Gout, Internal Medicine FAQ

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Understanding Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Joint and muscle pain Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a few questions. 1. Initially, I experienced pain in my right knee and went to an orthopedic clinic where an ultrasound revealed inflammation and swelling. The doctor suggested a possible meniscus injury. However, afte...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Initially, I experienced pain in my right knee and visited an orthopedic clinic where an ultrasound revealed inflammation and swelling. The doctor suggested a possible meniscus injury. After a follow-up visit with no i...

[Read More] Understanding Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Management


Understanding Right Arm Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions

Right lower arm pain and joint pain? On May 9th, I ate a lemon tart containing almond flour, and immediately felt pain in my lower right arm. This pain has now persisted as joint pain in my right arm, making it difficult to open a water bottle cap and my motorcycle key lock. I ha...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If the pain has persisted since May 9, it is advisable to have a physician evaluate the situation. We need to properly assess the condition of the joint pain. Vitamin B12 does not have analgesic effects, and high cholesterol is less likely to ca...

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Understanding Your First Gout Attack: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management

First gout attack? Hello Doctor, I visited the clinic at the beginning of April due to ankle pain. At that time, I had been lifting heavy objects for half a day due to work. The next day, my ankle became red, swollen, hot, and painful, so I went back to the clinic where the docto...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. If I understand correctly, both (Probenecid and Allopurinol) are medications used to lower uric acid levels. Generally, we prescribe only one uric acid-lowering medication, and we only consider combining them in patients who are more difficult ...

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Concerns About Starting Uric Acid-Lowering Medication

Questions Before Taking Uric Acid Lowering Medication I have had high uric acid levels for several years. My uric acid level was around 7 during high school, and after starting work, it increased to 8. Recently, during a company health check, it rose to 9. When I go back for my n...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. When starting uric acid-lowering medication, we often combine it with colchicine to prevent gout attacks. Once the uric acid levels have been maintained within the normal range for a period of time, we can gradually discontinue colchicine. This...

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Understanding Uric Acid Levels: Insights on Gout and Health Management

Interpretation of Uric Acid Levels Hello, Doctor. I am 175 cm tall and weigh 97 kg. I have had high blood pressure since I was 16 years old. I do not drink alcohol but often stay up late. On March 15, I sprained my left ankle; at the time, there was no pain or swelling. However, ...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I have been losing weight for over a month, with my weight dropping from 104 kg to 97 kg. I would like to know if my lowest uric acid level in my life, which is 5.6 mg/dL, is due to dietary control or because I previ...

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From Sprained Ankle to High Uric Acid: Understanding Your Symptoms

Visiting an orthopedic specialist for a sprain turned out to be primarily due to high uric acid levels? Hello, Doctor. I am 175 cm tall and weigh 99 kg, with a history of hypertension but no other health issues. I am currently on a weight loss program and have lost 5 kg in the fi...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. For now, I recommend applying ice for one day and suggest that you consult a rheumatologist. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department at Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is here to assist you.

[Read More] From Sprained Ankle to High Uric Acid: Understanding Your Symptoms


Unexplained Hand Swelling: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms

I would like to inquire about unexplained swelling on the back of the hand? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about my father (in his 60s). He previously went to the emergency room and was diagnosed with cellulitis. His symptoms included swelling and pain in his hand without ...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If your hand is swollen and you are unable to exert strength, you can consult either an orthopedic specialist or a neurologist. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Unexplained Hand Swelling: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms


Unexplained Hand Swelling: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms

I would like to inquire about unexplained swelling on the back of the hand? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my father, who is in his 60s. He previously went to the emergency room and was diagnosed with cellulitis. His symptoms included swelling and pain in his hand ...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If your hand is swollen and you are unable to exert strength, you can consult either an orthopedic specialist or a neurologist. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Unexplained Hand Swelling: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms


Chronic Lower Back Pain Without Diagnosis: What Are Your Options?

If you have been experiencing lower back pain for more than three months without a clear diagnosis, what should you do? Hello, Doctor Wu! I am here to inquire about a family member who is a 47-year-old male, working as a night shift operator for 25 years (his job does not require...


Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
It is recommended to see a large hospital's Immunology and Rheumatology department or Orthopedics. Wishing you well.

[Read More] Chronic Lower Back Pain Without Diagnosis: What Are Your Options?


Understanding Gout Symptoms: Is Morning Discomfort a Sign of Flare-Up?

Regarding the recent cold weather, I have been experiencing a dull sensation in my big toe, which has a history of gout, upon waking up in the morning. However, after urinating, the discomfort significantly decreases? Hello, Director Gao! I apologize for bothering you, but I have...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, this question has been asked before, so I will repost my response. If your uric acid levels remain consistently normal, I don't believe it is a gout attack. Previously affected joints from arthritis may leave some residual effects, making them more sensitive to change...

[Read More] Understanding Gout Symptoms: Is Morning Discomfort a Sign of Flare-Up?


Understanding Gout Symptoms: Is Morning Discomfort a Sign of Flare-Up?

Regarding the recent cold weather, I have been experiencing a feeling of heaviness in my big toe, which previously had gout, upon waking up in the morning. However, after urinating, the sensation decreases significantly? Hello, Director Gao! I apologize for bothering you, but I h...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. If your uric acid levels remain consistently normal, I don't believe this is a gout attack. Joints that have previously experienced arthritis may leave some residual effects, making them more sensitive to changes in humidity and climate. Y...

[Read More] Understanding Gout Symptoms: Is Morning Discomfort a Sign of Flare-Up?


Understanding Recurring Ankle Swelling: Possible Causes and Solutions

Repeated mild swelling and subsiding of the ankle in a short period of time? Hello, Doctor. Let me summarize my condition. On the evening of October 18, I experienced pain in the left heel while walking, and my ankle was slightly swollen that night. On October 19, I felt a sharp ...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 2. Recently, I have also noticed that after experiencing coldness in my hands and feet, I feel a sharp pain on the inner side of my left ankle. Is this related to gout or other diseases? --> It should not be related....

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Understanding Urine Ketones: What Does a 3+ Result Mean for Your Health?

The medical examination report indicates urine ketones at 3+? Hello doctor, in April of this year, I experienced redness, swelling, and pain in my left foot, and a doctor at a clinic diagnosed it as gout (without blood tests). I have a history of gout and usually manage my diet, ...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The production of urine ketones is usually related to prolonged fasting. Please consult a metabolic specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Understanding Urine Ketones: What Does a 3+ Result Mean for Your Health?


Understanding Uric Acid Levels and Their Impact on Knee Pain

Regarding uric acid and knee problems? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask about my knee pain issue that hasn't improved. The orthopedic doctor suggested I test my uric acid levels, and the result was 5 (tested after dinner). The doctor said that 5 is considered slightly high...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Different hospitals or clinics may have varying normal ranges for test results due to the different testing machines or units of measurement they use. Generally, most hospitals will use testing machines that establish the normal range for uric ...

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Managing High Creatinine Levels: Hydration and Dietary Choices

Elevated creatinine levels? A month ago, I visited a doctor due to gout, and after blood and urine tests, I was found to have a high uric acid level of 9.9 and a creatinine level of 1.2. The doctor advised me to drink more water. After increasing my water intake, I started drinki...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
In addition to excessive meat intake, consuming beverages high in fructose can also lead to elevated uric acid levels, so it is advisable to limit the intake of sugary drinks.

[Read More] Managing High Creatinine Levels: Hydration and Dietary Choices


Understanding Undiagnosed Systemic Involvement in Connective Tissue Disorders

Regarding systemic invasion of connective tissue and (invasion, involvement), not explicitly stated? Recently, I frequently experienced mouth ulcers and visited the rheumatology department. Blood tests showed normal immune indices, but the doctor prescribed colchicine and iron su...


Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Colchicine has anti-inflammatory properties and is commonly used for the prevention and acute treatment of gout. Clinically, it can be used for the preventive treatment of chronic idiopathic oral ulcers. The physician's diagnosis refers to the meaning of idiopathic diseases.

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Can Gout Recur Days After First Attack in Patients with No History?

Is it possible for someone with no history of gout to experience a recurrence of symptoms just a few days after the first attack? Hello Doctor, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. My mother, who is 72 years old, has high blood pressure and her height is 153 cm w...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Gout can indeed have recurrent attacks in a short period of time. Gout attacks typically present with redness and heat, so the absence of these symptoms does lower the likelihood. Eating shiitake mushrooms is fine, and consuming fish is also ac...

[Read More] Can Gout Recur Days After First Attack in Patients with No History?


Understanding Chronic Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help

Body pain Hello Doctor, I am the one who asked you last time about taking Aceclofenac 100mg (I wonder if you remember me). For the past 1 to 2 months, I have been experiencing pain in my upper back, finger joints, fingertips, soles of my feet, toes, knees, elbows, arms, lower bac...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Is the lack of improvement due to me taking the medication too late? After all, I have had this symptom for 1 to 2 months, so the effect is not significant. --> This is likely unrelated to the timing of taking the...

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Understanding Short-Term Joint and Back Pain: When to Consider Medication

Pain in the limbs and back? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing upper back pain, pain in the finger joints and fingertips, pain in the toes, knee pain, and occasional elbow pain for the past 1 to 2 months. This past month, I went to a large hospital for examinations. The docto...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Some young individuals do experience intermittent joint effusion, with symptoms that come and go, often lasting no more than three days. In such cases, we generally first check for any serious rheumatic diseases behind these symptoms, as your p...

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Sudden Side Foot Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help

Sudden pain on the side of the foot? Hello Doctor, after taking a shower, I suddenly felt pain on the side of my right foot while walking. After resting for a bit, it got better, but then it hurt again after a while. However, sitting down and resting helped again. I haven't ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description and the provided images, it does not appear to be a fracture or gout. It seems more like inflammation caused by friction or injury, which could result from excessive walking, intense exercise, or wearing new shoes. Typically, resting for a while w...

[Read More] Sudden Side Foot Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help


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