Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Ice or Heat Therapy?
Ankylosing Spondylitis: Ice or Heat Therapy? Hello, Doctor. Recently, I have experienced a relapse of ankylosing spondylitis (which has been symptom-free for over three years). Since entering the workforce, I have also been exercising very little. I am experiencing severe pain in...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Mr. Hsu, thank you for your question. The location of the sacroiliac joint is relatively deep, so the effectiveness of ice therapy may be limited; heat therapy might be more beneficial. Regarding the choice between heat and cold therapy, I believe that during the acute phas...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Ice or Heat Therapy?
Understanding Lyme Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Insights
Leigh syndrome Hello, Dr. Gao: About a month ago, I started experiencing pain in all my bones, followed by urinary tract infection and conjunctivitis. I have a history of ankylosing spondylitis, but what's strange is that I had a urinary tract infection about 10 months ago. ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Mr. Zhang, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Although most cases of Lyme disease occur within a month of infection, there are rare instances where it may be related to infections that happened a long time ago. The longer the duration of the infection,...[Read More] Understanding Lyme Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Insights
Chest Tightness and Mid-Back Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Causes
Chest tightness and mid-back pain? Symptoms: Chest tightness and pain, mid-back pain, which is relieved for about 2 hours after running, but then the pain returns. Duration: Six months or even longer. Examination: 1. Chest X-ray normal, compared with last year's film from Au...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems less likely to be caused by a tumor. If the rheumatology and immunology department has already evaluated you, there is a higher chance of inflammation in the bones or muscles. It is recommended that you consult an orthopedic specialist or a fam...[Read More] Chest Tightness and Mid-Back Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Causes
Understanding Left-Sided Back Pain: When to See a Specialist
Back pain Hello doctor, I have pain on the left side of my spine in the back, which occurs when I do a bow stretch. It has been several months and feels like a continuous pain. I visited a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who diagnosed me with myofascial pain syndrome. F...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsiao-An: 1. There are many causes of back pain, including degenerative, neoplastic, inflammatory, infectious, radiculopathy, metabolic, traumatic, and referred pain, among others. Therefore, a wide range of specialties may be involved, and sometimes diagnosis is not st...[Read More] Understanding Left-Sided Back Pain: When to See a Specialist
Managing Pain and Inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Patient's Journey
Immune system ~ Swelling and pain in the fourth toe of the left foot? Hello Doctor: My wife has a family history of ankylosing spondylitis. She previously experienced an episode of iritis. After a miscarriage last October, her left fourth toe started to swell and hurt at the end ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Regarding the swelling and pain in your toes, please continue your medication, as this type of swelling and pain requires a longer treatment time and may need some patience. As for the corticosteroids, you can discuss with your physician whether...[Read More] Managing Pain and Inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis Currently, I have pain in the middle back extending to the chest (not lower back pain), which is localized to the left side and has not improved for several months. I went to a large hospital for an examination, and the X-ray results indicat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. 1. Being gene-negative does not rule out ankylosing spondylitis. The diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis relies heavily on clinical symptoms and X-ray findings; the presence or absence of the gene is only an auxiliary diagnostic tool. Proper ...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Understanding Right Kidney Pain: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Kidney problems Hello, Doctor Wu. I would like to ask, around noon today, I experienced pain in my right kidney. It hurts when I squat down and when I get back up. My job involves standing and squatting to pick things up. In mid-February of this year, the clinic conducted blood a...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: There are many issues related to lower back pain that can be referenced in the attached document or addressed at a hospital. Wishing you safety from bothersome back pain. In the United States, back pain is the second most common reason for seeking medical attention in inte...[Read More] Understanding Right Kidney Pain: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Cause Chest Pain? Understanding Your Symptoms
Can ankylosing spondylitis cause chest pain? I have ankylosing spondylitis and have been experiencing severe chest pain for several years. Recently, the condition has worsened, resulting in persistent overall pain that is difficult to pinpoint. Deep breathing or movements of the ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Ankylosing spondylitis can affect the sternum and surrounding ribs, as well as other cartilage or connective tissues, leading to inflammation and pain. However, other causes of chest pain should also be ruled out. It is recommended to seek medical attention for differential diagn...[Read More] Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Cause Chest Pain? Understanding Your Symptoms
Managing Insomnia While Taking Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Sleep Issues Hello Doctor: I was recently diagnosed with AS, and five days ago I started taking Planequil once in the morning and once in the evening. I have noticed that after taking the medication, my mood becomes unusually elevated, a...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Generally, patients with AS (Ankylosing Spondylitis) do not take Plaquenil; they are more likely to be prescribed Prednisolone, as the latter has more side effects that can affect sleep. If medication causes side effects, it is advisable to return to the doctor for a discussion r...[Read More] Managing Insomnia While Taking Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Understanding Inflammatory Back Pain: Is It Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello doctor, about a week ago I suddenly experienced a sharp pain in my lower back, similar to a strain. Moving my back causes pain, but after a day or two, the pain only occurs at night when I get up to use the bathroom and in the morning when I wake up. ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the condition you mentioned, ankylosing spondylitis, is classified as chronic inflammatory back pain. Since it has only been occurring for about a week, I recommend monitoring the situation. If the symptoms do not improve or worsen, it would be advisable to see a doctor. A...[Read More] Understanding Inflammatory Back Pain: Is It Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Uveitis and Its Connection to Ankylosing Spondylitis
Iritis and ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at around 35 years old. After a long period of treatment, I have not experienced pain since I turned 50. Aside from some stiffness in my hip joints, I have no other discomfort, and my doc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I will answer your inquiries briefly as follows: 1. There may still be active connections between iritis and ankylosing spondylitis, so I recommend that you follow up with a rheumatologist. 2. Iritis is generally treated with eye drops alone. H...[Read More] Understanding Uveitis and Its Connection to Ankylosing Spondylitis
Long-Term Use of Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Safety and Alternatives
Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello, I would like to inquire about the medication "Wankesi" that I am taking for ankylosing spondylitis. Is it safe to use this medication long-term? If my inflammatory markers are not high, can I take it only when I feel discomf...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are the consolidated answers to your inquiries: 1. Voltaren (diclofenac) can be taken long-term as it has minimal gastrointestinal irritation, making it a good option for patients who require long-term use of anti-inflammatory and analge...[Read More] Long-Term Use of Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Safety and Alternatives
Understanding Achilles Tendon Pain: Is It Ankylosing Spondylitis or Posture Issues?
There is soreness in the Achilles tendon? Hello, doctor. When I was about 23 years old, I started experiencing soreness in my Achilles tendon when I first got up in the morning or after sitting for long periods (around 30 minutes). The soreness occurs at the beginning of walking ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Regarding your inquiry, it is quite difficult to provide an immediate diagnosis without a physician examining your heel, assessing your spinal mobility, and inquiring about your clinical symptoms. I recommend that you consult with a specialist ...[Read More] Understanding Achilles Tendon Pain: Is It Ankylosing Spondylitis or Posture Issues?
Understanding Inflammatory Spine Conditions: Assessing Severity in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Questions regarding the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, I recently visited a large hospital to check on a long-standing pain condition. Most of the time, I experience numbness and pain on the right side of my body, and I cannot lie flat while sleeping due to back pain...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, internet user: 1. The so-called inflammation grade refers to the degree of inflammation observed in the sacroiliac joints on standard X-rays (you are referring to nuclear medicine scans), which is classified into four levels. 2. An accurate diagnosis of ankylosing spondyli...[Read More] Understanding Inflammatory Spine Conditions: Assessing Severity in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Pain Relief Strategies and Concerns
Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor: I have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis since my university days and have been taking anti-inflammatory medication for a long time. I previously took Celebrex (an immunomodulator), but my doctor later advised me to stop. Currently, I...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello Jerry: 1. Pressing on the area near the left rib close to the left nipple causes pain, and this area is less commonly affected in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. 2. Ankylosing spondylitis has varying degrees of activity and different affected areas at different tim...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Pain Relief Strategies and Concerns
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Alternatives to Painkillers
Ankylosing spondylitis About five years ago, I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, but I did not experience significant pain at that time, and my inflammatory markers were normal. I was only prescribed pain relievers. However, in the past two years, whenever I catch a cold...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis often fluctuate, so it is essential to have regular follow-up examinations to manage the condition. In addition to pain relievers, there are other medications and methods available for pain management, so it is advisable to seek medical e...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Alternatives to Painkillers
Understanding Autoimmune Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Polyarthritis 1. I have an ASLO index of 247 (or 274?). Is this caused by genetics or an infection? My family has a history of almost all hereditary diseases, including lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney stones, kidney disease, stroke,...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Ms. Yang, I hope this message finds you well. Your questions are somewhat complex, and since I haven't actually seen you, many of my thoughts are merely speculation. It is best for you to discuss these matters with a physician who has examined you in person. Here are m...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Biologics for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Weight Gain and Edema Concerns
Ankylosing Spondylitis (Biologics) Hello, Doctor: I have ankylosing spondylitis, and since the medication treatment has not been very effective, my physician evaluated my condition and started me on biologic therapy. It has been four months since the treatment began, and I have r...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Currently, there is no clear evidence indicating that the administration of biologic agents causes edema or weight gain as side effects; in fact, the likelihood of side effects is higher with other medications, particularly anti-inflammatory pai...[Read More] Understanding Biologics for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Weight Gain and Edema Concerns
Could I Have Ankylosing Spondylitis? Understanding Symptoms and Diagnosis
Ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, doctor! I have been experiencing a low-grade fever for over six months now (around 37.5 degrees Celsius). I tested negative for HLA-B27, but X-rays and a whole-body inflammatory scan showed inflammation in both sacroiliac joints. My symptoms include...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, ankylosing spondylitis is more common in males. If HLA-B27 is negative, the likelihood of ankylosing spondylitis decreases further. Ankylosing spondylitis has specific symptoms, including lower back pain that worsens with prolonged rest, asymmetric arthritis, and some indi...[Read More] Could I Have Ankylosing Spondylitis? Understanding Symptoms and Diagnosis
Does Sulfasalazine Affect Male Fertility and Sperm Quality?
Does taking Sulfasalazine affect fertility? Hello Doctor: I have ankylosing spondylitis and have been taking Sulfasalazine (Salazopyrin) for over two years, currently at a dosage of six tablets daily. I would like to know if this medication affects sperm count or motility, as my ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello David, Salazopyrin may be related to your condition, but it is not necessarily the cause. I recommend discussing this with your primary physician and obstetrician. Stopping the medication for three months should help mitigate any potential effects. Thank you for your questi...[Read More] Does Sulfasalazine Affect Male Fertility and Sperm Quality?