Understanding Enlarged Fingers in Teens: Causes and When to Seek Help
Swelling of the fingers? Hello, Doctor Hsieh. I would like to ask about my 16-year-old daughter. The joints at the base of her four fingers, except for the thumb, are noticeably swollen compared to the other two segments, resembling a bottle shape. However, she has normal movemen...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If your fingers on both hands have recently become swollen, it is advisable to visit a hospital for an examination to determine the cause. It is recommended to first consult a family medicine physician. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Enlarged Fingers in Teens: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Back Pain Patterns in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Symptoms and Management
Experiencing pain when extending the lower back but not when bending forward is a typical symptom of ankylosing spondylitis? Dear Dr. Gao, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been experiencing symptoms for over two years. Initially, I only had pain in my buttocks...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Are my symptoms (pain in the lower back when arching, no pain when bending forward) typical symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis? --> No. 2) If it is not a typical symptom, would Dr. Gao recommend that I see a reh...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain Patterns in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Symptoms and Management
Understanding Symmetrical Finger Stiffness: Is It an Autoimmune Issue?
The fingers on both hands feel stiff or restricted? For about four years now, since middle school, I've felt a stiffness in the joints where my little fingers connect to my palms. I can still bend them, but the angle feels limited to either fully extended or fully bent, and ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I don't think that's the case; it may be an issue related to joint structure. If necessary, you can consult an orthopedic clinic. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department at Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare...[Read More] Understanding Symmetrical Finger Stiffness: Is It an Autoimmune Issue?
Understanding C3 and C4 Levels: What to Do When Symptoms Persist?
Complement C3 & C4 Every morning when I wake up, my hands are swollen and stiff, and I experience pain in the joints when bending my fingers. Blood tests showed an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 16, rheumatoid arthritis factor tests (immunoturbidimetry) were less than 20, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your C3 level is slightly low, but this may just be a variation due to your constitution, so there is no need to worry too much. Other tests are normal. I believe that if your morning stiffness lasts for a short duration, such as less than half ...[Read More] Understanding C3 and C4 Levels: What to Do When Symptoms Persist?
Can High Rheumatoid Factor Levels Return to Normal? Insights and Advice
Is it possible for a high rheumatoid factor to decrease to normal levels? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a question. I have recently measured my rheumatoid factor twice, and both times it was very high, around 200. The second measurement was even higher than the first. My...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. A high rheumatoid factor is an indication of immune dysfunction and, in principle, will not return to normal solely due to strict lifestyle adjustments. A higher rheumatoid factor simply suggests that you have a greater likelihood of having a r...[Read More] Can High Rheumatoid Factor Levels Return to Normal? Insights and Advice
Understanding Atypical Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis in Young Adults
I am not sure if it is truly ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, my son is currently 19 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for over two years. Initially, he only experienced pain in the sacroiliac joint in his buttocks, ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The symptoms described by the user, such as experiencing pain in the lower back when leaning backward (but not when bending forward), are not typical of ankylosing spondylitis. There is no morning stiffness, no increased pain upon waking, and no relief after daytime activities, w...[Read More] Understanding Atypical Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis in Young Adults
Should My Son Continue Taking Pain Relievers for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
I'm not sure whether to continue taking anti-inflammatory pain relievers? Hello Doctor, my son is currently 19 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for over two years. His only symptom has been pain in the sacroiliac joint in his buttocks. At the onse...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1) If ESR/CRP levels are normal and symptoms are stable, pain medication may not be necessary, but regular monitoring of ESR/CRP and X-rays is required. 2) Ankylosing spondylitis typically begins by affecting the sacroiliac joints, and approximately half of the patients will expe...[Read More] Should My Son Continue Taking Pain Relievers for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Post-Treatment Reactions to Syphilis: What to Expect
Reactions after syphilis treatment? Hello, Doctor Liao. I went for an anonymous rapid syphilis test on August 13, and on August 18, I was informed that the result was positive for syphilis. On August 19, I made an appointment at the Infectious Disease Department of Pingtung Hospi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Transmission Methods: 1. Close contact during sexual intercourse and other sexual activities is the primary route of transmission. Direct contact of wounds with secretions, bodily fluids, and other excretions (such as semen, blood, and vaginal secretions) from skin or mucosal les...[Read More] Understanding Post-Treatment Reactions to Syphilis: What to Expect
Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Symptoms and Concerns
Symptoms of elevated rheumatoid factor? Hello, doctor. Recently, I had a blood test that showed my rheumatoid factor was elevated by more than ten times. I later visited a doctor for further blood tests, and aside from a slightly elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate indicating...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. My recommendations are as follows: 1. You should have regular follow-ups, such as every three months. If you experience any changes in symptoms before the scheduled follow-up, including joint pain, skin rashes, fever, etc., you can return for an...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Key Questions and Treatment Insights
Sjögren's syndrome Thank you, doctor! I am a patient with Sjögren's syndrome and have some questions to ask: 1. My SSA index is 280 (+), while the normal range should be below 100 (-). Does this mean my level is high? After treatment for a period of time, will my bloo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. The SSA index is 280 (+), while the normal range should be below 100 (-). Is this considered high? Will it decrease after treatment? --> It is elevated, but the elevation does not correlate with the severity of th...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Key Questions and Treatment Insights
Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: What You Need to Know
Elevated rheumatoid factor issue? Hello, Doctor. Last month, at the end of July, I underwent a comprehensive health check-up and unexpectedly found that my rheumatoid factor was elevated (242 IU/ml, with a reference range of below 20 IU/ml). All other health check items were almo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. The health check report indicates that a small number of healthy individuals may also have elevated RF factors—if I have no symptoms, should I not worry too much? --> Some symptoms can be very mild and may go unno...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: What You Need to Know
Managing Medication Changes for Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Patient's Journey
How to switch medications? Hello Doctor, my son is currently 19 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 2 years. His only symptom is pain in the sacroiliac joint. At the onset of the disease, he took one tablet of Voltaren (60 mg) daily for a month, but i...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Since my child started taking 2 Salazopyrin and 1 Methotrexate daily, his CRP has significantly decreased to 0.2 mg/dL, which was previously unattainable even with 2 Sulfasalazine daily (although his ESR occasionally...[Read More] Managing Medication Changes for Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Patient's Journey
Can COVID-19 Vaccine Trigger Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms?
Does the COVID-19 vaccine cause plantar fasciitis? Hello Doctor: Since receiving the third dose of Moderna (the first two doses were BNT), I started experiencing the following symptoms on the third day: 1) Itching all over my body, which resolved after 4-5 days. 2) Symptoms of pl...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. My answers are as follows: 1) Can plantar fasciitis occur after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? Are there similar cases among patients seen by doctors? --> It is unlikely; I have not seen or heard of such cases. 2) Should I see a rheumatolog...[Read More] Can COVID-19 Vaccine Trigger Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms?
Navigating Conflicting Medical Opinions: Lymphadenopathy vs. Cellulitis
The initial orthopedic consultation indicated lymphadenopathy, and the follow-up visit diagnosed cellulitis? Hello Doctor, my ex-husband was diagnosed with COVID-19 on June 26. During this time, several areas became swollen and formed hard lumps. The swollen areas initially inclu...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the main issue is the enlargement of the lymph nodes. One aspect that needs clarification is whether this lymphadenopathy occurred suddenly after a COVID-19 infection or if it has been present for some time. If it occurred suddenly, theoretically...[Read More] Navigating Conflicting Medical Opinions: Lymphadenopathy vs. Cellulitis
Do All Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Experience Morning Stiffness?
Do all patients with ankylosing spondylitis experience morning stiffness? Hello Doctor: I would like to confirm something with you regarding a question I asked yesterday (<a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/182368">#182368</a>, details below). I am attaching...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Morning stiffness is not related to the condition of the L4-5 vertebrae. Morning stiffness is associated with inflammation of the joints, tendons, and ligaments. The reason some individuals experience morning stiffne...[Read More] Do All Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Experience Morning Stiffness?
Do All Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Experience Morning Stiffness?
Do patients with ankylosing spondylitis always experience morning stiffness? Hello Doctor, I am 20 years old, HLA-B27 positive, and MRI of the sacroiliac joints shows inflammation (the following is an excerpt from my MRI report: R/I chronic sacroiliitis; axial spondyloarthropathy...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Do patients with ankylosing spondylitis always experience morning stiffness? Does the pain in the sacroiliac joints of ankylosing spondylitis patients always improve after activity? --> The likelihood of experienc...[Read More] Do All Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Experience Morning Stiffness?
How Long Does It Take for Medications to Relieve Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain?
How long does it take for medication to be effective in treating ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor: 1) For patients with ankylosing spondylitis experiencing sacroiliac joint pain, if they find relief with Celebrex (celecoxib), how long should they take it to achieve complete...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) For patients with ankylosing spondylitis experiencing sacroiliac joint pain, if they find relief with Celebrex (celecoxib), it typically takes a few days (usually less than a week) to notice an effect. We usually mon...[Read More] How Long Does It Take for Medications to Relieve Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain?
Managing Pain from Ankylosing Spondylitis: How Long Should Medication Last?
Does the pain caused by playing sports require a long time of medication to alleviate? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. In the past few months of medication, I have noticed that when my pain is almost resolved, if I do not play badminton, my sacroiliac jo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Is it common for the pain caused by badminton to take such a long time to heal from ankylosing spondylitis? I remember that when I didn't have the condition, pain from sports injuries would usually resolve natural...[Read More] Managing Pain from Ankylosing Spondylitis: How Long Should Medication Last?
Can Immune Modulators Like Salazopyrin Reduce Severe COVID-19 Risk?
Does the immunomodulatory function of Salvia miltiorrhiza reduce the likelihood of developing moderate to severe symptoms after contracting COVID-19? Hello Doctor, I have ankylosing spondylitis and I am currently 20 years old. I am taking two Salazopyrin (500 mg each) and one Met...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1) From a theoretical standpoint, could it be that because I am taking Salazopyrin, I am less likely to develop moderate to severe symptoms after contracting COVID-19 compared to others of the same age and condition who ...[Read More] Can Immune Modulators Like Salazopyrin Reduce Severe COVID-19 Risk?
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