Post-Fracture Recovery: Managing Pain and Mobility Challenges
Post-operative issues following a fracture? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my condition. It has been approximately five months since my car accident, during which I sustained an open fracture of the left femur and a closed (displaced) fracture of the left tibia. Sinc...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
1. Heat therapy can usually relieve muscle soreness, and anti-inflammatory pain medications can also be taken for relief. 2. Before a fracture has fully healed, swelling in the lower extremities can occur; elevating the affected limb and performing some muscle contraction exerc...[Read More] Post-Fracture Recovery: Managing Pain and Mobility Challenges
Understanding Finger Pain: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Finger issues Hello, recently I have been experiencing a feeling of discomfort and soreness in my left hand's index, middle, and ring fingers when bending them. This may be due to frequent typing or typing too forcefully. There is no redness or swelling, and I can still bend...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
It may be due to overuse; applying heat and reducing usage time while performing some light massage movements can help. If there is no improvement, it is advisable to consult a physician.[Read More] Understanding Finger Pain: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Understanding Numbness After a Fracture: When to Seek Urgent Care
Numbness in the hand after a fracture? The doctor said that my radius at the elbow is fractured and I need to wait for surgery to have screws or plates inserted. However, since it is the weekend, there are no clinics available for the surgery. Is it very urgent to have surgery fo...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
1. The department is very urgent. 2. During a fracture, there may be contusions that can affect the surrounding nerves, which may cause some numbness. Therefore, a simple immobilization is sufficient for now.[Read More] Understanding Numbness After a Fracture: When to Seek Urgent Care
Understanding Hand Joint Pain: Causes and Relief Strategies
Hand joints Hello, Doctor Shi: This is my job description: quality inspection of hardware – using a needle to remove burrs from the hardware. Recently, during weekdays at work, I have been experiencing pain in my hand joints. I am not sure if it is related to holding the needle f...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
It may be related to overuse; you can try applying a warm compress. Additionally, make sure to give your hands some rest and avoid straining them when possible.[Read More] Understanding Hand Joint Pain: Causes and Relief Strategies
Post-Fracture Recovery: What to Expect After Titanium Removal
Femoral fracture Hello, doctor. It has been exactly two years since I fractured my left thigh. I am scheduled for a follow-up appointment this month to remove the titanium alloy. I am hesitant to run or engage in weight training. I would like to ask the doctor if I can perform he...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
1. If a fracture heals well, it is possible to engage in physical activity. 2. This is normal.[Read More] Post-Fracture Recovery: What to Expect After Titanium Removal
Effective Treatments for Pain from Bone Screws After Surgery
Is there a way to treat pain from bone screws? Hello, when I was around 20 years old, I had a severe car accident that resulted in a comminuted fracture, and I have metal plates in my face. The doctor at that time advised me not to remove them. It has been about 11 to 12 years no...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
You can consult the original surgeon to see if removing the bone screws might help alleviate the pain.[Read More] Effective Treatments for Pain from Bone Screws After Surgery
Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Recovery Tips and Concerns
Fifth metatarsal fracture Hello, doctor! On February 6th, I twisted my ankle and was unable to move, so I went to the emergency room. An X-ray showed a fracture at the distal end of the fifth metatarsal. That day, I chose a pneumatic ankle brace. I work in a service industry that...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
1. Foot fractures typically heal in about two to three months, and the current pain is considered a normal phenomenon. 2. No. 3. You can walk while wearing a protective brace or soft shoes; however, if your foot swells, you should elevate your leg to reduce the swelling.[Read More] Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Recovery Tips and Concerns
Managing Patellar Fracture Recovery: Overcoming Muscle Atrophy and Stiffness
Patellar fracture Hello, Doctor. I had a car accident on January 1st, resulting in a comminuted fracture of my patella with approximately 6 to 7 fragments. After surgery, my patella was stabilized with two steel pins and wires. Initially, I was afraid of pain and did not engage i...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Continuing rehabilitation therapy for patellofemoral pain should be done gradually. When experiencing pain, it may be necessary to take anti-inflammatory pain relievers to facilitate the rehabilitation process.[Read More] Managing Patellar Fracture Recovery: Overcoming Muscle Atrophy and Stiffness
Understanding Knee Pain: Possible Ligament Injuries and MRI Considerations
Knee pain Hello, Doctor. Three weeks ago, I fell while jogging up the stairs. My left foot landed awkwardly on the step above, and I couldn't support my body weight, causing my knee to give out momentarily. Since then, I've been experiencing persistent pain (I can strai...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
It could be a muscle or tendon strain. Whether further examination is needed should be determined after a physician's diagnosis. If you are still able to move, it may not be too serious.[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain: Possible Ligament Injuries and MRI Considerations
Recovery Timeline for Non-Displaced Metatarsal Fractures: What to Expect
Recovery status of metatarsal fractures? Hello Doctor: I fell on February 14, and during a follow-up visit to the orthopedic department on February 16, it was discovered that I had non-displaced fractures of the second, third, and fourth metatarsals. The doctor recommended a cast...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
It takes approximately six weeks before you can start practicing walking. Typically, it takes two to three weeks for the bones to heal to a point that cannot be seen on an X-ray. Full bone healing usually takes about six to twelve weeks. Normal walking is expected to resume in ab...[Read More] Recovery Timeline for Non-Displaced Metatarsal Fractures: What to Expect
How Soon After Tibia Surgery Can You Walk Without Crutches?
How long after a tibial fracture surgery can a patient walk without crutches? Hello, doctor. I suffered a tibial fracture in a car accident on February 28 and underwent surgery to insert a metal rod on March 1. At that time, I asked the doctor how long it would take to walk witho...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
If the fracture is properly realigned and securely fixed after surgery, it is possible to start walking earlier. However, if there are any concerns, using crutches for about six weeks is advisable. Of course, this depends on the location of the fracture, the degree of comminution...[Read More] How Soon After Tibia Surgery Can You Walk Without Crutches?
Understanding Coccydynia: When Tailbone Injuries Cause Back Pain
Coccyx injury causing lower back pain? Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I slipped and fell, injuring my coccyx. I had an X-ray, and the doctor said it would heal with rest. However, it has been 12 days, and now I am experiencing lower back soreness, some pain in my coccyx, and unusu...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Typically, a bone bruise takes about one to two months to heal completely and become pain-free. You can take some pain relievers to alleviate the discomfort if it's very painful; otherwise, just wait for it to heal gradually.[Read More] Understanding Coccydynia: When Tailbone Injuries Cause Back Pain
Understanding Achilles Tendon Pain: Recovery and Treatment Insights
Questions regarding pain in the Achilles tendon? Hello Doctor, I’m not sure if it’s due to prolonged sitting and lack of exercise, but last week during a family outing, I walked for quite a long time. The next day after returning home, I experienced pain in both Achilles tendons ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
1. Approximately six weeks. 2. If there is a rupture, you may feel a defect or a depression when you touch the affected area, which is not typically present with simple walking. 3. Initially, traction is applied; pain in the Achilles tendon usually improves after rest.[Read More] Understanding Achilles Tendon Pain: Recovery and Treatment Insights
Understanding Post-Car Accident Orthopedic Care and Recovery Risks
After a car accident Dear Doctor, The patient is my husband, who was involved in a car accident on January 28, 2022. The medical summary indicates a comminuted fracture of the right acetabulum with mild displacement, contusions and lacerations to the forehead, and a concussion r...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
After a hip joint fracture, there is a possibility of developing arthritis many years later, which requires ongoing monitoring. As for bladder issues, it may be necessary to consult a urologist.[Read More] Understanding Post-Car Accident Orthopedic Care and Recovery Risks
Understanding Toe Injuries from Car Accidents: Do You Need Surgery?
Toe injury from a car accident? I would like to ask Dr. Shi, my big toe has a small fracture due to a car accident, but the fractured bone is slightly displaced at the joint. What implications does this have? Is surgery necessary? Currently, I am unable to bend it normally, and i...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Conservative treatment without surgery may take four to six weeks for gradual recovery.[Read More] Understanding Toe Injuries from Car Accidents: Do You Need Surgery?
Post-Surgery Recovery: Walking with a Steel Plate in Your Leg
Surgery was performed, and a metal plate was inserted? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about my surgery on February 10th, during which a metal plate was inserted. I had a follow-up appointment on February 22nd, and my recovery is progressing well. My attending physician inf...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
After surgery, the joints can be mobilized to prevent adhesions; however, it is not necessary to bear weight on them. If the fracture has not yet healed, walking and applying weight may lead to displacement.[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery: Walking with a Steel Plate in Your Leg
Do I Need to Replace My Cast Due to Moisture Issues?
Do I need to reapply the cast? Hello, doctor. It has been raining a lot lately. Although my ankle cast hasn't been directly exposed to the rain, it seems to be affected by the high humidity. The bottom of my foot, which is covered by the cast, feels sticky, almost like it&#x...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
If your cast is made of plaster of Paris, it may need to be redone. If it is made of resin material, you can use a hairdryer on a cool setting to dry it.[Read More] Do I Need to Replace My Cast Due to Moisture Issues?
Understanding Polydactyly: Can Extra Toes Affect Immunity?
Polydactyly (extra toe) Having six toes at birth is a condition known as polydactyly. It is a genetic variation and does not typically affect the immune system. Individuals with polydactyly generally have normal immune function unless there are other underlying health issues.
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Polydactyly or foot deformities may still hinder walking even after surgical treatment. You might consider applying for a military exemption.[Read More] Understanding Polydactyly: Can Extra Toes Affect Immunity?
Understanding Discomfort After Scaphoid Fracture Recovery
Fracture of the left scaphoid bone? Hello Doctor, I had a scaphoid fracture in my left hand last year (there was a crack, but no complete break or displacement). After two months of protection with a splint, the fracture healed well. However, sometimes I feel discomfort in the ar...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
You can go to the hospital for another X-ray to check for any issues. If you still experience soreness, you may take some pain relievers to see if it helps.[Read More] Understanding Discomfort After Scaphoid Fracture Recovery
Chronic Rib Pain: Which Specialist Should You Consult for Relief?
Initially, there was pain in the right rib cage, and now there is pain in both sides of the rib cage? I have pain when pressing on both sides of my ribs, and I feel a dull ache inside. The health center took an X-ray but didn't find any issues. They prescribed anti-inflammat...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
You can visit an orthopedic specialist if you experience pain in your chest, which may be caused by exertion, such as lifting or moving heavy objects.[Read More] Chronic Rib Pain: Which Specialist Should You Consult for Relief?