Understanding Chronic Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Muscle and joint pain? Hello Dr. Tseng, I have been experiencing increasing fatigue upon waking up every day for the past few years (average sleep time from 12:30 AM to 6:30 AM). During sleep, I often experience pain in my shoulders, elbows, and finger joints, as well as swelling...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, it is abnormal to experience pain in the shoulder, elbow, and finger joints while sleeping, and even to wake up due to joint pain during sleep. Blood tests for rheumatoid arthritis factors and uric acid levels have returned normal, but other rheumatic diseases cannot be ru...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Is Morning Stiffness Always a Sign of Arthritis? Understanding the Causes
Is morning stiffness always caused by arthritis? Hello, Doctor Gao. Recently, over the past week or two, I've suddenly noticed that when I wake up in the morning (this has happened for three consecutive days, but also occurred once or twice last week), my hand joints feel st...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The definition of morning stiffness is joint stiffness and pain lasting more than one hour. Therefore, if your morning joint stiffness lasts only 5 minutes, it does not meet the criteria for morning stiffness. However, even if your morning join...[Read More] Is Morning Stiffness Always a Sign of Arthritis? Understanding the Causes
Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Health check shows elevated uric acid and cholesterol levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had a health check, and my uric acid level is 7.1, which is above the normal range. Isn't the normal value for women supposed to be less than 6.6? I currently do not have any symptoms of g...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Kiki: 1. Elevated uric acid levels primarily refer to high concentrations of uric acid in the blood. When uric acid precipitates in joint tissues (such as the big toe joint, the back of the foot, or finger joints), it can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to go...[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Health check shows elevated uric acid and cholesterol levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had a health check-up, and my uric acid level is 7.1, which is above the normal range. Isn't the normal value for women supposed to be less than 6.6? I currently do not have any symptoms o...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. KiKi: 1. Elevated uric acid levels primarily refer to high concentrations of uric acid in the blood. If uric acid precipitates in joint tissues (such as the big toe joint, the back of the foot, or finger joints), it can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to gout....[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Understanding the Connection Between ANA Levels and HIV Risk
ANA index and HIV I had an ANA test at the Rheumatology and Immunology Department of Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, with a result of 1:1280. All detailed examinations were normal, but I am experiencing pain in my left knee and finger joints, as well as dry mout...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question of whether a high ANA index is related to HIV, the response is as follows. [Interferents and Unrelated Health Conditions] An assessment of the impact of interferents and unrelated health conditions on the specificity of this assay was cond...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between ANA Levels and HIV Risk
Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Go Undetected? Understanding the Challenges
Is it possible for rheumatoid arthritis to go undetected in tests? Hello, earlier this year my mother (born in 1971, 52 years old) has been experiencing unbearable pain in both hands, especially at night when the pain is particularly severe in her finger joints. Additionally, her...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, Ping Ping; the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis must consider 1. clinical joint symptoms 2. rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibody tests 3. inflammatory markers 4. duration of symptoms 5. imaging studies such as X-rays and ultrasound for evaluation. Joint discomfort can ...[Read More] Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Go Undetected? Understanding the Challenges
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 Thumb Joint Bumps: Symptoms and Possible Causes
Thumb joint Hello Doctor: I have a small hard bump on the right side of the joint of my left thumb (near the nail), which becomes more noticeable when I bend my finger. It hurts when I press on it firmly. Is this what is referred to as gout? I have a tall and slim physique, and I...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Dear Miss Lin, I hope this message finds you well. The protrusion at the distal interphalangeal joint may be an early sign of joint degeneration or a ganglion cyst of the finger joint, and it is unlikely to be gout. Regardless of the cause, it should not lead to significant func...[Read More] Understanding Thumb Joint Bumps: Symptoms and Possible Causes
Joint Pain, Swelling, and Pityriasis Rosea: Understanding Your Symptoms
Joint pain, edema, pityriasis rosea? Hello Dr. Tseng, A while ago, I accidentally bumped my left middle finger joint lightly against a table, which started to hurt slightly. At first, I thought it was just a bruise, but it has been over two months now, and it has developed into ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, based on the definition, symptoms such as pain in the joints, muscles, fascia, and bones can all be referred to as rheumatism. Some rheumatic conditions can be diagnosed as specific diseases through symptoms, blood tests, and X-rays, while others may still remain undiagnos...[Read More] Joint Pain, Swelling, and Pityriasis Rosea: Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Gout or Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Finger joint soreness and numbness? Hello Doctor: I have a history of gout for about 10 years, and I haven't had an acute attack for over 6 years. This month, my blood test showed a uric acid level of 8.6. I would like to ask about an incident from early last year when I sud...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the symptoms you are experiencing do not appear to be acute gout, but chronic gout cannot be ruled out. It is recommended that you visit a hospital for further examination. The sudden sensation of numbness and tingling in the joint of your right little finger and palm, alo...[Read More] Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Gout or Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Understanding Blood Test Results: Cholesterol, Gout, and Follow-Up Care
Blood draw issues? Hello, on May 19th, I had a health check-up, and the blood test report showed some concerning results: total cholesterol 125, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) 39, urine pH 7, and a positive reaction for occult blood. Does this indicate a risk for cardiovascular d...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. The essence of a health check-up is to screen for specific diseases or issues through certain tests or examinations, and if necessary, to conduct further evaluations or diagnoses. 2. Your total cholesterol level is 125 mg/dL, and your high...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Cholesterol, Gout, and Follow-Up Care
Managing Multiple Chronic Conditions: Risks and Treatments for Your Mother
Multiple chronic diseases Hello Dr. Chen, My mother is 56 years old and has elevated uric acid levels, hypertension, and an allergic constitution. She has been experiencing long-term bone pain, which has now evolved into pain and stiffness in the joints of her hands. She is a he...
Dr. Chen Baoli Reply:
Hello, Xiaoyu: From your description, I would like to highlight a few points: 1. Soy isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen, serve as an alternative to traditional hormone therapy for the prevention of osteoporosis. However, the actual safe dosage has not been established. There...[Read More] Managing Multiple Chronic Conditions: Risks and Treatments for Your Mother
Can Gout Crystals Be Surgically Removed? Understanding Treatment Options
Gout Can gout crystals be surgically removed?
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Gout is more prevalent in men, particularly in middle-aged individuals between the ages of 40 and 50, as well as in those who are obese. However, there is currently a trend towards a younger age of onset. Common sites for gout attacks include the big toe, finger joints, elbows, a...[Read More] Can Gout Crystals Be Surgically Removed? Understanding Treatment Options
Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Vasculitis Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing issues with redness, swelling, and heat in my knees for the past two years. Sometimes it affects my feet, toes, and heels, and occasionally my fingers, mostly around the joints. Typically, the symptoms resolve on their own within...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Vasculitis refers to the inflammation of blood vessels, leading to damage and resulting in tissue hypoxia, with no definitive cause of onset. Diagnostic evaluations may include medical history, X-rays, blood tests, biopsies, and angiography. Blood tests typically include complete...[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
How to Differentiate Recurrent Rheumatic Conditions: A Patient's Guide
How can recurrent rheumatic fever be distinguished? Hello Doctor: I have the following questions I would like to ask you! I have been experiencing aching pain in my joints, particularly in my hands and feet, during rainy days and before weather changes, and it has been progressiv...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Doris: There are many causes of arthritis in young women. In addition to gout and rheumatoid arthritis, I recommend that you visit an orthopedic specialist for further examination and treatment. New anti-inflammatory pain relievers are effective and less likely to cause gas...[Read More] How to Differentiate Recurrent Rheumatic Conditions: A Patient's Guide