Can Laser Treatment Effectively Address Bone Spurs?
Can bone spurs be treated with laser therapy? Hello Doctor, my mother has been suffering from spinal bone spurs for a long time, experiencing frequent numbness and weakness in both legs. Despite regular rehabilitation and swimming, her symptoms have not improved. Recently, throug...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: Essentially, lasers cannot remove bone spurs, as bone spurs are actually excess bone growth and are as hard as regular bone. Lasers are used to remove soft tissue that compresses nerves, such as intervertebral discs. Although laser treatment has been proven effective for s...[Read More] Can Laser Treatment Effectively Address Bone Spurs?
Managing Avascular Necrosis of the Navicular Bone: Treatment Options
Avascular necrosis of the bone? Doctor, my foot has been getting increasingly painful after walking for less than 10 minutes or even just standing for a short while. I went to the hospital for an examination, and the Veterans General Hospital even performed a nuclear medicine sca...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: Scaphoid bone necrosis is indeed rare. According to my literature review, it is primarily caused by repetitive trauma, occurring mainly in boys aged 4-7 years at a rate of 180%. The treatment method involves activity restriction and conservative management. It seems to dif...[Read More] Managing Avascular Necrosis of the Navicular Bone: Treatment Options
Why Some Doctors Recommend Non-Surgical Treatment for ACL Tears
Why doesn't the doctor perform surgery for a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)? Hello Dr. Luo, I was in a car accident 11 days ago and I have a hematoma in my right knee joint along with a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) as confirmed...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: Whether anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is necessary depends on various factors, including the severity of the injury, lifestyle, age, and level of physical activity. While textbooks suggest that not all cases require reconstruction, it is important to note...[Read More] Why Some Doctors Recommend Non-Surgical Treatment for ACL Tears
Choosing Whether to Use Pins for Toe Fractures After an Accident
The choice of whether to use a steel nail? In the case of a car accident where there are some fractures in the bones of the big toe, some doctors may recommend the insertion of a pin, while others may suggest that it is unnecessary. How should one decide? Thank you.
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong reply Orthopedics
Hello! Fractures must be stabilized. Stabilization can be achieved through internal fixation or external fixation. Internal fixation typically involves the use of intramedullary nails, while external fixation may involve casts, braces, etc. The choice of fixation method should be...[Read More] Choosing Whether to Use Pins for Toe Fractures After an Accident
Understanding Osteochondroma in Children: Surgery and Long-term Effects
Osteochondroma Hello, my son is 12 years old and has some unusual growths on his hands. Recently, an X-ray revealed symptoms of chondromas. I have heard that surgery may be necessary. Is this correct? Will there be any complications after the surgery, such as needing another oper...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong reply Orthopedics
Hello! It is recommended that you take your mother to a medical center to consult with a specialist. I believe the physician will provide you with valuable advice. Sincerely, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.[Read More] Understanding Osteochondroma in Children: Surgery and Long-term Effects
Can Surgery Fix Bunions? Recovery Time and What to Expect
Bunion (Hallux Valgus) If I am a patient with bunions, is surgery an option? How long does it typically take to fully heal after the surgery?
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong reply Orthopedics
Hello! For hallux valgus, it is essential to first determine the angle of deviation. If it is a mild degree, conservative treatment can be attempted; for larger angles, surgical intervention may be necessary. There are many surgical methods available, and the recovery time cannot...[Read More] Can Surgery Fix Bunions? Recovery Time and What to Expect
Can You Swim with Plantar Fasciitis? Tips for Managing Foot Pain
It is plantar fasciitis? I have ankle pain after exercising, and when I visited an orthopedic doctor, I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. The doctor advised me to rest, but I experience pain whenever I move my ankle joint or the bottom of my foot. I tried swimming, but the pa...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong reply Orthopedics
Hello! Plantar fasciitis is a troublesome condition that is difficult to fully treat. I believe rest is essential, and swimming should be acceptable, but it is important to ensure that the ankle remains as still as possible to avoid straining the plantar fascia, which could lead ...[Read More] Can You Swim with Plantar Fasciitis? Tips for Managing Foot Pain
Understanding Inner Calf Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Abnormal pain in the calf? Hello, around the end of October, I started experiencing pain in the central area of the inner right calf when I lightly touch it. However, I do not feel any discomfort while walking or exercising. Upon careful examination, I noticed a slightly raised a...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong reply Orthopedics
Hello! Generally, when touching the front side of the calf, there is a high chance of directly impacting the periosteum since the bone is just beneath the skin. Inflammation of the periosteum can sometimes be difficult to treat and is prone to recurrence, and massage is not recom...[Read More] Understanding Inner Calf Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Artificial Bone Graft: Uses, Materials, and Risks
Fracture of the internal steel rod in the left femur - urgent! In November 2002, I was struck by a vehicle that was in violation of traffic regulations, resulting in a fracture of my left femur. I received treatment from an orthopedic surgeon at the China Medical University Hospi...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong reply Orthopedics
Hello! According to the message, the slow healing of the bone has led to metal fatigue and fracture of the steel rod. Therefore, the urgent task is to re-fix the rod and find ways to increase the rate of bone healing. There are many methods to enhance healing, and bone grafting i...[Read More] Understanding Artificial Bone Graft: Uses, Materials, and Risks
Effective Remedies for Hallux Valgus in Young Adults
Bunion, how can it be remedied or treated? If I am already 24 years old and have developed bunions due to frequent sports and possibly ill-fitting shoes, I sometimes experience pain in the deformed area when I exercise or wear tighter shoes. What are the ways to treat or remedy t...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong reply Orthopedics
Hello! The letter likely refers to hallux valgus, as mentioned in the text that tight shoes can cause pain. Therefore, the first step in treatment is to switch to looser footwear to provide enough space for the toes to move. Additionally, there are specialized braces available fo...[Read More] Effective Remedies for Hallux Valgus in Young Adults
Can You Still Grow Taller at 28? Myths and Facts About Height Growth
Will it go higher? Is it still possible for a 28-year-old male to grow taller? There are many height-increasing products advertised on television that seem to be very effective; are they really true? Can we use them with confidence? Are there any side effects? If we use those pro...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong reply Orthopedics
Hello! Generally speaking, the growth plates are crucial areas for height increase. The growth plates typically close around puberty, and once they are closed, the chances of increasing height are very limited. Commercial height-increasing products, if effective, would primarily ...[Read More] Can You Still Grow Taller at 28? Myths and Facts About Height Growth
Managing SLAP Tears: Injection Therapy and Recovery Insights
Solution Two for SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior) Lesions? The previous diagnosis stated Type III... Is this very serious? Currently, I cannot find the time to undergo arthroscopy, so I would like to know if I can manage the pain during this period with injections. T...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong reply Orthopedics
Hello Dr. Guo, Regarding the Type III injury mentioned in your letter, I am unsure whether it refers to ligament damage or articular cartilage damage. If it pertains to ligament damage, it is considered a more severe injury. Relying solely on injections for symptomatic treatmen...[Read More] Managing SLAP Tears: Injection Therapy and Recovery Insights
Understanding SLAP Injuries: Injection vs. Surgery for Pain Relief
Solutions for SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior) lesions! Three years ago, after an arm injury, I was diagnosed with a SLAP tear. If I rely solely on injections to reduce the pain instead of undergoing surgery, will it have a greater impact in the future? I have always...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong reply Orthopedics
Hello! For a SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior) injury, the treatment depends on the size of the lesion. If the lesion is large, surgical repair is necessary to reattach the SLAP lesion. If the lesion is small, rehabilitation may be sufficient to strengthen the surroun...[Read More] Understanding SLAP Injuries: Injection vs. Surgery for Pain Relief
Understanding Femur Fractures and Tumors: What You Need to Know
Femoral fracture and tumors? Hello Dr. Luo: My older sister has been experiencing knee pain since mid-last year. She has seen many doctors who diagnosed her with sciatica, and after more than six months of treatment, there has been no improvement. Last Thursday, she accidentally ...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong reply Orthopedics
Hello! Generally, assessing tumor-related information requires a lot of factors, and age is a very important one. Young individuals are less likely to experience bone fractures from falls. If your sister is relatively young (around 40 years old or younger), it is essential to car...[Read More] Understanding Femur Fractures and Tumors: What You Need to Know
Post-ACL Surgery Rehabilitation: Addressing Pain and Cartilage Concerns
Post-operative rehabilitation after ACL surgery involves several key phases to ensure proper healing and restoration of function. 1. **Initial Phase Dear Dr. Luo, I would like to ask you a question. Previously, I experienced intermittent pain in my left knee. After undergoing ...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong reply Orthopedics
Hello! Generally speaking, if there is no obvious external injury or sports trauma, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is not easily torn. Pain around the knee may arise from issues such as cartilage damage or meniscus tears. After ACL reconstruction, with proper rehabilitation...[Read More] Post-ACL Surgery Rehabilitation: Addressing Pain and Cartilage Concerns
Understanding Bone Cancer: Causes, Treatment, and Prognosis Concerns
Bone cancer Hello Doctor: My aunt previously underwent chemotherapy for breast cancer. Earlier this year, she was found to have a benign liver tumor (hepatitis C). On March 20, after an X-ray at the hospital failed to determine the cause of her hip pain (which has lasted about si...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong reply Orthopedics
User: 1. Breast cancer is a systemic disease, so when it is clinically detected, it is likely that it has already metastasized. Therefore, it should be considered metastatic. 2. There is little relation to massage rehabilitation. 3. Patients with poor immunity are more susceptibl...[Read More] Understanding Bone Cancer: Causes, Treatment, and Prognosis Concerns
Understanding Bone Pain: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Bone pain Hello Doctor: I am 20 years old, and recently I have noticed that the bone on the inner side of my right calf near the ankle is painful when I apply light pressure with my hand, but it does not hurt when I don't touch it. Even during exercise, I do not feel any pai...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong reply Orthopedics
Hello! Based on your letter, it is difficult to determine the cause. Have you experienced any injuries? Have you had an X-ray? If there is a noticeable bump upon palpation, it is recommended to compare X-rays of both ankles to aid in diagnosis. Therefore, I strongly advise you to...[Read More] Understanding Bone Pain: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Effective Treatment and Care for Finger Sprains: Your Essential Guide
Finger sprain Hello Doctor: I have three questions: 1) I previously sprained my little finger while playing basketball. Although I can now bend it like normal, I still feel a slight pain when pressure is applied. What treatment should I pursue now? In the past, I received cortico...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong reply Orthopedics
Hello! 1. First, it is important to assess whether using corticosteroids for a fracture is not a good approach; if you are abroad, it is advisable to seek assistance from a qualified orthopedic physician. 2. It is necessary to evaluate the extent of the injury and whether there a...[Read More] Effective Treatment and Care for Finger Sprains: Your Essential Guide
Knee Pain When Descending Stairs: Should You Seek Medical Advice?
Sharp pain in the knee joint when going down stairs? Hello Dr. Luo, I have been experiencing a sharp pain at the lower edge of my left knee joint when going down stairs or walking downhill, but there are no symptoms when walking on flat surfaces. This has been occurring for abou...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong reply Orthopedics
Hello! 1. Regarding the first question, it may be due to joint degeneration. Here are two articles for your reference. 2. For the second question, it resembles median nerve compression, and further physical examination would clarify the situation. As people age, do their joint...[Read More] Knee Pain When Descending Stairs: Should You Seek Medical Advice?
Caring for Open Fractures: Nutrition and Recovery Tips for Healing
Care for Open Fractures My father suffered an open fracture of the ankle due to a work accident. Although it has been six months and he has undergone three surgeries, he still frequently experiences redness, swelling, and discharge, and he walks with a limp. What should I do to c...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong reply Orthopedics
Hello! Based on the correspondence, it can be inferred that this is an open fracture complicated by osteomyelitis. Therefore, general dietary control and nutritional supplementation may not be effective. Instead, it is necessary to seek treatment from a specialized orthopedic sur...[Read More] Caring for Open Fractures: Nutrition and Recovery Tips for Healing