Understanding Joint Pain and Itching: Possible Causes and Solutions
Generalized joint pain and bone itching? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing joint pain and itching for about ten years. The itching sensation in my bones makes me feel restless, constantly wanting to move or twist them. The joint pain can come on suddenly and last for quite a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here is my response: Question: I would like to ask if this situation is similar to rheumatoid arthritis? Is it possible for my values to decrease? Is the frequent pain in my joints and itching in my bones due to an issue with my immune system...[Read More] Understanding Joint Pain and Itching: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Connection to Autoimmune Antibodies
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Antinuclear Antibodies Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you: 1. I have been experiencing knee joint pain for a while (but there is no redness or swelling). It hurts when I am at rest, and sometimes other bones in my lower body also ache slightly. I am ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I have been experiencing knee joint pain for a while (but without redness or swelling). It hurts when I am not moving, and sometimes other bones in my lower body also ache slightly. I am unsure if this is an early sy...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Connection to Autoimmune Antibodies
Understanding Blood Test Results in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Rheumatoid arthritis blood test values I have had rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for three years and have been on biologic therapy for about two years. Since the onset of the disease, my blood test results have shown an ESR between 15-40. Recently, during a follow-up visit, my blood r...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your abnormal blood test results seem to be more related to the biologic therapy, but generally, they are not a major concern. However, if you are still experiencing multiple joint pains despite receiving biologic treatment, it is important to d...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Understanding Reactive Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Family Links
Leigh syndrome Hello Doctor, after a cold, I experienced pain at the insertion point of the Achilles tendon, which gradually developed into pain in the soles of my feet and in the joints of my hands. There is no redness or swelling in the joints. After an examination by the immun...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Many of my painful areas are symmetrical, but isn't reactive arthritis primarily asymmetrical? --> Yes, it is. However, whether arthritis is symmetrical or not is not a necessary criterion for diagnosing reac...[Read More] Understanding Reactive Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Family Links
Post-Surgery Complications: When to See a Gastroenterologist or Immunologist?
Please specify the medical specialty and medication you would like to inquire about? Two months ago, I underwent electrosurgical treatment for colon swelling, measuring 8 cm. The postoperative recovery was normal; however, one month after the surgery, I experienced intestinal dam...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is recommended that you first consult a gastroenterologist. If necessary, the gastroenterologist will advise whether to see a rheumatologist for further evaluation. Please do not self-medicate. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications: When to See a Gastroenterologist or Immunologist?
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...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
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...[Read More] Understanding Short-Term Joint and Back Pain: When to Consider Medication
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire whether my symptoms could be diagnosed as arthritis. At the end of October: I felt an unusual sensation when bending my hands. At the beginning of November: I experienced an unusual sensation in my big toe, and my knees h...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe further monitoring is appropriate. Although the RF value is abnormal, it is not significantly elevated, and with normal CCP levels, I think tracking is sufficient. If ANA, CRP, and ESR are also normal, the likelihood of severe rheumat...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
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
Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Severe Risk Factor for COVID-19?
Is ankylosing spondylitis a risk factor for severe disease? Hello Doctor, my son is 19 years old and has ankylosing spondylitis. I have some questions to ask you. 1) There are many risk factors for severe COVID-19, one of which is "diseases affecting immune function (such ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) There are many risk factors for severe COVID-19, one of which is "diseases affecting immune function (HIV infection, congenital immunodeficiency, solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, use of ste...[Read More] Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Severe Risk Factor for COVID-19?
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?
Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Immune system diseases Hello Doctor, I apologize for the lengthy message. This past March, I experienced a persistent low-grade fever for a month and had blood tests done, which indicated elevated immune system markers suggesting rheumatoid arthritis. I was then referred to a r...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Should taking quinine prevent fever? I informed you that I had a fever for a while that day! But if I haven't been examined, which department should I consult to find out where the inflammation is? --> Fever ...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect CEA Levels in Blood Tests?
Does rheumatoid arthritis affect CEA? Hello, my mother experienced lower back pain and underwent an ultrasound in the nephrology department, which revealed a shadow on her liver. A blood test was then arranged, and her CEA level was found to be 1119, which is extremely high. Howe...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Psoriatic arthritis should not affect CEA levels. It is recommended to investigate the reasons for the elevated levels, particularly concerning the gastrointestinal tract. This is from the Department of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology at C...[Read More] Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect CEA Levels in Blood Tests?
Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Concerns and Implications
Elevated rheumatoid factor in health check-ups? Hello Doctor, I underwent a full body health check in August and unexpectedly found my RF to be 240 (normal <15), while other results were normal. I went to the immunology department for a re-examination. I have no discomfort, an...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
A netizen discovered an RF level of 240 during a comprehensive health check-up. RF is not exclusively associated with rheumatoid arthritis; it is commonly found in carriers of hepatitis B, chronic infections, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. RF does not have predictive valu...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Concerns and Implications
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 Abnormal RF and ESR Results: What You Need to Know
Abnormal RF and ESR? Hello Doctor, I had a CRP test on April 21st which was 0.1 (normal range 0-1 mg/dL), and on July 19th, my comprehensive health check showed an abnormal RF of 242 (<15 IU/mL). On August 7th, I visited the immunology department, and during a brief consultati...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A high RF (Rheumatoid Factor) may be associated with other conditions, including viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis C, Sjögren's syndrome, and other rheumatic diseases. It is advisable to consult your physician for more detailed examin...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal RF and ESR Results: What You Need to Know
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
Understanding Thyroid Function and Hair Loss: Key Insights for Patients
Thyroid blood test value consultation? In recent years, I have been troubled by hair loss and have noticed that the new hair growth is finer and not as strong as my original hair. Despite visiting several dermatologists, I have not been able to find the cause of my hair loss (all...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Short-term use of high doses of steroids may affect thyroid function. Currently, your blood test results do not indicate any significant thyroid dysfunction. If you believe that steroids are contributing to hair loss, it is advisable to discuss this with your rheumatologist.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function and Hair Loss: Key Insights for Patients
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