Understanding Osteoarthritis: Treatment Options and Pain Management Strategies
Degenerative arthritis This question is on behalf of my mother, who is 55 years old. She has been experiencing knee pain for about 10 years, which has been persistent despite various treatments, including both Western and traditional medicine, as well as home remedies, all of whi...
Dr. Yang Zhengfan Reply:
Dear Little Pot: 1. The success rate of arthroscopic lavage surgery ranges from 65% to 80%, primarily depending on whether the underlying cause is accurately identified. The rate of maintaining improvement for over six months is even lower, at about only 30%. 2. In fact, there ar...[Read More] Understanding Osteoarthritis: Treatment Options and Pain Management Strategies
Are Back Support Belts Harmful? Exploring Their Impact on Spine Health
Does wearing a lumbar support belt have any side effects? I have mild bone spurs and scoliosis in my spine. Western medicine believes there is no major issue, but the pain has been bothering me for years. Recently, I consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for spina...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Wearing a lumbar support belt does not cause spinal adhesions. Scoliosis rarely causes pain, while bone spurs can compress nerves and lead to neuropathic pain. Generally, young individuals are less likely to experience nerve compression from bone spurs; rather, herniated discs (i...[Read More] Are Back Support Belts Harmful? Exploring Their Impact on Spine Health
Understanding Cervical Degeneration and Its Impact on Health
Cervical degeneration First of all, thank you for answering my previous question. This time I would like to ask: (1) What are the potential harms to the body from degeneration of the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae? (2) If a tibial osteotomy has been performed and pain persist...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If there are bone spurs on the cervical spine but they do not compress the nerves, then there is no concern. However, if there are symptoms of nerve compression, treatment is necessary. If tibial osteotomy is ineffective, one may consider undergoing joint replacement surgery when...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Degeneration and Its Impact on Health
Understanding Vertebroplasty: Risks, Benefits, and Alternatives for Osteoporosis
Vertebroplasty with bone cement My father is 62 years old and often experiences numbness in his shoulders and arms, along with back pain when getting in and out of bed. He went to see a doctor. The traditional Chinese medicine doctor diagnosed him with severe scoliosis, which is ...
Dr. Yang Zhengfan Reply:
Dear Andrea, you have truly put in a lot of effort, and you have thoroughly researched the pros and cons of bone cement treatment. However, the real issue is not whether bone cement treatment is good or bad, but rather: should bone cement be used for treatment? According to your ...[Read More] Understanding Vertebroplasty: Risks, Benefits, and Alternatives for Osteoporosis
Understanding Hand Numbness: Is It Related to Your Spine Issues?
Numbness in the hands? Hello: A recent X-ray showed mild scoliosis and small bone spurs in my spine, but the doctor said this is not a concern. However, I experience pain when bending straight down and every morning upon waking up. The pain in my lower back varies from severe to ...
Dr. Wang Zikang Reply:
Dear Sister Wang: A small-angle scoliosis does not significantly affect function; however, due to muscle imbalance on both sides of the spine and factors such as poor posture, it can often lead to lower back pain. It may even cause neurological symptoms due to nerve compression o...[Read More] Understanding Hand Numbness: Is It Related to Your Spine Issues?
Understanding Back Pain: Bone Spurs, Scoliosis, and Pregnancy Concerns
Lower back pain, bone spurs, scoliosis? Hello, I am 30 years old. I have experienced pain when bending over for over ten years. Recently, I have been feeling soreness in my right hip, knee, and ankle joints, and I am concerned that my back issues may be worsening. I recently had ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, occur due to the formation of excess bone at the edges of bones as a result of aging. If these bone spurs do not compress nerves or irritate surrounding tissues, they typically do not cause any symptoms. Therefore, some elderly individuals m...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain: Bone Spurs, Scoliosis, and Pregnancy Concerns
Understanding Left Knee Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Left knee joint pain? Dear Dr. Zhou, I would like to consult you regarding my knee pain. My left knee has been experiencing soreness for the past three months, particularly after bending. For example, when I squat and then stand up, the pain is quite severe, and I need to hold o...
Dr. Zhou Hongzhi Reply:
With so many ailments, you need to undergo examinations and X-rays at an outpatient clinic for a proper diagnosis. It is recommended to visit the outpatient clinic first.[Read More] Understanding Left Knee Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Can Laser Treatment Cure Ankle Bone Spurs? Expert Insights
Bone spur on the ankle? Hello, Doctor Shi. Is there a laser treatment available for bone spurs on the ankle?
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
As far as I understand, there is currently no such treatment. If there are bone spurs on the ankle without symptoms of arthritis, there is no need to remove the bone spurs.[Read More] Can Laser Treatment Cure Ankle Bone Spurs? Expert Insights
Post-Laser Surgery Care Tips for Bone Spur Treatment
Laser surgery After undergoing laser surgery for bone spurs, what precautions should be taken? Thank you.
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
After laser surgery, there is still a risk of recurrence, so it is essential to remain vigilant. Avoid lifting heavy objects, maintain proper posture while sitting, and refrain from engaging in vigorous exercise.[Read More] Post-Laser Surgery Care Tips for Bone Spur Treatment
Understanding Osteomyelitis and Cellulitis: Symptoms, Recovery, and Foot Care Tips
Could you please provide more specific information or context regarding the medical terminology and conditions related to bones? Dear Doctor: My mother has been diagnosed with "osteomyelitis" in her ankle, but recently, after suffering from a severe cold, one of her cal...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, The term "periostitis" mentioned by your esteemed mother is a broad term that encompasses inflammation of the periosteum, fascia, and ligaments. Ankle joint pain may be due to ankle joint degeneration, plantar fasciitis, or Achilles tendinitis, with dif...[Read More] Understanding Osteomyelitis and Cellulitis: Symptoms, Recovery, and Foot Care Tips
Understanding Chronic Back Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Next Steps
Unresolved back pain? Dr. Hsu: Hello, in February I experienced back pain. Once, while helping a nurse lift a patient from the ground, I heard a slight cracking sound, but since I didn't feel much discomfort, I didn't think much of it. However, I later developed back pa...
Dr. Xu Xijing Reply:
Please visit the outpatient clinic for a consultation.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Back Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Next Steps
Can I Donate My Bone Marrow to My Grandmother for Relief?
I want to donate bone marrow to my grandmother. Is there a limit? Hello, Dr. Shi: My family has a grandmother who underwent spinal surgery two years ago due to osteoporosis, which caused bone spurs that were compressing her nerves. She felt better after the surgery, but now the p...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Bone marrow transplantation must have its indications, and osteoporosis is not suitable for it. If transplantation is required for other reasons, tissue antigen matching must be performed first, and only after a match is confirmed can the procedure be carried out.[Read More] Can I Donate My Bone Marrow to My Grandmother for Relief?
Understanding Long-Term Spine Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Exercises
Chronic spinal pain Dr. Hsu: Hello, I started experiencing spinal pain at the end of January. I don't feel it when standing, but it is particularly noticeable when pressing on the vertebrae and bending forward. The doctor said it is likely myofascial inflammation and unrelat...
Dr. Xu Zhijun Reply:
Hello: Most cases of low back pain are due to poor posture and improper use of the lumbar region, leading to muscle spasms and pain in the surrounding muscles. Initially, X-rays may not show any significant bone changes, but if inflammation persists for too long, it can gradually...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Spine Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Exercises
Can Laser Treatment Effectively Address Bone Spurs?
Can bone spurs be treated with laser therapy? Hello Doctor, my mother has been suffering from spinal bone spurs for a long time, experiencing frequent numbness and weakness in both legs. Despite regular rehabilitation and swimming, her symptoms have not improved. Recently, throug...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong Reply:
Hello: Essentially, lasers cannot remove bone spurs, as bone spurs are actually excess bone growth and are as hard as regular bone. Lasers are used to remove soft tissue that compresses nerves, such as intervertebral discs. Although laser treatment has been proven effective for s...[Read More] Can Laser Treatment Effectively Address Bone Spurs?
Effective Pain Relief Options for Bone Spurs in Seniors: A Guide
Bone spur Hello Doctor: I have the following questions and would appreciate your help in addressing my concerns, thank you! 1. My father has undergone MRI and X-ray examinations, and the doctor mentioned that he has bone spurs compressing the nerves. He is 73 years old, and it ...
Dr. Zhou Hongzhi Reply:
1. Rehabilitation is another option. 2. Depending on the situation, it is advisable to conduct an assessment of the risks and potential complications of surgery.[Read More] Effective Pain Relief Options for Bone Spurs in Seniors: A Guide
Why Do My Bones Appear White on X-rays Instead of Clear?
Normal bones should appear radiopaque on X-rays, meaning they do not appear transparent. If your bones appear white on the X-ray, it is due to their density and mineral content, primarily calcium. This radiopacity indicates healthy bone structure? Normal bones should appear radio...
Dr. Su Yiren Reply:
If an X-ray reveals that a certain bone in the patient appears significantly whiter than others, and there are no bone spurs or deformities present, it may indicate one of the following conditions: 1. Intrabone calcification, the cause of which is unknown and typically presents n...[Read More] Why Do My Bones Appear White on X-rays Instead of Clear?
Managing Knee Bone Spurs and Gout: Treatment and Dietary Tips
Knee osteophytes and gout? Hello Dr. Chou, Recently, my father-in-law has been suffering from gout in his knee, which has affected his ability to walk. He went to the hospital for further examination, and the orthopedic doctor informed him that he has bone spurs in his knee. Ho...
Dr. Zhou Hongzhi Reply:
Gouty arthritis does not necessarily involve bone spurs; bone spurs are generally associated with degenerative joint disease. X-ray examinations and blood tests are required for diagnosis. If the bone spurs are small, surgery is usually not necessary. For those with gout, dietary...[Read More] Managing Knee Bone Spurs and Gout: Treatment and Dietary Tips
Understanding Heel Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Regarding heel pain? Hello Dr. Hsu, I injured my ankle while playing basketball around the end of July last year. After not fully recovering, I played again and landed awkwardly, putting all my weight on my heel. At that moment, I felt a sudden sharp pain in my right heel. I did...
Dr. Xu Zhaoren Reply:
Based on the symptoms you described, it is likely "plantar fasciitis." The causes can be varied, including chronic or acute strains and other forms of arthritis. Treatment methods include rest, wearing ergonomically designed shoes, and appropriate physical therapy. Impr...[Read More] Understanding Heel Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Heel Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Regarding heel pain? Hello Doctor: I came across your article on plantar fasciitis online, and I have some questions regarding this issue since I am experiencing it myself. Last July, I twisted my ankle while playing basketball, and after not fully recovering, I played again. Whe...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Pain and noise in the heel while walking are likely caused by the tendon sliding over the bone. Plantar fasciitis can also lead to heel pain. For differential diagnosis, it is advisable to consult a specialist for a clearer evaluation. As for surgery, it should only be considered...[Read More] Understanding Heel Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Coccyx Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Differences from Bone Spurs
Coccydynia Dear Sir, I would like to inquire about experiencing coccyx pain (near the anus, around the buttocks) after sitting for extended periods. Why is this happening? I have never encountered such a condition before. If a check-up is necessary, which department should I vis...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Coccyx Pain Dear Mr. Hsiao-Cheng, There are many potential causes for coccyx pain, with the most common being trauma or excessive local pressure or irritation. Based on your description, "I easily feel coccyx pain after sitting in a chair for a while," it is likely th...[Read More] Understanding Coccyx Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Differences from Bone Spurs