Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Healing, Recovery, and Future Impact
Fifth metatarsal fracture Hello, doctor. It has been exactly one month since my fifth metatarsal fracture. I had a follow-up appointment yesterday where I had an X-ray taken. The doctor said that there are signs of healing when viewed from the front, but not from the side, and th...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
1. Typically, after six weeks, the bone has usually formed preliminary callus and has enough stability for walking. 2. There may also be residual effects. 3. If there is no displacement or only minimal displacement, surgery is not required and it does not have any impact.[Read More] Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Healing, Recovery, and Future Impact
Understanding Ankle Fractures: Causes and Care for Patients
Ankle bone fracture? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about my sister, who has been living in a nursing home for over three years. Recently, she was transferred to the hospital, and after two or three days, the nurse called to inform me that my sister's ankle joint is swol...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
If the bone density is too low, even slight pulling or impact can potentially lead to fractures.[Read More] Understanding Ankle Fractures: Causes and Care for Patients
Understanding Knee Injuries: Signs of Possible Ligament Damage
Knee problems Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my condition. Two weeks ago, I had a car accident and fell. Besides abrasions, most of my injuries are bruises. My left knee hurts both in the front and back when I walk. The doctor mentioned that it might be a ligament injury...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
If walking does not cause severe pain or instability, it is unlikely to be a ligament injury, and further observation is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Knee Injuries: Signs of Possible Ligament Damage
Understanding High Tibial Osteotomy: Recovery, Pain Management, and Expectations
High tibial osteotomy Hello Doctor: I have a tear at the root of my medial meniscus, and due to my knee varus, the physician recommended that I undergo high tibial osteotomy two weeks ago, utilizing 3D printing technology for the osteotomy and a titanium plate was installed. Thre...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
1. It is normal; recovery typically takes about three months. 2. Wound healing requires time, usually at least six weeks or more. 3. It may not be necessary to remove it unless there is sharp pain or severe discomfort. 4. Crutches should not be discontinued until the bone h...[Read More] Understanding High Tibial Osteotomy: Recovery, Pain Management, and Expectations
Post-Fracture Care: Essential Tips for Activity and Immobilization
Please inquire about issues related to activity and immobilization after a fracture? Hello, Doctor. Three days ago, I suffered a fracture of the fifth metatarsal. After seeking medical attention the day before yesterday, the doctor advised that if surgery is not necessary, it is ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
1. It's okay. 2. It's better to walk less because prolonged walking can cause foot swelling. 3. You can walk a few times, but not too much. 4. Regularly return to the hospital for follow-up appointments to check if the bones are healing.[Read More] Post-Fracture Care: Essential Tips for Activity and Immobilization
Can Current Medical Technology Reopen Growth Plates for Height Increase?
According to current medical technology, is it possible to reopen and regenerate growth plates? Hello doctor, I am currently 33 years old, 170 cm tall (male), and I would like to grow to 178 cm. Is there any medical technology available that can reopen the growth plates? Or are t...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
The unlikely procedure of bone lengthening surgery can slightly increase the length of bones.[Read More] Can Current Medical Technology Reopen Growth Plates for Height Increase?
Understanding Persistent Elbow Pain: Causes and Care Tips
Joint pain Hello doctor, I often stretch during the week, so I have become accustomed to the soreness after stretching. However, recently I have started experiencing persistent pain in my elbow joint. Whenever I slightly exert my arm to straighten it, there is a "pop" s...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
It could be a ligament strain, and it may be necessary to see a physician for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Elbow Pain: Causes and Care Tips
Understanding Neck Strain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Neck strain The night before last, I experienced some neck pain due to poor posture. The next morning, I found it difficult to move my neck, especially when trying to look down or to the right. I have already applied a medicated patch and taken pain relievers. Initially, I felt a...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
You can take some pain relievers to alleviate the symptoms. If it doesn't improve after two to three days, you should see a doctor. After three days, you can start applying heat.[Read More] Understanding Neck Strain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Post-Surgery Pain Relief: Ice or Heat After Stitch Removal?
After removing stitches, should I apply ice or heat? Hello, doctor. I had surgery on September 23 and had my stitches removed on October 7. During this period, I experienced pain after the surgery that prevented me from sleeping. Taking pain medication (Tylenol) only provided rel...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
If the area around the wound is still swollen, painful, and has a fever, then ice packs or cold compresses are needed.[Read More] Post-Surgery Pain Relief: Ice or Heat After Stitch Removal?
Understanding Long-Term Effects of Coccyx Injuries: What to Expect
Coccygeal injury Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about an old injury to my coccyx from eleven years ago (I fell to the ground after sitting on an empty chair). It was very painful at the time, and I underwent rehabilitation. Since then, I have experienced discomfort in my coccy...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
It has been a long time, so it is possible that the condition has healed, and therefore, it may not be affected by the weather in terms of causing pain.[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Effects of Coccyx Injuries: What to Expect
Understanding Asymmetry in the Bones Behind Your Ears
Asymmetry of the mastoid processes behind both ears? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about the bones behind my ears, which seem to be asymmetrical. The bone behind my left ear is palpable but not very prominent, while the bone behind my right ear is distinctly noticeable. I...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
You can consult a neurosurgeon to get an X-ray to check for any asymmetry on both sides.[Read More] Understanding Asymmetry in the Bones Behind Your Ears
Can Ankle Braces Replace Casts for Metatarsal Fractures?
Fracture of the second and third metatarsal bones? Hello, doctor. I had a motorcycle accident that resulted in fractures of my second and third metatarsal bones. I consulted a doctor at Taipei Medical University Hospital, who mentioned that the displacement is not severe and that...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
It is generally safer to wait for the primary callus to form before switching to a brace, which typically takes about four weeks.[Read More] Can Ankle Braces Replace Casts for Metatarsal Fractures?
Can You Still Grow Taller After 16? Tips for Achieving Your Height Goals
Growth issues Hello, according to what you said, can I not grow taller after the age of 16? If it's possible, what can I do to reach a height of 180-182 cm?
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Height is related to skeletal age; theoretically, once the growth plates have closed, further height increase is not possible.[Read More] Can You Still Grow Taller After 16? Tips for Achieving Your Height Goals
Can You Still Grow Taller After Growth Plate Closure? Exploring Options
If the growth plates have closed, are there any other methods to increase height? Hello, two days ago I visited the hospital, and the doctor informed me that the growth plates in my hands have already closed. I would like to ask: 1. If the growth plates in my hands have closed,...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
1. Administering growth hormone after the growth plates have closed is ineffective. 2. The claims circulating on the internet are incorrect. 3. There are no foods that can achieve this. 4. There is no such method. 5. Limb lengthening surgery involves a surgical technique ...[Read More] Can You Still Grow Taller After Growth Plate Closure? Exploring Options
Can I Still Grow Taller at 16? Understanding Growth Potential
Growth issues Hello, I will be turning 16 in a few days. However, my height is only 174/175 cm. I drink 2-3 cups of milk every day, go to bed at 10:30 PM, and stretch and exercise whenever I have the time. Can I still grow taller? Is it possible for me to reach a height of 178-18...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
If the growth plates in the bones have not yet closed, there is still a possibility for further height increase. However, if they are completely closed, theoretically, no additional height growth will occur. At the age of 15, there may still be a slight chance for growth.[Read More] Can I Still Grow Taller at 16? Understanding Growth Potential
Can I Still Grow Taller After Starting My Period?
Is there still a way to grow taller? I got my period when I was in fifth grade, almost sixth grade, and I didn't grow significantly taller in the years leading up to that. My dad is 165 cm and my mom is 153 cm. I would like to know if I still have a chance to grow taller in ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
At the age of 12, girls typically have not yet closed their growth plates, which means they can continue to grow taller. With a balanced diet and regular exercise, there is a possibility for further height increase.[Read More] Can I Still Grow Taller After Starting My Period?
Sudden Knee Tightness and Pain: Causes and Concerns
The knee suddenly feels very tight and walking is extremely painful? Hello, doctor. I suddenly felt a lot of soreness in my knee the day before yesterday, which later turned into tightness. It hurts when I straighten my leg, and walking is very painful. What could be the problem?...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Gout typically presents with redness, heat, and pain, along with elevated uric acid levels in the blood. If these symptoms are not present, it may only be inflammation. Resting may help, and if recovery occurs, there is usually no cause for concern.[Read More] Sudden Knee Tightness and Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Recovery from Tibia and Hip Fractures After a Car Accident
Fracture issues from a car accident? In mid-July, I was involved in a car accident and was diagnosed with a left tibial fracture (a crack in the bone). The doctor mentioned that I could either undergo surgery or not. I chose to have surgery, during which two bone screws were inse...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
1. You can try walking to see if you can bear weight; if you can, you can gradually start to let go of the crutches. 2. A fracture that is cracked is still considered a break and will require some time to heal. If it heals well, there should be no issues.[Read More] Understanding Recovery from Tibia and Hip Fractures After a Car Accident
Understanding Occipital Bumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Occipital protrusion Hello doctor, I recently noticed a raised area in the middle of the back of my head, slightly to the left, measuring about 4-5 centimeters. It feels hard like bone, but I don't recall having this before. It doesn't hurt or itch, but I've been e...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
The back of the human skull, specifically the occipital bone, typically has a protruding area that is considered a normal bony structure. If you are still concerned, it is advisable to consult a physician and have an X-ray taken to check for any abnormalities.[Read More] Understanding Occipital Bumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Pain and Stiffness in the Right Middle Toe
Mild pain in the right middle toe? Today (September 16, 2021) in the afternoon, I suddenly noticed something unusual with my right middle toe. It feels stiff and is difficult to bend, with mild pain (not enough to affect walking, but it feels strange and uncomfortable). When I pl...
Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
It is possible that wearing shoes has caused the issue. You can observe it for a few days; if the symptoms disappear, there is no concern. If they persist, then you should see an orthopedic specialist.[Read More] Understanding Pain and Stiffness in the Right Middle Toe