Foot, Internal Medicine FAQ

Understanding Numbness in the Right Big Toe: Causes and Solutions

Numbness on the inner side of the right big toe? I am a 24-year-old male. During the pandemic, I have not gone outside, but today I started to notice numbness in my right big toe, particularly on the side closer to the midline of my body. I have been barefoot at home and have not...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description and the provided images, it is possible that the symptoms you are experiencing are due to nerve compression in the buttocks caused by the material of your chair and prolonged sitting. It is recommended to find a more comfortable chair and to get up and m...

Unraveling Mysterious Immune Reactions: Antibiotic Allergies or Autoimmune Disorders?

Is the strange illness experienced personally due to a drug allergy or an autoimmune disorder? Hello, doctor. I have encountered a strange immune reaction while taking medication and would like to ask for your advice. Earlier this year, I was on long-term antibiotics due to a pro...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. I suspect that you may have Reiter's syndrome, also known as reactive arthritis, and I recommend that you consult a rheumatologist at a major hospital. There are several reasons for my suspicion related to this condition, including chronic ...

Understanding Finger and Wrist Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Regarding finger and wrist pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis? Dear Dr. Gao, Hello. Last June, during a routine check-up, I unexpectedly found out that my RF factor was positive. Subsequently, I visited the hospital, where the doctor arranged for additional blood tests. T...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Here are the responses to your questions: 1. Regarding the fluctuations in your Anti-CCP test results: On March 7, the hospital test was normal; on April 20, your self-test showed a significantly elevated level; however, on April 24, another fa...

Understanding Ketotifen Side Effects: Sleep Issues and Nerve Sensations

Regarding the side effects of ketotifen? Hello, Doctor. I have been taking ketotifen 1 mg every night before bed for chronic urticaria, and I have been on it for 32 days. I would like to ask the doctor: 1. I have not been sleeping well for the past two days, experiencing a state ...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The safety profile of the antihistamine ketotifen is good, but it can still have common side effects associated with antihistamines, primarily including dry mouth and drowsiness, which is why it is sometimes used before bedtime. The side effect ...

Understanding Pain in the Sole: Causes and Recovery Tips

There is pain in the area of the left foot sole? Hello Doctor, I visited an orthopedic specialist because I suddenly felt a sharp pain in the bottom of my foot, especially when I was on my toes. However, the doctor diagnosed that there was no issue and advised me to relax during ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description and the location of the pain, it is likely plantar fasciitis, which refers to the inflammation of the fascia on the bottom of the foot due to strain or prolonged friction. Treatment typically involves the use of anti-inflammatory ointments, such as the T...

Understanding Foot Pain: Is It Just a Bug Bite or Something More Serious?

Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing some sleep disturbances. Today, after putting on my shoes and returning home, I noticed that my toe is painful and appears to have a bit of redness. When I touch the swollen area, it feels slightly rai...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Regarding joint swelling and pain, it is recommended to first consult a rheumatologist to determine the underlying cause. Generally, rheumatoid arthritis presents with polyarticular swelling and pain, while the occurrence of a single joint flare...

Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice

Please consult regarding toe issues? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I stayed up late working on a report and only fell asleep around dawn, waking up after 10 AM. Later, I went out to buy something to eat, and when I returned home, I noticed that my right little toe was painful when I ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding the condition of your foot, based on the photos you provided, it appears to be folliculitis accompanied by cellulitis, which is usually caused by follicular obstruction. It is recommended to maintain cleanliness, and it should gradually improve over time. If...

Understanding Toe Issues: Concerns About Infections and Treatment

Toe problems (continued inquiry) Thank you for your response, Doctor. Regarding the first question, I still have some concerns I would like to ask. I recently took some leftover cold medication from last week when I had a cold and visited an ENT specialist. The medication contain...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The black spots you described are likely the openings of hair follicles, which is a normal structure. 2. The so-called immune-mediated arthritis mostly affects multiple joints, with the highest likelihood of a single joint being involved in gout. However, your sympto...

Can You Get STDs or Other Infections from Toilet Water?

Infectious disease issues If a foot without any wounds accidentally steps into a toilet and is submerged in toilet water, but there are no feces present (as they have already been flushed away), is there a risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or other infect...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if there is no trauma, there should not be any infection issues. Thank you for your inquiry.

Can You Catch Infections from Public Baths? Understanding Risks and Precautions

Is the disease contagious? Hello, today I had to take a shower outside because the pressure valve in my home bathroom broke and there was no plumber available. I went with my family to a hot spring place. My left big toe doesn't have any bleeding wounds, but I felt pain in t...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the situation you described, the chance of contracting a sexually transmitted infection through a small wound is very low, so you don't need to worry. Thank you for your question.

Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Healthcare Settings

HIV transmission 1. Today, I accidentally stepped on a trash can while a colleague was throwing away garbage from a small trash can. Some trash popped out near my foot, and since I work in a hospital, I'm concerned that there might have been a needle in the small trash can. ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. If it is confirmed that you have been punctured by a needle and it is impossible to determine whether the other person is HIV positive, it should theoretically be treated as having an infection risk. However, if there is no evidence of being punctured, then infection ...

Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Contact and Mucosal Exposure Explained

HIV transmission through contact? 1. Today, when I was walking, a friend accidentally kicked me in the vaginal area. Since this person frequently uses public showers, is there a possibility that their foot could have come into contact with semen and then touched my vagina, potent...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse. The situation you described does not lead to HIV infection. Thank you for your question.

Understanding Swelling in the Right Foot: Causes and Specialist Guidance

Swelling of the right dorsum of the foot? Hello doctor, about 9 years ago I was hospitalized for cellulitis in the dorsum of my right foot. It recurred approximately 4 years ago, and I was treated with oral antibiotics. Since then, my right foot has been persistently swollen, wit...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. After repeated infections in the foot, local circulation may deteriorate, leading to increased swelling and even pigmentation changes. It is recommended that you consult with an infectious disease specialist or a cardiologist, and inform them of...

Concerns About STIs: Risks of HIV and Syphilis After Sauna Encounter

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and syphilis? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you some questions. Yesterday, I went to a sauna (a regular sauna), and after taking a shower, I lay down in the resting area to sleep. After a while, I heard some strange noise...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: The situation you described generally poses a very low risk of transmission, unless there is a "bleeding" wound on the sole of the foot, which could increase the chance of disease transmission through that wound. The skin on the soles of the feet is quite thick, ...

Understanding Foot Sensations: Are They Signs of Hidden Wounds?

Follow-up question? Hello doctor, thank you for your response. It seems that since I am not bleeding, I shouldn't worry. However, after I took a shower, I applied hydrogen peroxide to the soles of my feet to check for any small cuts. Although it doesn't hurt or bubble, ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you described is a normal wound phenomenon. However, I recommend using regular povidone-iodine for disinfection, as hydrogen peroxide can be too harsh on the wound and is not recommended. Thank you for your inquiry.

Understanding Unexplained Foot Size Differences in Women

Women have larger feet than men? Typically, women wear shoe sizes ranging from 24 to 39. My foot size is 27.5, and particularly, my right foot is significantly more swollen than my left, making it impossible to fit into such small shoes. Additionally, my feet are larger than thos...

Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
The issue is complex; it is recommended to visit a hospital for a more detailed consultation and examination.

Understanding Persistent Foot Swelling: Causes and Solutions

Dorsal foot edema issue? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing swelling on the dorsum of my left foot for the past five to six weeks. Occasionally, the swelling decreases a bit, but then it suddenly becomes swollen again. When the swelling is more pronounced, it is accompanied ...

Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
Your issue is quite complex and requires a detailed consultation. It is recommended that you visit a hospital for further evaluation.

Understanding the Risks of HIV Infection from Blood Exposure to Eyes

Concern about accidental infection? Hello, doctor. I understand that there is a risk of HIV infection if blood splashes into the eyes, and I am concerned about the possibility of accidentally getting blood in my eyes. 1. Some doctors say that while there is a theoretical risk o...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
There are no clinical cases of infection as you described, so we cannot answer hypothetical questions. If you are concerned about infection, it is advisable to consult a relevant outpatient clinic.

Unexplained Bruises and Swelling on Feet: Seeking Solutions

Unexplained bruising on the foot, recurring? I have had a wound on my foot since a cut at the swimming pool a year ago, which has formed a scab that has not fallen off for a long time. I have started to experience unexplained bruising and swelling, which has been increasing. It i...

Dr. Ke Taiyuan Reply:
However, based on the current description, a definitive diagnosis cannot be established. It is recommended to visit the internal medicine outpatient department at a hospital. If there are frequent unexplained bruises, a blood test to check for coagulation function issues may be w...

Navigating My Medical Journey: Confusion and Fear Amidst Antibiotic Treatment

What is happening with my medical process? I am filled with confusion and fear? I am currently on antibiotics and waiting for an MRI examination... Let me recount my medical journey from November 23, 2018, to the present... On the 23rd, I developed a corn on my right big toe, so ...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, regarding your questions, here are the responses: 1. When bacterial infection is confirmed, why is it not possible to be hospitalized immediately (waiting for 4 days), and even after hospitalization, immediate testing is not available? After nearly 2 weeks of anti...

Previous｜Page ｜Next