofascial pain syndrome, which is often related to muscle overuse, poor posture, ...[Read More] Understanding Atypical Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms and Treatment
Understanding the Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Insights
Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor: I underwent an HLA-B27 test during college due to acute iritis. At that time, the orthopedic doctor directly told me that I had spondyloarthritis. Initially, I didn't fully understand it and simply accepted what the doctor sa...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: At that time, you were suspected of having iritis associated with the HLA-B27 gene, as HLA-B27 positivity is related to iritis. Therefore, your physician requested further testing. The orthopedic doctor may have diagnosed you with spondyloarthritis based on the positive HL...[Read More] Understanding the Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Insights
Understanding Persistent Wrist Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Wrist joint pain Hello, doctor. My situation is a bit complicated, and I am quite scared, so I hope you can provide me with some professional insights. Thank you in advance. For the past three years, I have been experiencing pain in my right wrist joint, especially before going...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello Wei: Your description is not very clear, but it seems more like a neurological issue. It is possible that there is nerve compression in the neck or hand. If you have limited range of motion in your joints or joint swelling, it is more likely to be related to arthritis or an...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Wrist Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Left Toe Numbness: Causes and Treatments for Sciatica
Numbness and pain in the toes of the left foot? Sciatic nerve pain extending to the soles of the feet with numbness and pain in the toes, with no improvement after surgery for bone spurs.
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello, A-Qing: If it is confirmed that you have undergone surgery for spinal osteophytes and are experiencing a recurrence of sciatica, please consult the surgeon who performed your operation. Medication treatment may be an option, and you should ask the physician whether a refer...[Read More] Understanding Left Toe Numbness: Causes and Treatments for Sciatica