Dealing with Lower Back Pain: What You Need to Know
I'm sorry, but I need more context or specific information to provide an appropriate response? I have been experiencing pain extending from my lower back to my legs when I lie flat at night. It feels like nerve pain. I also feel pain in my lower back when I cough. This has b...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Hello: Based on what you described, it could be lumbar fasciitis or sciatica. I recommend that you rest more, avoid standing, walking, or sitting for prolonged periods, refrain from heavy lifting, and minimize bending at the waist. If there is no improvement, please visit an orth...[Read More] Dealing with Lower Back Pain: What You Need to Know
Post-Surgery Recovery After Femoral Neck Fracture: Common Concerns
What to expect after a femoral neck fracture is treated with a steel nail? Hello Doctor: I sustained a femoral neck fracture in a car accident, which was discovered three months later. The doctor recommended surgery to insert a screw. It has been one week since the surgery, and I...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
In young individuals, femoral neck fractures pose a significant risk of avascular necrosis if not addressed promptly. Therefore, the primary treatment principle is internal fixation to minimize this risk. Generally, after an 18-month follow-up, if the condition remains stable, th...[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery After Femoral Neck Fracture: Common Concerns
Post-Surgery Ankle Swelling: Causes and Solutions After Screw Removal
Issues Related to Post-Removal of Fracture Fixation Hardware Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my grandfather. He had a screw removed from his ankle about two months ago, but his foot is still often swollen. Is there a problem with his condition? What could be the possible ...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
After internal fixation of a lower limb fracture, it is common to experience swelling and pain in the lower limb due to postoperative immobility and poor blood circulation. It is advisable to perform ankle exercises and elevate the lower limb to enhance blood circulation, or to s...[Read More] Post-Surgery Ankle Swelling: Causes and Solutions After Screw Removal
Understanding Knee Pain Triggered by Cold Air: Insights for Athletes
Experiencing a dull pain in the knee when exposed to cold air? Hello, Doctor. I used to be an athlete and often performed vigorous movements. Although I always warmed up before exercising, I recently noticed that my knee experiences a dull ache when exposed to cold air. This does...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Hello: It is likely caused by a knee joint injury due to physical activity, possibly resulting from a fracture or ligament strain. Please visit our orthopedic sports medicine department for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain Triggered by Cold Air: Insights for Athletes
Understanding Morning Lower Back Pain: Causes and Specialist Guidance
Regarding lower back pain issues? Dear Vice Director, I have been experiencing pain in the left lower back upon waking up in the morning for about three months. Sometimes the pain is severe enough to wake me up, preventing me from continuing my sleep. After getting up, the pain ...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Dear Sir/Madam, There are numerous causes of lower back pain, and when accompanied by stiffness and pain upon waking in the morning, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis should be considered first. If all tests return normal and neurological symptoms are significant, ...[Read More] Understanding Morning Lower Back Pain: Causes and Specialist Guidance
Can a Sagging Mattress Cause Morning Lower Back Pain?
Could a sagging mattress cause lower back pain upon waking up? Dear Dr. Shi, I apologize for not visiting the hospital directly, as I was unsure of the cause of my discomfort. About two months ago, I purchased a new bed, but after approximately a month of use, I began to notice ...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Hello: The firmness of the mattress is a factor that affects the angle of the lumbar spine during sleep. Both too hard and too soft mattresses are unsuitable. Ideally, when lying flat, the mattress should sink about three centimeters. As you mentioned, a new mattress that has sig...[Read More] Can a Sagging Mattress Cause Morning Lower Back Pain?
Understanding Narrow Joint Spaces and Their Impact on Osteoarthritis
Issues related to smaller cartilage areas? I visited a doctor due to lower back pain, and after examining my lumbar X-rays, the doctor mentioned that my joints are fine but noted that I have a naturally narrower joint space, which results in smaller cartilage areas and a higher r...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Hello: The lumbar intervertebral joints differ from the general knee and hip joints. In addition to the bone (intervertebral disc) components, it is also important to consider factors such as the stiffness of the associated stabilizing muscles. Relying solely on X-ray examination...[Read More] Understanding Narrow Joint Spaces and Their Impact on Osteoarthritis
Understanding Rib Fractures: Treatment Options and Safety Concerns
Rib fracture I have been coughing for a long time, which has caused some pain in the upper right part of my chest. The cough has resolved, but the chest pain has persisted for about three months (I have experienced similar issues annually, but this time it has lasted longer). I v...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Hello: 1. Pain relief medications can be taken for pain management, and follow-up treatment should be done at the pulmonary medicine or thoracic surgery outpatient clinic. 2. Healing of fractures does not require the use of "Calcitonin." 3. The function of Calcitonin is...[Read More] Understanding Rib Fractures: Treatment Options and Safety Concerns
Understanding Muscle Fascia Inflammation: Recovery Challenges and Concerns
Lower back pain Hello, doctor: I would like to ask if "fasciitis really takes a long time to heal." Will there be any sequelae? A month ago, I helped a friend move, and the next day I experienced severe pain in my lower back. At first, I thought it might be muscle soren...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Hello: Due to improper use leading to excessive strain on tendons, fascia, and other tissues, initial treatment typically involves ice therapy, followed by heat therapy, adequate rest, and anti-inflammatory medications. Recovery can be expected within 2-4 weeks. However, without ...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Fascia Inflammation: Recovery Challenges and Concerns
Understanding Skull Protrusions: When to Seek Medical Advice
Prominent skull? Hello Doctor: I remember that when I was a child, there was a round protrusion about the size of a one-dollar coin, approximately 0.7 cm high, located behind my left ear on the skull. It feels hard to the touch, so it should be bone. This condition has been with ...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Hello: Tumors of the skull should be evaluated and treated in a neurosurgery outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Skull Protrusions: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Growth Plate Stimulation: A Key Orthopedic Procedure
Growth plate What is growth plate stimulation therapy?
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Hello: Currently, there are no reports on "growth plate stimulation therapy" in pediatric orthopedic journals. Generally, there are devices that use ultrasound to stimulate fracture healing, but due to the differences in the healing of fractures involving the growth pla...[Read More] Understanding Growth Plate Stimulation: A Key Orthopedic Procedure
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Pregnancy Concerns
Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello, doctor. My husband is 31 years old. Since early October last year, he has been waking up in the middle of the night due to lower back pain. He has seen many doctors, and each one has given a different opinion. Today, we visited the Tri-Service Genera...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Hello: Ankylosing spondylitis currently has no curative treatment; the available therapies primarily aim to slow its progression and prevent severe deterioration. However, it does not significantly affect life expectancy. Due to the difference in incidence rates between genders (...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Pregnancy Concerns
Why Does Menstruation Cause Back Pain? Understanding the Connection
Menstrual periods can cause back pain? Why do I experience back pain every time my period comes, even affecting my sleep? Is there something wrong with my spine? Should I see a doctor, and which specialty should I consult?
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Hello: Lower back pain during menstruation is usually not due to issues with the spine itself, as it is intermittent and monthly rather than persistent. It is advisable to visit a gynecology clinic for diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause.[Read More] Why Does Menstruation Cause Back Pain? Understanding the Connection
Understanding Sacroiliac Ligament Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Pain in the ligaments near the sacroiliac joint? Hello Doctor: I previously had a UTI, which caused significant pelvic pain. I later took PERRY for treatment and saw a physician who performed a urinalysis, confirming that it is now normal. However, the pelvic pain persists. The g...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Hello: Your description regarding the orthopedic issue is unclear. It is recommended that you visit the orthopedic outpatient clinic for further examination in order to provide an accurate diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Sacroiliac Ligament Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Pain and Swelling in the Little Toe: Possible Causes and Solutions
Toe Doctor, I have a swelling on my little toe, and it hurts when I press on the bone. It also hurts when I bend it! However, I don't recall injuring it. What could be the problem?
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Hello: Based on what you mentioned, it may be related to your shoes. It is possible that the shoes you are wearing do not fit your foot shape or are causing prolonged pressure on your toes. I recommend that you visit our orthopedic outpatient clinic for further examination to pro...[Read More] Understanding Pain and Swelling in the Little Toe: Possible Causes and Solutions
Knee Pain After Skiing: Should I Choose Western or Traditional Medicine?
Knee problems Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a question. Last February, I went skiing and while walking in snowshoes, I lost my balance and fell heavily onto my knees. I initially thought that the snow would be soft and that there wouldn't be any serious injury. How...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Hello: After a knee injury, it is advisable to avoid squatting, kneeling, and climbing stairs as much as possible. Based on what you described, it may be due to a previous injury, but that is not the main concern. Taking traditional Chinese medicine, Western medicine, or undergoi...[Read More] Knee Pain After Skiing: Should I Choose Western or Traditional Medicine?
Understanding Left Shoulder Blade Numbness and Chest Discomfort
Numbness and tingling in the left shoulder blade? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing persistent numbness in my left scapula for about a month. When I touch the skin near the affected area, I have to apply more pressure to feel any sensation! Additionally, pressing down on a s...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Hello: Based on what you described, for the discomfort in your scapula, I recommend that you visit an orthopedic or neurology clinic for further evaluation. For chest tightness, you should see a pulmonologist. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Left Shoulder Blade Numbness and Chest Discomfort
Are PLGA Absorbable Bone Screws Widely Used in Orthopedic Surgery?
Orthopedic materials Hello, doctor! I would like to inquire about the use of PLGA (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)) absorbable bone screws in orthopedic surgeries. Are they widely used in clinical practice, or are they still in the experimental stage? Additionally, is this material...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Hello: Biodegradable bone materials are currently used only for human fractures. Their composition is polylactic acid. The use of these materials is out-of-pocket. There are currently no reports of harmful effects on the human body. Bone screws made from this material have been u...[Read More] Are PLGA Absorbable Bone Screws Widely Used in Orthopedic Surgery?
Understanding Hip and Ankle Pain in Farmers: Possible Causes and Solutions
Father has soreness in the left hip and ankle? The father, born in 1990, has been experiencing soreness in the left hip and near the ankle after lifting heavy objects during the busy farming season. Recently, after sitting for an extended period, he found it difficult to stand up...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Hello: Please have your father come to our orthopedic outpatient clinic for a physical examination. A physician needs to make a personal diagnosis in order to provide an accurate answer. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Hip and Ankle Pain in Farmers: Possible Causes and Solutions
Post-Surgery Recovery: Insights on Plate and Screw Removal in Orthopedics
Post-Removal of Hardware Surgery Dear Deputy Director Shih, I have a situation where I fractured my tibia in two places, resulting in an open fracture. After the injury, I had two plates and nine screws inserted for stabilization. I used crutches for eight months, and it has now...
Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Hello: 1. The decision to remove screws and plates after fracture surgery is still based on the healing status of the fracture. If 5-6 doctors agree that the surgery and healing are satisfactory, you can feel reassured. 2. Generally speaking, as long as there is not too much pain...[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery: Insights on Plate and Screw Removal in Orthopedics