Understanding Persistent Knee Effusion: Causes, Treatments, and Risks
Recurrent knee effusion? I am 52 years old, and I have been experiencing recurrent knee effusion since the year before last. I have undergone aspiration, fluid analysis, and blood tests, which have ruled out hereditary diseases. I have received numerous suggestions, visited many ...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, my personal opinion is that you should consider undergoing an arthroscopy as soon as possible. The greatest benefit of arthroscopy is that it allows for the collection of specimens, which can be sent for pathological examination to obtain corr...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Knee Effusion: Causes, Treatments, and Risks
Do Shadows on Foot X-rays Indicate a Fracture? Understanding the Connection
Does a shadow on an X-ray of the foot indicate a fracture? Hello Doctor: Recently, I fell while riding my bike and injured the top of my right foot. At that time, there were two areas on the upper part of my right foot that immediately swelled and were extremely painful. A few mi...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
The shadow on the bone could be caused by various factors such as fractures, skin folds, congenital abnormalities, or remnants of childhood injuries. Therefore, additional evidence is needed to support the diagnosis, including swelling, severe pain, or inability to bear weight, a...[Read More] Do Shadows on Foot X-rays Indicate a Fracture? Understanding the Connection
Seeking Expert Advice on Knee Tumors and Pain Management
Knee myoma inquiry? I would like to seek a professional opinion from a doctor. A year ago, after hiking Yushan, I experienced pain in both legs. Not knowing what was wrong, I sought help from traditional Chinese medicine and ended up receiving acupuncture. After the treatment, my...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
There are many causes of knee joint effusion. Based on your description, there may be cartilage wear or injury, and arthroscopy could be considered for both diagnosis and treatment. The MRI has revealed a popliteal cyst, which may also be a result of an injury. It is advisable to...[Read More] Seeking Expert Advice on Knee Tumors and Pain Management
How to Determine If Cartilage Repair Surgery Is Necessary?
How to determine if surgical repair of cartilage tissue is necessary? Do cartilage tissues need repair? Can X-rays detect cartilage damage? Is arthroscopic surgery needed for the hip joint? How can one determine if surgery is necessary to repair cartilage tissue? Thank you! Mr. C...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
X-rays cannot detect early cartilage damage. If there are changes on the X-ray, such as narrowing of the joint space or the formation of bone spurs at the joint margins, it indicates more significant cartilage damage. Arthroscopy allows for the visualization of cartilage changes,...[Read More] How to Determine If Cartilage Repair Surgery Is Necessary?
Understanding Patellar Malalignment: Causes, Recovery, and Exercise Tips
Patellar valgus Hello, I have some questions regarding patellar valgus: 1. If the patellar gap is uneven and the gap is smaller in some areas, does that indicate cartilage wear? 2. Will leg strength training help restore the normal patellar gap? 3. Is cycling a suitable exercise?...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
There may be some wear and tear, but if bone spurs have not yet formed, it is not serious. Strength training may help with recovery. Cycling is not recommended.[Read More] Understanding Patellar Malalignment: Causes, Recovery, and Exercise Tips
Managing Inflammation of the Knee Cartilage: Care Tips and Follow-Up
Periosteitis If you have inflammation of the knee cartilage (chondromalacia), it is important to pay special attention to the following aspects for care and management: 1. **Rest and Activity Modification**: Avoid activities that put excessive stress on the knee, such as running...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Patellar chondromalacia is typically caused by overuse, such as excessive physical activity or work, leading to softening of the cartilage in the patella, resulting in symptoms like pain and difficulty with stair climbing. It is advisable to consult a sports medicine specialist i...[Read More] Managing Inflammation of the Knee Cartilage: Care Tips and Follow-Up
Managing Meniscus Tears: Treatment Options and Legal Considerations
Treatment for Meniscus Tear and Correction of Contact Information (Forwarded from the Director's Email) 1. I have sustained an injury resulting in a tear of the right knee meniscus, which was surgically repaired in 1994. Since then, I have taken careful measures to maintain ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If the meniscus cartilage wear is mild, there is no need to rush into surgery. If you are going to undergo total joint replacement surgery in the future, it is advisable to wait until the cartilage damage in the femoral and tibial joint surfaces becomes severe before proceeding. ...[Read More] Managing Meniscus Tears: Treatment Options and Legal Considerations
Understanding Hip Replacement Surgery: Options and Insights for Patients
Hip joint replacement surgery Doctor, I was on the basketball team in middle school, and perhaps I injured my hip joint while playing over a decade ago but didn't pay much attention to it. Recently, I've been experiencing frequent lower back pain and numbness in my thig...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Hello: After the cartilage in the knee joint is worn down, it cannot regenerate. If a physician has diagnosed this condition, a total knee arthroplasty should be indicated, as it meets the criteria for replacement. This surgery is well-established in the country.[Read More] Understanding Hip Replacement Surgery: Options and Insights for Patients
Understanding Joint Noises: Are They a Sign of Bone Issues?
It is common for bones to make sounds? Hello doctor, when I stand up and squat, my knees make sounds, and when I lie in bed and lift my legs, I can also hear a clicking noise (it seems to be from the pelvic area). Does this indicate that there is a problem with my bones? If there...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
During knee joint movement (especially during extension and flexion), there can be friction between the patellofemoral joint. In younger individuals, a thin membrane may be present in the middle, which can thicken due to inflammation and produce sounds. In older individuals, dege...[Read More] Understanding Joint Noises: Are They a Sign of Bone Issues?
Understanding Proximal Humerus Fractures: Recovery, Pain Management, and Rehabilitation
Proximal humeral comminuted fracture? On May 26 of this year, I had a motorcycle accident that resulted in a comminuted fracture of the proximal left humerus (broken into five pieces). On the 27th, I underwent surgery for internal fixation with a plate. The doctor mentioned that ...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, you have been regularly attending follow-up appointments, and the X-rays show that the fracture site appears normal, yet you continue to experience persistent pain. This is not a typical situation and may be due to delayed rehabilitation, leading...[Read More] Understanding Proximal Humerus Fractures: Recovery, Pain Management, and Rehabilitation
Is Your Rib Protruding More on One Side? Causes and Concerns
Rib Recently (uncertain if this condition has existed for a while or if it has just appeared), I have noticed that during deep breaths, the lower left rib (which should be near the stomach area) protrudes slightly more than the right side. There is no pain. Is this normal? Could ...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Protruding ribs without pain are likely related to the growth of the thoracic cage or costal cartilage, and it is rarely caused by organ enlargement. For an accurate diagnosis, it is advisable to consult a physician for an examination.[Read More] Is Your Rib Protruding More on One Side? Causes and Concerns
Managing Knee Pain: Understanding Valgus Deformity and Cartilage Damage
Genu valgum with associated lateral chondromalacia? Hello, doctor. I just turned 18, and I was shocked to find out from my examination that I have genu valgum with associated lateral cartilage softening! This lengthy diagnosis really startled me because I have an upcoming graduat...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
In cases of patellar valgus accompanied by osteomalacia, surgical intervention is generally considered based on the severity of the condition. If the severity does not reach a point where walking is completely impossible, it is advisable to first consider knee brace protection an...[Read More] Managing Knee Pain: Understanding Valgus Deformity and Cartilage Damage
Understanding Knee Pain in Teens: Causes and Solutions for Active Lifestyles
Knee Doctor, may I ask why my knee often hurts and sometimes feels like the bones are rubbing against each other? I started experiencing this pain in the 9th grade, and now I'm in 10th grade. The pain usually starts after I exercise, but if I exercise for about 30 minutes, i...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The location of knee pain must be clearly identified. If the pain is along the edge of the kneecap, there is a higher likelihood of tendonitis. If the pain occurs below the kneecap at the junction with the femur, especially during squatting, going up and down stairs, or walking d...[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain in Teens: Causes and Solutions for Active Lifestyles
Understanding Knee Pain: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Knee Hello Dr. Hong, recently I noticed pain on the right side of my left knee (the area extending down from the groin) when I cross my left leg. I haven't had any injuries; I only noticed the pain after stretching recently. What could this issue be? Thank you!
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Hello! There are many reasons for pain on the inner side of the left knee. Possible causes include cartilage injuries or strains of the medial collateral ligament, which are often related to sports injuries. It is recommended that you consult an orthopedic physician for a thoroug...[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Understanding Bone Spurs in the Cervical Spine: Causes and Treatment Options
Bone spur Hello, Doctor Shi: May I ask what causes bone spurs to develop within the cervical vertebrae and the surrounding soft tissue in my husband? Can medication treat this condition, or is surgery necessary? Thank you for your assistance, Doctor Shi.
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Bone spurs are often a manifestation of osteoarthritis. The term "degeneration" refers to the wear and tear of joints or bones over time. The worn cartilage cannot regenerate into new, normal cartilage; instead, the bone develops additional bony growths as compensation....[Read More] Understanding Bone Spurs in the Cervical Spine: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Persistent Left Wrist Pain: Causes and Solutions
left wrist During class at a tutoring center, I was sitting in the back where the chairs are higher, and I had to use my hands to support myself in order to jump up and sit down. One time, I pressed down hard with my palm, and there was a loud "pop." The right side of m...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
The wrist joint has a very complex structure, including cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. After five years with no improvement, it is recommended to visit an orthopedic clinic for further examination. Wishing you a speedy recovery.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Left Wrist Pain: Causes and Solutions
Managing Patellar Chondromalacia: Treatment Options and Relief Strategies
Patellar chondromalacia I am a patient with patellar chondromalacia, experiencing cartilage wear on the right patella, graded between 2 and 3! I have undergone a tibial tuberosity osteotomy with a 1 cm elevation. Postoperatively, I feel significant pressure on the cartilage above...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Minimize pressure on the patella as much as possible, such as when going up and down stairs, hiking, or performing squatting, kneeling, and jumping movements. This may help alleviate symptoms. If the surface of the patella is already worn, the symptoms may persist. If possible, r...[Read More] Managing Patellar Chondromalacia: Treatment Options and Relief Strategies
Understanding Sports Injuries: Shoulder, Finger, and Knee Fractures Explained
Sports Injury: Fracture Hello, doctor. I have consulted two orthopedic specialists and would like to ask a few questions. I play baseball and basketball, and I previously injured my shoulder while pitching, which was not caused by an external impact. After resting, I have no issu...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Hello, Xiao Zhang: Regarding your shoulder, you should go to a medical center for a detailed examination using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to diagnose whether there is any damage to the cartilage or tendons. Typically, a finger injury from eating dried radish can recover wit...[Read More] Understanding Sports Injuries: Shoulder, Finger, and Knee Fractures Explained
Managing Cervical Cartilage Wear: Prevention and Treatment Options
Regarding cervical cartilage wear issues? Hello Dr. Chang, my father has been troubled for a long time by abnormal sounds when turning his neck. Last week, he went to Tzu Chi Hospital for an examination, and after imaging, the doctor indicated that it was due to severe cartilage ...
Dr. Zhang Shengben Reply:
Hello Penny: The sound produced when turning the neck may be due to cartilage wear caused by degeneration, but it can also result from the compression of joint synovial fluid. Currently, there are no effective treatment options, but taking glucosamine (also known as chondroitin) ...[Read More] Managing Cervical Cartilage Wear: Prevention and Treatment Options
Understanding Wrist Pain: Causes and Treatment Options for Rotation Issues
Wrist pain with a clicking sensation during external rotation? Doctor, I previously injured my wrist while weight training. I saw an orthopedic doctor and received a few anti-inflammatory injections, about 2 or 3 times, and my hand improved significantly. However, when I rotate m...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear User: Based on your description, it is possible that you have a wrist ligament sprain or a triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury. As a general principle, initial management should include protection, cautious use, heat therapy, and pharmacological treatment as cons...[Read More] Understanding Wrist Pain: Causes and Treatment Options for Rotation Issues