Understanding Arthritis and Gout: Symptoms and Concerns for Young Adults
Arthritis or gout issues? Hello, Doctor. I apologize in advance for the lengthy message. For the past three weeks, I have been experiencing pain in the tips of my fingers and toes (specifically, the soft tissue at the very ends). This week, the frequency of the episodes has incre...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis typically involve pain, swelling, and warmth in the joints, particularly in the small joints. However, redness is less common. If you are experiencing pain without swelling or red...[Read More] Understanding Arthritis and Gout: Symptoms and Concerns for Young Adults
Understanding Limb Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Pain and discomfort in the limbs? Hello, Doctor. For the past few weeks, I have been experiencing alternating pain in my hands and feet (most commonly in my fingers and toes). I'm wondering if this could be caused by excessive humidity or a lack of exercise (I recently start...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your symptoms have been present for a relatively short time. If you do not have any other chronic illnesses, it is recommended to start with anti-inflammatory pain relievers and increase your water intake to manage your symptoms. If there is no ...[Read More] Understanding Limb Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Alternatives to Colchicine for Gout in Patients with Favism
Favism & Gout Hello, due to having G6PD deficiency, I have been experiencing a gout flare-up these past few days. I have had gout before and consulted a rheumatologist who prescribed colchicine and pain relievers. However, I recently discovered that individuals with G6PD defi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. In Taiwan, patients with G6PD deficiency (favism) exhibit varying degrees of severity. Some patients have a milder form of the condition, which allows for a greater safety margin when using medications, resulting in fewer severe side effects. W...[Read More] Alternatives to Colchicine for Gout in Patients with Favism
Understanding Gout Symptoms: Normal Uric Acid Levels and Foot Discomfort
Regarding normal uric acid levels but slight discomfort in the big toe? Hello Director Gao, I apologize for disturbing you, but I would like to consult you regarding a patient. About ten years ago, the patient experienced sudden severe pain in the foot and was diagnosed with gou...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Can gout occur even with normal uric acid levels? For example, if someone suddenly consumes a large amount of seafood or red meat, or if they haven't been drinking enough water recently, could this trigger a mild...[Read More] Understanding Gout Symptoms: Normal Uric Acid Levels and Foot Discomfort
Joint Stiffness and Pain After AZ Vaccine: What to Know
After receiving the AZ vaccine, I experienced joint stiffness and pain? Doctor: Hello, I received my first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine on July 30, 2021; the second and third doses of Moderna on October 3, 2021, and March 14, 2022. I am approximately 50 years old. About 1 to 2...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Currently, among your series of rheumatic disease test results, only the ESR is slightly elevated, and I recommend continuing to monitor it. After receiving this type of new vaccine, there is indeed a higher chance of...[Read More] Joint Stiffness and Pain After AZ Vaccine: What to Know
Understanding Rising Urine Protein Levels: What You Need to Know
The urinary protein index has surged? Hello, Doctor. Below are the results from my visit to Hospital B on the evening of March 14 this year. The random urine test results were as follows: Urine Creatinine: 93.4 mg/dL; Micro Albumin: 25.7 * mg/dL (Random Urine < 1.9 mg/dL); Uri...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
The presence of bubbles in urine does not necessarily indicate proteinuria; factors such as fever, excessive exercise, consumption of high animal protein, hormonal influences, or other diseases causing abnormal protein production can also be responsible. Even if tests do not show...[Read More] Understanding Rising Urine Protein Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Gout Diagnosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
Gout Diagnosis Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to respond to my questions. I really appreciate it! I am a 34-year-old male, 175 cm tall, weighing 93 kg. I do not drink alcohol but often stay up late. I have gastroesophageal reflux disease and a duodenal ulcer, for which I ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is swelling and redness always present in gout? I had pain in my knee at that time, but there was no swelling or redness; can that still be considered gout? --> Most of the time, yes, but some patients may not exhi...[Read More] Understanding Gout Diagnosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
Possible Causes of Swelling and Pain in the Right Ring Finger Joint
The possible causes of swelling and pain in the first joint of the right hand's ring finger may include: 1. **Osteoarthritis**: Degenerative joint disease that can cause pain and swelling in the joints. 2. **Rheumatoid Arthritis**: An autoimmune condition that leads to infl...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your symptoms, I suspect you may have trigger finger, and I recommend having another physician take a look. The occurrence of trigger finger is related to overuse of the fingers, but in some cases, the cause remains unclear. Additionall...[Read More] Possible Causes of Swelling and Pain in the Right Ring Finger Joint
Understanding Gout: Duration, Symptoms, and Treatment Insights
Please ask some questions about gout? Hello, Doctor. My mother suddenly has difficulty walking on her right leg, and her right knee is very swollen, hot, and painful, although there are no visible signs of redness. After being hospitalized, it was found that there were bacteria i...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses to your inquiries: 1. Can gout symptoms last this long? I found online that gout usually comes and goes quickly, but my mother's symptoms have persisted for over a month. --> In terms of gout, this duration is ind...[Read More] Understanding Gout: Duration, Symptoms, and Treatment Insights
Can Gout Attack the Chest Area? Understanding Unusual Symptoms
Can gout occur in the chest? During my gout attacks, it usually occurs in the joints, but in the past 3 to 4 months, I have experienced two attacks in my right chest area, which were also red, swollen, and painful, accompanied by pain in other joints. After taking medication for ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. In principle, gout does not occur in the chest area, and given your age and gender, the likelihood of gout is even lower. It is recommended that you consult a specialist in Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology to identify the true cause of your...[Read More] Can Gout Attack the Chest Area? Understanding Unusual Symptoms
Recurring Left Upper Abdominal Pain and Associated Symptoms: What to Do?
Abdominal pain lasting over three months, accompanied by swelling and pain in the left upper chest and axilla, as well as soreness in the middle and ring fingers of the hands? Hello, doctor. About four months ago, I started experiencing pain in my left upper abdomen, which feels ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, based on your description of left upper abdominal pain that feels like pressure when eating, along with swelling and pain under the left chest and armpit, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist. Currently, you are experiencing soreness in your hands, specifically ...[Read More] Recurring Left Upper Abdominal Pain and Associated Symptoms: What to Do?
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...[Read More] Understanding Toe Issues: Concerns About Infections and Treatment
Managing Gout: Dietary Tips and Frequency of Attacks Explained
Gout-related issues? I have had gout attacks three times so far, once a year, and was diagnosed last month. My uric acid level is 7.2. My question is: if I do not control my diet, will the attacks become more frequent? I drink 300 ml of 10% fruit juice from a cooperative every da...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The online medication "Kang Hsi Su Long 5mg" is a steroid and should not be taken daily for an extended period. If gout is not controlled, most individuals will experience increasingly frequent attacks. It is recommended that you consult a rheumatologist, rather than an...[Read More] Managing Gout: Dietary Tips and Frequency of Attacks Explained
Managing Gout: Dietary Tips and Frequency of Attacks
Gout-related issues I have had gout attacks three times so far, once a year, and was diagnosed last month. My uric acid level is 7.2. I would like to know: if I do not control my diet, will the attacks become more frequent? I drink 300ml of 10% fruit juice from a cooperative ever...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The online medication "Kang Hsu Su Long 5mg" is a steroid and should not be taken daily for an extended period. If gout is not managed, most individuals will experience increasingly frequent flare-ups. It is recommended that you consult a rheumatologist, rather than an ...[Read More] Managing Gout: Dietary Tips and Frequency of Attacks
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...[Read More] Navigating My Medical Journey: Confusion and Fear Amidst Antibiotic Treatment
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.[Read More] How Long Do Gout Medications Take to Lower Uric Acid Levels?
Understanding Arm Pain in Diabetic Patients: Injection vs. Medication
Arm pain Your mother has chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and gout, and her kidney function is poor. She has recently started insulin therapy. She has been complaining of arm pain and has been requesting injections at the clinic for years wheneve...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. With abnormal kidney function, both injections and oral medications need to be approached with caution. The injections administered at hospitals or clinics are generally similar, but it is important to remind the prescribing physician that the ...[Read More] Understanding Arm Pain in Diabetic Patients: Injection vs. Medication
Understanding Gout: The Role of White Blood Cells in Uric Acid Crystals
Gout-related Hello, doctor. I apologize for asking a question that is not directly related to health care. I found online that the mechanism of gout occurs due to the accumulation of excess uric acid crystals in the body, which triggers an inflammatory response from white blood c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
In terms of pathology, once the body produces gout crystals, they are recognized by white blood cells as foreign substances, prompting an immune response. We do use immunosuppressive medications, such as corticosteroids, to mitigate the attack by white blood cells. However, these...[Read More] Understanding Gout: The Role of White Blood Cells in Uric Acid Crystals
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...[Read More] Should You Continue Anti-Inflammatory Meds for Joint Pain? When to Get Blood Tests
Understanding the Link Between High Uric Acid and Heart Health
Cardiac issues and elevated uric acid levels? Cardiac issues: I experience shortness of breath while jogging, which prevents me from continuing. This phenomenon occurs about 10 minutes into jogging (I haven't recorded it carefully). Which department should I visit for an exa...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Indeed, there is a trend of metabolic diseases occurring at younger ages, and it's great that you are being vigilant. Regarding your concerns, my recommendations are as follows: 1. If you experience shortness of breath during jogging, it...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between High Uric Acid and Heart Health