Understanding Finger Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Finger issues Hello Doctor: My dad initially experienced pain in his left middle finger and was unable to bend it. He consulted a doctor who said it was due to nerve compression and recommended surgery to relieve the nerve. However, my dad was afraid of the pain and did not go th...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
If the interphalangeal joints exhibit a trigger-like phenomenon, it may be indicative of trigger finger. However, if there is pain and swelling in the distal or proximal joints of the middle finger, it is more likely to be arthritis. The former may require surgical intervention, ...[Read More] Understanding Finger Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Intermittent Body Cramps: Causes and Solutions
Body aches? Dear Doctor, I reside in Kaohsiung City, and for the past six months, I have been experiencing severe intermittent pain in various parts of my body (not fixed to any specific location). The pain typically spans about three fingers in width. While I feel a slight disc...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: I would like to respond as follows: "Intermittent and severe pain in various parts of the body indicates abnormal electrical activity and contraction of local muscles. Any factors that trigger this abnormal electrical activity may lead to similar symptoms. These can i...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Body Cramps: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Thyroid Disorders: Concerns for Nursing Mothers
Thyroid-related disorders? Hello Dr. Yang, I have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism for about fifteen years. Ten years ago, I underwent radioactive iodine treatment twice, but there was no improvement. Since then, I have been taking antithyroid medication (the doctor mentioned ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: Polupi can still be present in breast milk, but the concentration is very low, and the dosage taken is also low, so the actual impact may be minimal. Vitiligo is related to autoimmune conditions, but it is not directly associated with thyroid-related antibodies, so there a...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Disorders: Concerns for Nursing Mothers
Managing Hyperthyroidism and Vitiligo: Key Questions and Concerns
Hyperthyroidism with vitiligo? Hello, I have been undergoing treatment for hyperthyroidism for about three months now. Currently, my medication regimen includes: two tablets of antithyroid medication in the morning and evening, and one tablet of a heart rate control medication in...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: Vitiligo and hyperthyroidism are often associated with autoimmune reactions, but vitiligo is not caused by hyperthyroidism, and it is not expected that vitiligo will resolve after the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Interferon treatment for hepatitis C can sometimes lead to ...[Read More] Managing Hyperthyroidism and Vitiligo: Key Questions and Concerns
Understanding Joint Pain: Possible Causes and Treatment Options
Joint issues Doctor: Hello. My left knee cartilage has been worn down due to work for the past ten years. Recently, I've been experiencing pain in the area between my knees and my tailbone. After walking a distance or squatting for a while, both of my heels feel warm, but it...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Dear Aa: Hello, based on the described situation, it seems to be related to the tendons and joints. The symptoms alone cannot determine if it is rheumatoid arthritis. I recommend visiting an orthopedic or rehabilitation specialist to identify the specific issue and then provide a...[Read More] Understanding Joint Pain: Possible Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding the Connection Between Finger Pain and Stomach Issues
Finger and stomach pain? Dear Dr. Tseng, Over the past year, I have experienced cracking, bleeding, redness, swelling, and itching of the skin on my fingers. I initially thought it was a condition related to "wealthy hands" and sought treatment from both traditional Ch...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Dear Angel, 1. Finger deformity, inability to bend the fingers, and cold fingers may be associated with Raynaud's phenomenon. A decrease in complement levels indicates an abnormality in the immune system, which is unrelated to premature infants. It is recommended to consult...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Finger Pain and Stomach Issues
Understanding High Uric Acid Levels: Causes, Treatments, and Lifestyle Tips
Regarding the issue of high uric acid levels? I would like to consult a doctor. I have a condition of elevated uric acid levels, with values between 11 and 12. Is the normal value 7? I discovered this issue three years ago when I suddenly experienced severe lower back pain and wa...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, Ayou: The uric acid level should be maintained below 7.0 mg/dL. The most common sites affected by gout are the joints, particularly the interphalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints (especially the big toe). During an acute attack, colchicine is typically administered alo...[Read More] Understanding High Uric Acid Levels: Causes, Treatments, and Lifestyle Tips
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
Understanding Thyroid Cancer and Its Connection to Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome
Thyroid and Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome Dear Dr. Tsai: Since April and May of last year, I have developed some follicular lesions in my genital area. After visiting a gynecologist, my condition improved after about 20 days, but later I experienced skin lesions on my lips and ey...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
Consult an internist for further examinations.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Cancer and Its Connection to Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome
Confused Patient: Navigating Complex Symptoms and Specialist Referrals
Confused patient Dear Dr. Yang, Since April or May of last year, I have been experiencing follicular lesions on my lower body and thighs. After about 20 days of medication treatment, the condition was controlled. However, I later developed swelling and skin breakdown on my eyeli...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello Kelly: Your issue does not seem to have a relevant underlying cause, and it may be necessary to consult the specialty you are currently seeing.[Read More] Confused Patient: Navigating Complex Symptoms and Specialist Referrals
Effective Strategies to Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare-Ups
How to prevent rheumatoid arthritis? As the weather gets cooler, my knees become inflamed, and I experience soreness in all ten fingers and even my shoulders. What can I do to prevent this from worsening? Thank you.
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Hello Wansia: 1. As the weather gets colder, poor blood circulation can lead to an increased occurrence or worsening of arthritis, so it is advisable to ensure proper warmth. 2. If there is gouty arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, a blood biochemical test should be conducted for ...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare-Ups
Why Do My Fingers Swell and Feel Tight Upon Waking?
Waking up with swollen and tight fingers? Hello Dr. Yao: May I ask why my fingers are swollen and tight upon waking up? Thank you.
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Dear Mr. Pu Pu, Edema indicates an excess of fluid. Since the distribution of fluid is primarily determined by gravity, if there is generalized edema, it may be more pronounced in the lower extremities during the day, while upon waking, the edema may be more noticeable in the up...[Read More] Why Do My Fingers Swell and Feel Tight Upon Waking?
Managing Diabetes During Pregnancy: Essential Tips for Expecting Mothers
Pregnant women with diabetes Doctor, I am a pregnant woman, 5 months along. I previously had good blood sugar control, but recently my levels have exceeded 200. I am a pregnant woman with type 2 diabetes. What should I pay attention to during pregnancy? What should diabetic pregn...
Dr. Xie Yonghui Reply:
Dear Miss Xiao Qing, The control of blood sugar is extremely important for a pregnant woman, as it significantly affects the health of the fetus. The table below shows the relationship between the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in pregnant women during the first trimester and the...[Read More] Managing Diabetes During Pregnancy: Essential Tips for Expecting Mothers
Understanding Blisters: Are Sweet Cold Drinks Causing Your Skin Issues?
Develop blisters? Hello doctor, if I drink too many cold beverages that are too sweet, I develop small blisters on my fingers. The more I drink, the more blisters I tend to get. I have seen a dermatologist, who advised me to avoid excessive cold drinks and to eat more fruits and ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
There are many diseases to consider when blisters appear on the palms or fingers, including allergic or irritant contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, fungal or bacterial infections, keratoderma, psoriasis, vesicular eczema, pemphigus, and reactions in the fingers caused by infe...[Read More] Understanding Blisters: Are Sweet Cold Drinks Causing Your Skin Issues?
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
Understanding White Spots on Nails: Signs of Underlying Health Issues?
White spots on the nails? I would like to ask if white spots on the fingernails are a sign of internal diseases, and whether a central protrusion on the fingernails is also a sign of illness.
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: It should not represent a symptom of a disease.[Read More] Understanding White Spots on Nails: Signs of Underlying Health Issues?
Understanding Hand and Foot Tremors: When to Seek Medical Advice
Tremors in the hands and feet? Hello, doctor. I am a very overweight girl, weighing about 85 kg and standing 160 cm tall. I often feel weak and even tremble when I'm hungry. Last time I was at the hospital, my blood sugar was measured (finger prick) two hours after a meal, a...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
In healthy individuals, fasting blood glucose levels range from 70 to 110 mg/dL, and should not exceed 120 mg/dL two hours after a meal. Based on your value of 143 mg/dL after eating, this is considered elevated. Elevated levels often cause symptoms such as trembling in the hands...[Read More] Understanding Hand and Foot Tremors: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Lymphadenopathy: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Lymphadenopathy Hello doctor, about three months ago, I noticed a line of swollen lymph nodes on the right side of my neck. When I visited an ENT specialist, the doctor checked for nasopharyngeal cancer and said it was not the case. He mentioned that it was caused by a viral infe...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
In principle, lymphadenopathy tends to resolve on its own, and the likelihood of cancer is relatively low. The possibility of a painful infection is greater; however, this is not absolute. You may consider consulting an oncologist or an infectious disease specialist for further e...[Read More] Understanding Lymphadenopathy: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Can You Get HIV from a Needle Stick Without Bleeding?
About HIV/AIDS? If you are punctured by a suspected needle and experience redness and swelling in your finger but no bleeding, is there a risk of contracting HIV?
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
There is a 0.3% chance of contracting HIV if you are pricked by a needle used by an HIV-positive patient, so it is important to identify what type of needle it is. If it is a suture needle or another type, it can generally be disregarded. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Li-Chen, Department ...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Needle Stick Without Bleeding?
Understanding Nighttime Shivers and Cold Sensitivity: When to Seek Help
I have a question? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask, every time I have a fever or gastroenteritis, I experience intense shaking throughout my body in the middle of the night, and it continues without stopping. My heart also races significantly (this happens about 1-2 times every...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, experiencing full-body shivering before a fever is a normal physiological response, typically occurring before a high fever. This reaction is due to the body's response to toxins during infection or inflammation. The symptoms you are experiencing could potentially be ...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Shivers and Cold Sensitivity: When to Seek Help