Foot, Internal Medicine FAQ

Understanding Acute Urticaria and Its Connection to SLE: A Patient's Journey

SLE & urticaria Hello Doctor, my question is regarding an unexplained acute urticaria attack I experienced in early July this year. Since then, I have been taking antihistamines, starting with Xyzal 1 tablet daily and now increasing to 1 tablet twice daily. During this period...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The diagnosis of lupus erythematosus indeed requires a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory test results for greater accuracy. For suspected cases, we also continue to monitor over a period of time rather than making hasty conclusions...

Dry Eyes, Dry Mouth, and Dizziness: Understanding Your Symptoms

Dry eyes, dry mouth, and dizziness? Hello, Doctor! Initially, I experienced discomfort in my eyes, which was then accompanied by dizziness, specifically a sensation of feeling heavy-headed and light-footed. Yesterday, I even felt dizzy to the point of having a seizure-like sensat...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Ah Wei, thank you for your question. I apologize for the delayed response due to some internet issues. I think it would be a good idea to consult an otolaryngologist. Dryness syndrome is indeed less commonly associated with dizziness, but certain conditions in neurology or ...

How Long Do Gout Medications Take to Lower Uric Acid Levels?

What is the duration of the uric acid-lowering medication for gout? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing pain in the top of my foot, so I visited a nearby orthopedic clinic. The orthopedic doctor suggested it might be gout, and he ordered a blood test to check my ...

Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
1. Gout is a clinical diagnosis and is not determined solely by laboratory blood tests; therefore, it does not have an absolute relationship with uric acid levels. 2. The text does not specify which medications were taken, so it is not possible to assess their efficacy.

Managing Blood Sugar Levels: A Guide for Overweight Individuals

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) Hello, doctor. I am obese and have sleep apnea and high blood pressure. Currently, I am taking half of a 5 mg blood pressure medication, which has been controlling my condition for a while. My morning and evening blood pressure readings are quite stabl...

Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
As your physician mentioned: diet and exercise management. Additionally, it is advisable to consult a nutritionist or a diabetes educator for more information on this matter. Thank you for your message.

Can Diabetic Patients Safely Run and Participate in Races?

Can diabetic patients run and participate in road races? Hello Dr. Lin, I am very grateful for your response to my previous question (#136924 regarding diabetes medication). I would like to ask if it is suitable for diabetes patients to run and participate in road races as part o...

Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Exercise can enhance the body's sensitivity to insulin, not only preventing blood sugar levels from rising but also promoting the entry of glucose into cells, thereby lowering blood sugar concentrations and strengthening the body's regulation of blood glucose. Th...

Should You Continue Anti-Inflammatory Meds for Joint Pain? When to Get Blood Tests

Should I continue taking anti-inflammatory medication? How much should the joint pain improve before I go to the hospital for blood tests? This past Monday, I visited an orthopedic doctor due to pain in the joint of my big toe near the foot. The doctor suspected it might be gout ...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Xiao Hong: 1. The pain in the joint of your big toe near the foot can commonly be diagnosed as gout, bunions, toenail ingrowth, toe fracture, calluses, cellulitis, or paronychia, among others. 2. Since you mentioned a history of hallux valgus, it is particularly impor...

Understanding Facial Swelling After Facial Nerve Paralysis: What to Do Next?

During the recovery phase of facial nerve paralysis, swelling of the eyes and face may occur? Hello Doctor, I experienced facial nerve paralysis on the right side of my face on August 3, 2017. At that time, my right eye's vision, hearing, and taste were all affected. Althoug...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. The unilateral lower limb swelling and pain (right leg) should not be related to the facial nerve paralysis on the same side, nor should it be associated with renal dysfunction (as renal dysfunction typically leads to...

Unexplained Redness and Swelling in the Foot: Seeking Answers

Unexplained redness and swelling of the foot? At the end of the text, there are images. Since there is a lot of text, I will summarize the key points first: From this past Monday (12/18) to yesterday (12/23), I have been taking antibiotics for five days. The wound does not feel s...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the issue of "unexplained redness and swelling in the foot," here is the response: A: 1. You are a very attentive and patient person; it is rare for someone to keep such detailed records of their medical history. 2. The progression of the wound ...

Understanding IgG and IgG4 Abnormalities: Lifelong Medication and Health Implications

IgG: 1750 and IgG4: 208? Hello Doctor, I apologize for bothering you, but I have some questions. Recently, after several days of staying up late, I have been feeling very fatigued, experiencing dry mouth and reduced saliva. Therefore, I visited an oral surgeon, but they did not ...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I will address your questions as follows: 1. You may have IgG4-related disease, which has symptoms similar to Sjögren's syndrome. It may require long-term medication, but there might be possibilities for dose reduction or discontinuation. ...

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...

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....

Understanding Chronic Joint Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions

Limb joints Hello Doctor, I have had joint discomfort since I was young. Whenever the weather changes, I feel soreness, primarily in my upper limbs—elbows, wrists, and fingers—and in my lower limbs—hip joints (less frequently), knees, ankles, and toes. Now at 30 years old, this c...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Netizens often complain about feeling sore when the weather changes, but if there is no redness, swelling, or pain, based on your description, it may not even be arthritis. Western medicine typically focuses on symptomatic treatment rather than curative approaches. I suggest cons...

Differentiating Diabetic Foot from Cellulitis: Key Insights

The difference between diabetic foot and cellulitis? How can we differentiate between diabetic foot and cellulitis in the early stages? Thank you, doctor.

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the differentiation between diabetic foot and cellulitis, here are the responses: 1. Patient history: The former is typically seen in individuals with a history of diabetes or a family history of diabetes, while the latter is not limited to such backgro...

Understanding Unilateral Leg Edema: Next Steps for Diagnosis

Unilateral edema Hello, doctor! My grandmother, who is currently 87 years old, has been experiencing severe unilateral leg edema for the past two to three weeks. She recently visited the hospital and consulted a nephrologist, and her kidney function tests came back normal. Due to...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Quiet: 1. Common causes of unilateral leg edema include cellulitis, chronic venous insufficiency, compartment syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, deep vein thrombosis, venous obstruction (e.g., from a bone tumor), lipedema, lymphedema, and right arterial compres...

Does Lichen Sclerosus Increase the Risk of STIs and Urological Diseases?

Does Listeriosis increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections? Hello, doctor. I've heard that Lichen Sclerosus often co-occurs with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and urinary diseases. Does this mean that patients with Lichen Sclerosus are particularly suscep...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding whether reactive arthritis increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections, the response is as follows: 1. Refer to information related to reactive arthritis. 2. It is usually observed following gastrointestinal infections (such as diarrhea, dysen...

Understanding Secondary Syphilis: Treatment Progress and Concerns

Syphilis infection Hello Doctor: Since being diagnosed with stage 2 syphilis (within one year), I have received three injections of 2.4 million units of penicillin on February 20, February 24, and March 4. However, as of today, March 12, the rash on my hand (which has resolved on...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, regarding issues related to secondary syphilis infection, the following recommendations are provided: 1. You have received three doses of medication on February 20, February 27, and March 4, which should be sufficient; there is no need for a fourth injection. 2. You...

Persistent Swelling in One Leg: What Specialist to Consult?

Swelling won't go down?! Hello Doctor: My father has diabetes and has recently experienced swelling in his foot, which extends beyond the sole to the ankle, but it is only affecting one foot. He has seen a metabolic specialist who found no issues. Which department should he ...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Emily: 1. There are many causes of lower extremity edema. Generally speaking, if the edema is bilateral, one should consider heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, hypoalbuminemia, cirrhosis, medication side effects, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, and other potential causes. I...

Recurring Hand Swelling and Itching: Possible Causes and Concerns

I have experienced itching and swelling in my palms five times within the past six months, and I am very concerned? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the swelling of my palms or fingers that has occurred five times in the past six months. Is there something wrong with my b...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your symptoms, it seems like you may be experiencing urticaria or angioedema, but a definitive diagnosis requires a physical examination and a detailed medical history. I recommend taking photos of the swelling and then consulting with ...

Understanding Symptoms After Intimate Encounters: When to Seek Medical Help

This symptom is somewhat severe..? Hello Dr. Liao, on October 10th, I went to a hotel with my girlfriend for the first time. The bathroom was dry, and we took about 40 minutes before using the toilet. That day, I did not have an erection or penetration, but I did use my tongue to...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Regarding the question, "I have two areas of broken skin on my foot; could the hotel be the source of infection?" A: If it was oral sex, the wounds on your foot are not related to sexually transmitted infections. Just ensure proper wound care. 2. Con...

Diagnosing Non-Gout Acute Attacks: Beyond Uric Acid Testing

In addition to measuring uric acid levels, what other methods can be used to achieve a definitive diagnosis during an acute attack of non-gouty arthritis? Hello Dr. Gao, Due to my work in the United States, I was unable to return to Taiwan for medical treatment. On a day when I...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I will summarize my response as follows: 1. I believe the likelihood of gout is very low, even if you have mild hyperuricemia. Generally, gout attacks are quite severe, with significant redness, swelling, heat, and pain, often preventing indi...

Previous｜Page ｜Next