Understanding the Differences Between Gout and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Arthritis Hello, doctor. Could you please explain the differences between gout and rheumatoid arthritis? My joints often ache; is there a chance for healing?
Dr. Xu Zhaoren reply Orthopedics
Gout is a metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, leading to the deposition of urate crystals in the synovial membranes of joints or tendons, causing pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means it involves the body's...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Gout and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Sudden Foot Pain: Causes and Treatment for Side Foot Discomfort
Sudden pain on the lateral edge of the foot? Hello Doctor: Yesterday afternoon, I suddenly felt pain in my left foot, specifically in the space between my little toe and ring toe, extending to the lateral edge and dorsum of the foot, making it difficult to apply weight on my left...
Dr. Xu Zhaoren reply Orthopedics
It may be that the dorsal nerve of the foot or the interdigital nerve is compressed, possibly due to tight shoes or foreign objects pressing on the nerve. It is necessary to wear looser shoes and seek outpatient examination and treatment to confirm the diagnosis.[Read More] Sudden Foot Pain: Causes and Treatment for Side Foot Discomfort
Understanding Pediatric Hallux Valgus: Causes and Treatment Options
The thumb is abducted? My child is currently 1 year and 10 months old, and I have noticed that the big toe on their foot is significantly longer than the second toe. Recently, I observed that when my child walks barefoot, the big toe tends to splay outward and does not align with...
Dr. Xu Zhaoren reply Orthopedics
Thumb-inversion is congenital and can be corrected, but it is necessary to first consult a pediatric orthopedic clinic to determine the specific type.[Read More] Understanding Pediatric Hallux Valgus: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Intertrochanteric Femur Fractures: Healing Time and Surgical Considerations
Intertrochanteric femoral fracture I fell on December 19, 2004, and sustained an intertrochanteric fracture of the left femur (it was just a crack). I underwent surgery to have a steel nail inserted, and it has been nearly two months since then. The doctor told me that it would t...
Dr. Xu Zhaoren reply Orthopedics
Intertrochanteric fractures typically occur in the elderly, while younger individuals usually sustain them due to significant trauma. In younger patients, the associated soft tissue injuries (muscle, periosteum) tend to be more severe. Healing generally takes about 4 to 6 months....[Read More] Understanding Intertrochanteric Femur Fractures: Healing Time and Surgical Considerations
Understanding Knee Joint Effusion: Causes, Treatments, and Recovery Options
Knee joint effusion (hemarthrosis) My mother suffered a knee joint injury in a car accident last year. Although the external wounds have healed, she has been experiencing swelling in the joint. After returning to the doctor, she was informed that there is still bleeding within th...
Dr. Xu Zhaoren reply Orthopedics
A hematoma within the knee joint indicates the possibility of ligament rupture, cartilage damage, or linear fractures. It is essential to identify the underlying cause before treatment, as it cannot be resolved solely through medication or joint aspiration; treatment must be dire...[Read More] Understanding Knee Joint Effusion: Causes, Treatments, and Recovery Options
Understanding Chronic Arm Pain: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
I'm sorry, but I It started with back pain, then my arm became numb. Now my entire left hand has been experiencing persistent soreness. Thank you!
Dr. Xu Zhaoren reply Orthopedics
Numbness in the upper arm and pain in the upper back can have various causes. A herniated cervical disc can lead to compression of the cervical nerves, resulting in similar symptoms. Please visit an orthopedic clinic for a thorough examination.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Arm Pain: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Understanding Muscle Strains: Long-Term Effects and Recovery Strategies
Muscle strain Hello Dr. Hsu: I am an athlete (track and field). During my second year of junior high, I sustained a hamstring strain during practice. At that time, I did not receive immediate treatment and only rested for two weeks (it fluctuated between feeling better and worse)...
Dr. Xu Zhaoren reply Orthopedics
Muscle strains that do not receive adequate rest for the injured muscle fibers to fully recover, along with repeated injuries, can lead to chronic fibrotic changes in the affected area, making recovery more difficult. Please undergo continuous rehabilitation treatment for 2-3 mon...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Strains: Long-Term Effects and Recovery Strategies
Understanding Joint Pain in Young Adults: Rainy Weather and Beyond
Whenever it is about to rain, my elbows or knees start to ache? My girlfriend is 18 years old and has a recurring issue where, a few days to a week before it rains, her elbows or knees become sore (the type of soreness is hard to describe, but sometimes it's painful enough t...
Dr. Xu Zhaoren reply Orthopedics
Whenever the weather gets colder or it rains, the inflamed tissue may cause pain. There is no history of trauma, which could indicate tendonitis due to overuse or other conditions. Please visit an outpatient clinic for an examination to confirm the diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Joint Pain in Young Adults: Rainy Weather and Beyond
Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
About distal clavicle fractures? Hello, Dr. Hsu. I had a car accident on August 3, 2004, resulting in a distal clavicle fracture (only a small piece of bone remains). Following the doctor's advice, I wore a figure-eight shoulder brace for about two weeks, then used a sling f...
Dr. Xu Zhaoren reply Orthopedics
1. Most clavicle fractures do not require surgical treatment. 2. The fracture can be stabilized with a figure-eight shoulder strap for about 4-6 weeks or supported with a triangular bandage. 3. However, there is a 5% chance of nonunion; if the fracture ends become rounded, it ind...[Read More] Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
Understanding Buttock Pain: Causes and Concerns in Orthopedics
Zhang Bifang Hello, doctor... Recently, I've noticed two indented areas on the upper part of my buttocks. The area to the right of the indentation hurts when I perform simple movements. I'm really worried... I don't know if it's due to a previous fall on my bu...
Dr. Xu Zhaoren reply Orthopedics
It could be a trigger finger; a proper diagnosis can only be made after an examination. If there is pain, surgery may be necessary for treatment.[Read More] Understanding Buttock Pain: Causes and Concerns in Orthopedics
Understanding Knee Pain and Ligament Tightness: Causes and Remedies
Knee joint soreness with a sensation of ligament tightness? Hello, about a month ago, I started feeling soreness around the patella of my right knee due to increased frequency and intensity of playing tennis. After consulting a physician, I was informed that it was due to cartila...
Dr. Xu Zhaoren reply Orthopedics
It could be due to jumping or patellofemoral arthritis, possibly from overuse, and a physical examination is necessary for diagnosis. Treatment options include: 1. Reducing activity level 2. Performing quadriceps exercises 3. Taking glucosamine (MOVE FREE) 4. Using anti-inflammat...[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain and Ligament Tightness: Causes and Remedies
Can O-Shaped Legs Be Corrected Without Surgery?
Is there still a chance to correct bow legs? Doctor, I would like to ask a question! I have a very troubling case of bow legs, which is due to family genetics. Is there a chance for correction? Is surgery the only option for improvement, or can certain exercises help as well? Sin...
Dr. Xu Zhaoren reply Orthopedics
Bow legs are hereditary and fall within the normal range. Treatment is not necessary unless the condition is severe and causes joint pain. The treatment method is surgical correction through osteotomy.[Read More] Can O-Shaped Legs Be Corrected Without Surgery?
Post-Surgery Complications: Seeking Help for Joint Issues
Joint surgery I have suffered comminuted fractures of my wrist and ankle joints. One year after surgery to remove the hardware, I found that the bone in my ankle is encasing the screw, which prevents me from fully extending my ankle and has resulted in weakness in my hand. One of...
Dr. Xu Zhaoren reply Orthopedics
After a comminuted fracture of the wrist joint, post-traumatic arthritis is often triggered, leading to restricted joint mobility. A thorough examination is necessary to address your concerns, so please consult an orthopedic specialist for an outpatient evaluation.[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications: Seeking Help for Joint Issues
Understanding Ligament Tears: Healing, Treatment Options, and Recovery
Ligament? If a ligament is torn, will it heal on its own? My doctor mentioned that for now, I should either immobilize it or use a device called a "magic iron stick" for ligament tightening. I would like to learn more about other treatment options for ligament tears or ...
Dr. Xu Zhaoren reply Orthopedics
Ligament tears require rest and immobilization of the injured area. The torn ligament will heal on its own, which typically takes about two months of rest. There are no specific methods to accelerate the healing process.[Read More] Understanding Ligament Tears: Healing, Treatment Options, and Recovery
Chronic Joint and Bone Pain: Seeking Solutions When Tests Fail
Generalized bone and joint pain? As mentioned, I have been experiencing these symptoms for a long time and have undergone many tests (such as cervical X-rays and MRI), but no cause has been identified. What should I do, doctor?
Dr. Xu Zhaoren reply Orthopedics
If you are of menopausal age, please consult a gynecologist.[Read More] Chronic Joint and Bone Pain: Seeking Solutions When Tests Fail
Effective Treatments and Rehabilitation Exercises for Osteomyelitis Recovery
Bone marrow inflammation!! I have a relative who is currently being treated for osteomyelitis. It has been some time since the treatment began. What methods can help them recover faster? Are there any rehabilitation exercises they can do?
Dr. Xu Zhaoren reply Orthopedics
The difficulty of curing chronic osteomyelitis is extremely high; it requires surgical removal of the infected bone followed by an appropriate course of antibiotics for a period of time to achieve healing. There are no other viable methods.[Read More] Effective Treatments and Rehabilitation Exercises for Osteomyelitis Recovery
Understanding Jaw Issues: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
About the chin? I am about to enter my senior year, but my jaw issue still hasn't improved. During middle school, there was a night when I chewed gum for too long, which caused my jaw to suddenly become immobile the next day at noon. After a while, it regained movement, but ...
Dr. Xu Zhaoren reply Orthopedics
For jaw joint issues, please consult a dentist (oral surgeon).[Read More] Understanding Jaw Issues: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
Understanding Unexplained Foot Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
My foot hurts for no apparent reason? Hello, I recently touched a specific area on my lower leg and discovered it was painful. I ended up massaging it myself, but the next day it became swollen. I visited a small clinic where the doctor diagnosed it as periostitis and advised me ...
Dr. Xu Zhaoren reply Orthopedics
Calf pain (tibia) can have many causes, possibly due to overuse (exercise) leading to bone marrow inflammation or fractures, and it may even be a tumor (rare). A visit to the outpatient clinic for an X-ray examination is necessary.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Foot Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Coccydynia: Causes and Relief for Tailbone Pain
My coccyx is causing me excruciating pain? Hello, Dr. Hsu. I have been suffering from coccyx pain for the past three days. I am not sure how this pain started; I only know that on the first morning, the pain was very mild. However, by that night, around 9 PM, while watching TV in...
Dr. Xu Zhaoren reply Orthopedics
The coccyx is the terminal part of the vertebral column, equivalent to the tail in animals, and serves as an attachment point for many muscles and ligaments in the perineal region. There are numerous potential causes of pain in this area, which may include bruising, fractures, pr...[Read More] Understanding Coccydynia: Causes and Relief for Tailbone Pain
When to Seek Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms?
Rheumatoid Arthritis 1. When should a physician be consulted for rheumatoid arthritis? 2. My left and right little fingers' tips have recently swollen rapidly. They do not hurt unless I apply pressure. Does this indicate rheumatoid arthritis? I also have concerns about def...
Dr. Xu Zhaoren reply Orthopedics
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease that requires long-term outpatient treatment. Patients can seek examination and treatment at the rheumatology department of a large hospital.[Read More] When to Seek Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms?