Understanding Spinal Health: Options for Managing Degenerative Disc Issues
Spine Hello, Doctor: My mother is 60 years old and experiences lower back pain when getting up or sitting for long periods. After an X-ray examination by an orthopedic doctor, it was found that the cartilage in her spine has worn away. I would like to ask you: 1. Is surgery neces...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Surgery is not always necessary; treatment can initially be managed with medication or rehabilitation. Taking these dietary supplements may not necessarily be effective. Hyaluronic acid injections do not aid in the function of cartilage, which is to absorb external forces and red...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Health: Options for Managing Degenerative Disc Issues
Understanding the Difference: Osteoarthritis vs. Tendinitis in Knee Pain
Is it degenerative arthritis or tendinitis? Hello Dr. Chen, Last spring, I suddenly experienced sharp, needle-like pain on the inner side of my right knee, which occurs intermittently. I also feel discomfort when going up stairs, and sitting for long periods makes it painful to ...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear readers: Based on your description, both degenerative arthritis and tendinitis are possible, and they may occur simultaneously. Tendinitis is relatively straightforward; with adequate rest, reduced activity, and the use of heat therapy and anti-inflammatory pain relievers, s...[Read More] Understanding the Difference: Osteoarthritis vs. Tendinitis in Knee Pain
Understanding Spinal Issues: Surgery, Cartilage, and Alternative Treatments
Spinal issues Hello Doctor: My mother is 60 years old and experiences soreness in her spine when she gets up. After an X-ray, the doctor said that the cartilage in her spine is worn out (it seems like the cartilage is gone). He mentioned that surgery is necessary for a complete c...
Dr. Wang Zikang Reply:
Hello: The spine often degenerates due to prolonged use, particularly the lumbar region where stress is concentrated. The intervertebral discs (cartilaginous parts) lose hydration, resulting in decreased intervertebral spacing and compression of the lumbar nerves. If the compress...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Issues: Surgery, Cartilage, and Alternative Treatments
Understanding Hip Joint Pain After an Ankle Fracture: Causes and Solutions
Hip joint pain? Doctor, I was in a car accident and my ankle bone is fractured. Additionally, my hip joint experiences pain at certain angles and makes a cracking sound during movement. It has been like this for six months. A doctor mentioned that it might be due to cartilage det...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Hip joint pain accompanied by audible sounds requires an X-ray examination to check for any bone issues. Additionally, ligament injuries could also present with similar symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Hip Joint Pain After an Ankle Fracture: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Osteoarthritis: Key Questions and Treatment Options
Regarding degenerative arthritis... some questions? Hello, Dr. Shi. I apologize for bothering you again. Your previous response alleviated much of my mother's concerns, thank you. Now, I have a few questions that I hope you can answer: 1. Due to the wear and tear of the car...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If arthritis is accompanied by heart and kidney issues, the treatment for arthritis must be chosen carefully. Clinically, there are some medications that can be used, and it is advisable to discuss medication options with a physician. Hyaluronic acid can be used for the treatment...[Read More] Understanding Osteoarthritis: Key Questions and Treatment Options
Preparing for Joint Replacement: Insights on Osteoarthritis and Surgery
Joint degeneration issues? Hello, Doctor. My mother is experiencing knee pain at the age of 50 due to her excessive weight and frequent travel abroad. After getting an X-ray, the doctor informed us that she is in the advanced stage of joint degeneration. I noticed that the cartil...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
For patients over sixty years old with arthritis severe enough to require surgery, it is essential to first determine if the patient has any other underlying conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease. If such conditions are present, they should be treated or ma...[Read More] Preparing for Joint Replacement: Insights on Osteoarthritis and Surgery
Post-Arthroscopy Recovery: Understanding Pain and Rehabilitation for ACL Injuries
Post-arthroscopic surgery My father is 52 years old. He had a fall ten months ago and underwent acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, hyaluronic acid injections, and an MRI, but no ligament tear was detected. Later, he had arthroscopic surgery, which revealed a torn anterior...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Hello Kyle: You have a torn cruciate ligament along with cartilage damage, and you underwent arthroscopy. The physician should provide a detailed explanation, as they are the most knowledgeable about your case. Generally, the need for reconstruction depends on the severity of the...[Read More] Post-Arthroscopy Recovery: Understanding Pain and Rehabilitation for ACL Injuries
Are Laser Treatments Effective for Bone Spurs? Can They Cure Them?
excuse me? Is laser treatment really effective for bone spurs? Can it provide a complete cure?
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Laser treatment for bone spurs may not always be effective. While lasers can damage cartilage or soft tissue, they may not necessarily affect the bone itself. Furthermore, the effectiveness can depend on the specific location of the bone spur.[Read More] Are Laser Treatments Effective for Bone Spurs? Can They Cure Them?
Essential Knee Care Tips for Young and Middle-Aged Hikers
How to take care of your knees? I would like to ask how to take care of the knees. Are the methods for young people and middle-aged individuals the same? I enjoy hiking, and while going uphill feels fine, I often worry that my knees might be under too much pressure and get injure...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
As we age, the cartilage in the knee joints may undergo aging and degeneration, resulting in a decreased ability to withstand strenuous or vigorous activities. Climbing mountains or jogging can be detrimental to knees that have already degenerated, while these activities may not ...[Read More] Essential Knee Care Tips for Young and Middle-Aged Hikers
ACL Tear with Meniscus Injury: Is Running Safe for Your Knee?
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear with associated meniscal tear? Hello doctor, after my examination, the results showed that I have a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in my right knee, along with a meniscal tear. I have no issues walking, so I haven't sought further...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, a torn anterior cruciate ligament combined with a meniscal tear can lead to knee instability and a feeling of weakness in the leg. If further injury occurs, it may result in additional cartilage damage, so caution is indeed necessary. It is re...[Read More] ACL Tear with Meniscus Injury: Is Running Safe for Your Knee?
Understanding Knee Cartilage Replacement: Options and Longevity Insights
Regarding knee cartilage replacement? Hello Doctor, ten years ago, I suffered a car accident that resulted in a comminuted fracture of my left knee joint, along with a torn meniscus and a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This has led to subchondral bone depression on th...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Currently, artificial tissue-cultured cartilage replacement is mostly in the animal experimental stage, with very few applications in humans. However, some medical centers are performing autologous cartilage transplantation. If you are referring to a unicompartmental knee arthrop...[Read More] Understanding Knee Cartilage Replacement: Options and Longevity Insights
Understanding Knee Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Knee pain Hello, Doctor Shi: I have noticed that my kneecap area feels particularly sore—it's quite painful! However, it doesn't happen all the time, just occasionally. This issue has been bothering me for quite a while, probably for about six months now. I have also co...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Based on the symptoms you've described, it's difficult to determine the exact condition. However, generally speaking, knee pain in young individuals is often related to issues with the cartilage of the patella or misalignment of the patella itself. It would be advisable...[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Knee Effusion: RA Impact and Treatment Insights
Knee posterior flexion with effusion? Hello Dr. Lin: I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on some blood test results, but I have no clinical symptoms. I was originally taking methotrexate (MTX) and steroids (for six months), but in February of this year, I e...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello, This symptom is likely a Baker's cyst, which is mostly caused by issues within the knee joint (such as knee joint inflammation or injuries to the cartilage or ligaments within the knee) leading to fluid accumulation. This fluid extends out from the weaker area of th...[Read More] Understanding Knee Effusion: RA Impact and Treatment Insights
Alternatives to Joint Replacement for Collagen Deficiency Pain Relief
excuse me? Hello Dr. Wang! My father, who is 62 years old, has been experiencing pain due to a lack of collagen in his joints for several months. Does he definitely need a joint replacement, or are there other rehabilitation options available? Thank you!
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Dear Janice, Degenerative arthritis caused by cartilage degeneration can vary in severity, ranging from requiring only short-term medication to necessitating total joint replacement. Generally, when two out of the three knee compartments (medial, lateral, and patellofemoral) are...[Read More] Alternatives to Joint Replacement for Collagen Deficiency Pain Relief
Preventing Future Bone Pain and Spurs After a Fracture: Tips and Remedies
How can individuals with fractures prevent future bone pain and bone spurs? How can individuals with fractures prevent future bone pain and bone spurs? Can I perform some massage? Are there any specific foods I should eat? Is it advisable to apply topical ointments or patches on ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Typically, once a fracture has healed, there should not be any issues with soreness or pain. However, fractures that do not heal properly or heal incorrectly may lead to pain or discomfort. Additionally, if a fracture occurs on a joint surface and does not heal well or if there i...[Read More] Preventing Future Bone Pain and Spurs After a Fracture: Tips and Remedies
To Operate or Not: Navigating Joint Replacement Decisions in RA
To undergo surgery or not? Hello, doctor. I am 26 years old and have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis for 10 years. My condition has been manageable with medication, but I have been experiencing persistent pain in my right knee. Currently, I find it very difficult to walk...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Basically, your understanding is correct; you may be suffering from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This condition typically occurs in adolescence and is generally more severe compared to adult rheumatoid arthritis, leading to more significant joint damage. Patients with rheumatoi...[Read More] To Operate or Not: Navigating Joint Replacement Decisions in RA
Understanding Ankle Cartilage Wear: Surgical Options and Recovery
Ankle cartilage wear? Hello Dr. Lee, I have been suffering from pain in my left ankle recently. I previously had an examination that revealed severe cartilage wear in the ankle. I heard that surgical reconstruction might be an option, but I'm unsure if it is feasible. Thank ...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, cartilage can indeed be reconstructed after injury. Recent research has shown that it is possible to take one's own cartilage, extract the chondrocytes, and culture stem cells to derive chondroprogenitor cells that can differentiate into ...[Read More] Understanding Ankle Cartilage Wear: Surgical Options and Recovery
Understanding Ankle Cartilage Damage: Causes, Effects, and Prevention Tips
Ankle cartilage injury? Hello Dr. Hsu: Recently, my family member went to the hospital for an examination due to a foot injury. The doctor said that the ankle cartilage is damaged and has deteriorated. Since it was discovered too late, surgery is not an option. They prescribed me...
Dr. Xu Zhaoren Reply:
1. Cartilage degeneration indicates cartilage wear and tear due to traumatic arthritis. 2. Degenerative traumatic arthritis can lead to pain and limping. 3. Glucosamine supplements can be taken for treatment.[Read More] Understanding Ankle Cartilage Damage: Causes, Effects, and Prevention Tips
Understanding Cartilage Disorders: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Tips
Chondropathy My friend told me over the phone that he went to the hospital and the doctor said he has a tumor on his foot... and that a section of bone is not hard bone but cartilage! Does this count as chondromatosis? Also, where should he usually stay, and what dietary consider...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it may be an osteochondroma. Please visit our orthopedic outpatient clinic for further evaluation and treatment follow-up. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Cartilage Disorders: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Tips
Can Hyaluronic Acid Injections Help Elderly with Weak Legs?
Can hyaluronic acid injections be used for weakness in the legs? Hello, Doctor: I would like to inquire about the use of hyaluronic acid injections. My mother-in-law is 94 years old and has experienced degeneration in her legs due to aging. She can walk but requires a cane. A rel...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Mrs. Chang, Hyaluronic acid is one of the important components of cartilage matrix, and injecting hyaluronic acid acts like adding oil to a car, providing a lubricating effect. Aside from the pain associated with the injection itself, there are generally few other side effe...[Read More] Can Hyaluronic Acid Injections Help Elderly with Weak Legs?