Understanding Spine Pain: Causes and Solutions for Better Sleep
Regarding spinal pain..? Dear Doctor: Sometimes when I sleep on my back, I experience increasing pain in my lumbar spine, which eventually forces me to sleep on my side. I often notice that when my lower back feels uncomfortable, moving my waist produces cracking or popping sound...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Dear Mr. Fan Nao, You may be suspecting that you have ankylosing spondylitis, correct? Ankylosing spondylitis can present with your symptoms, but it is not possible to diagnose you with ankylosing spondylitis based solely on these symptoms. Please consult a rheumatologist for an...[Read More] Understanding Spine Pain: Causes and Solutions for Better Sleep
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Impact
Ankylosing Spondylitis I am 30 years old and last year I discovered that the cause of my pain is ankylosing spondylitis. I underwent blood tests and X-rays, and there are no cases of this condition in my family. The blood test came back positive, but the X-ray did not show any si...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Dear Mr. Bad Egg, 1. It is not necessarily the case that you will progress to ankylosis. If you have a confirmed diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis and your X-rays currently show no significant changes, most patients can achieve good control by adhering to medication and rehabi...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Impact
Could My Foot Pain and Swelling Indicate Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis I have swelling on the dorsum of my foot at the joint of the second toe, and the second toe feels a bit stiff. It hurts when I walk, and this condition has been present for over six months. Could this be rheumatoid arthritis?
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Mr. Zhang: Hello! Regarding your question, I would like to ask how long your stiffness lasts each day? How severe is the stiffness? Typically, rheumatoid arthritis does not only affect the toe joints and usually presents bilaterally. If your condition has not improved, I recommen...[Read More] Could My Foot Pain and Swelling Indicate Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis and Next Steps for Patients
Rheumatoid Arthritis A year ago during a health check-up, rheumatoid arthritis tests came back positive, but further examinations showed no issues. This year, I have been experiencing widespread bone pain that prevents me from sleeping. After another examination, the results were...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: A positive rheumatoid factor does not necessarily mean that you have rheumatoid arthritis. Even if you experience symptoms of widespread joint pain, it is essential to determine whether you have rheumatoid arthritis based on the classification criteria set by the American ...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis and Next Steps for Patients
Understanding Swollen and Painful Joints in Fingers and Toes
Why are the joints in the fingers and toes swollen and painful? Doctor, why are the joints in my hands and feet swollen and painful? The joints in my fingers swell and become stiff because my triglyceride level is 250 and my cholesterol level is 235. Is there a connection? I have...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello Ali! Your description is unclear. Swelling and pain in different areas may be caused by different underlying conditions. If you are experiencing swelling and pain primarily in your thumb, index finger, and middle finger, along with numbness, it is often due to carpal tunnel...[Read More] Understanding Swollen and Painful Joints in Fingers and Toes
Understanding Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatments, and Prognosis
Arthritis Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing pain in my fingers and lumbar spine, and I often have trouble sleeping due to joint pain in my fingers, sometimes waking up in pain. When the weather is cooler, I sometimes experience pain in my left shoulder and right knee after f...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello Joy, Diagnosis: 1. Allergic Rhinitis 2. Ankylosing Spondylitis; Inflammatory Spondylopathy: Ankylosing Spondylitis is one type of inflammatory spondylopathy. Medications: 1. Loratadine: Antihistamine for allergic rhinitis, to be taken as needed based on symptoms. 2. Rofec...[Read More] Understanding Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatments, and Prognosis
Understanding Sudden Finger Pain and Numbness: Possible Causes
Today, for some reason... my finger..? During a lecture today, I suddenly felt my right hand starting to ache. Later, the joints of my fingers began to darken and felt almost numb. However, with just a slight movement, my fingers would become noticeably painful. Doctor, could I p...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello: Regarding your symptoms, I would first like to ask if your fingers turn black when the weather gets cold or if the air conditioning is too strong indoors. If so, please recall whether you have experienced color changes in your fingers (such as turning white, purple, or red...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Finger Pain and Numbness: Possible Causes
Should Arthritis Patients on BP Meds Adjust Their Dosage?
Concerns of arthritis patients taking antihypertensive medications? Today, various reports are discussing the issue of hypertension. Patients who have been on long-term arthritis medication often experience unstable blood pressure. If our blood pressure falls within the prehypert...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Hello Sindy! Whether it is medication for hypertension or arthritis, the decision to reduce or increase the dosage should be based on your current medical condition. Please discuss your medication issues with your physician. Best regards, Lin Hsiao-Yi.[Read More] Should Arthritis Patients on BP Meds Adjust Their Dosage?
Understanding Pain: Is It a Muscle Issue or a Family Condition?
It hurts a lot? Dr. Lin: I married in Taiwan two years ago after coming from mainland China, where brides are not allowed to work. As a result, I spend more than 6 hours a day sitting and weaving. About a year and a half ago, I started to notice stiffness in my body when I woke u...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi reply Orthopedics
Ms. Cocoa: Hello! Ankylosing spondylitis has a genetic predisposition (such as HLA-B27). If you are concerned, you can visit a nearby hospital with an allergy, immunology, and rheumatology department. Best wishes! CY/Dr. Lin Hsiao-Yi TEL: 2875-7521 Fax: 2871-7195[Read More] Understanding Pain: Is It a Muscle Issue or a Family Condition?