Understanding Ankle Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Ankle pain Last night, in the middle of the night, my left ankle suddenly felt sore and painful, causing me to wake up and I couldn't fall back asleep. Even after massaging it, there hasn't been much improvement. I'm still experiencing soreness and pain while at wo...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
There are many causes of ankle pain. If it is not due to an injury, such as a sprain, the most likely reason is overuse, such as walking or standing for too long. It is advisable to rest and elevate the ankle. If the pain persists, it is important to see a physician. Additionally...[Read More] Understanding Ankle Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Can Cola Really Help Treat Gout? Debunking the Myths
Can cola treat gout? Recently, my dad heard that drinking cola can treat gout, so he bought a lot of cola to drink! I want to know if cola really has therapeutic effects for gout, or if drinking cola can reduce the frequency of gout attacks? After searching online, some users men...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Janice: Hello! Currently, there is no scientific evidence to support that cola is a diuretic beverage. If you need treatment for gout, I recommend following standard medical practices or discussing with your rheumatologist what dietary treatments would be most appropriate for you...[Read More] Can Cola Really Help Treat Gout? Debunking the Myths
Unexplained Knee Pain After Recovery from Foot Infection: Seeking Solutions
Unexplained knee pain? Hello, Director Zhang. I am 67 years old. Three weeks ago, I experienced a bacterial infection in the wound of my right toenail, which led to inflammation and swelling in both feet, making it difficult to walk. I was immediately taken to the hospital, where...
Dr. Zhang Shengben Reply:
Hello, Amigo: 1. Inflammation in the right foot should not cause swelling in both feet unless it progresses to a systemic infection. 2. If there is pain in both knees following an infection, and if there is concurrent knee infection, there will be signs of inflammation such as re...[Read More] Unexplained Knee Pain After Recovery from Foot Infection: Seeking Solutions
Understanding Gout: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Gout My brother experiences numbness in his legs, along with cramping pain that sometimes becomes severe enough to prevent him from walking. He also has a habit of drinking alcohol and has lost his appetite, resulting in significant muscle wasting in his calves. What could be the...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
Gout is caused by the deposition of uric acid in the joints, leading to redness, swelling, and pain. This condition is related to diet, genetics, and alcohol consumption. The symptoms experienced by the user's brother may be more associated with nerve compression. It is reco...[Read More] Understanding Gout: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding Lateral Ankle Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Pain on the outer posterior side of both ankles? Doctor: Hello! Initially, I experienced pain in my right ankle (on the outer posterior side), which hurt while walking, but I don't recall any significant injury. I went to a traditional Chinese medicine clinic for treatment, ...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Ms. Tseng, There are many causes of ankle pain, such as tendon and ligament sprains, fractures, joint disorders, tumors of the bone or soft tissue, neuropathy, gout, rheumatic autoimmune diseases, infections, and tendonitis due to improper use or overuse, all of which can l...[Read More] Understanding Lateral Ankle Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Managing Osteoarthritis in Diabetic Patients: Surgery and Alternatives
Degenerative arthritis Dr. Shi's father is 70 years old and has a long-standing history of degenerative arthritis in his left knee, which has resulted in atrophy and deformity. He underwent a total knee replacement on his right knee 15 years ago. Due to his current condition...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. Diabetic patients can undergo surgery as long as their blood sugar is well controlled, typically around 150 or below. 2. An age of 70 is not considered high; as long as other bodily functions are adequate, the success rate is generally over 90%. 3. Rehabilitation after sur...[Read More] Managing Osteoarthritis in Diabetic Patients: Surgery and Alternatives
Joint Replacement Surgery: Considerations for Diabetic and Elderly Patients
Joint replacement surgery My father-in-law has had degenerative arthritis for several years and underwent a successful total knee arthroplasty over a decade ago. Now at 70 years old, he also has diabetes and has developed foot deformities due to gout. Recently, the family is cons...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Hello peko922, if a diabetes patient has stable blood sugar control, wound healing should not be an issue, and the success rate of surgery for a 70-year-old is generally high. If joint degeneration has reached the point where joint replacement is necessary, it is best to assess t...[Read More] Joint Replacement Surgery: Considerations for Diabetic and Elderly Patients
Understanding Urate Crystals in Gouty Arthritis: Key Insights
Regarding urate crystals in gouty arthritis? Hello, Dr. Lin. I would like to ask you about my condition. I have been diagnosed with gouty arthritis and it has been about 7 years since my first gout attack. I have been undergoing treatment for some time, but recently, for the past...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello: 1. During a gout attack, injections are typically non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If administered locally, corticosteroids are usually used. The commonly used urate-lowering medications are oral, and patients who are not on urate-lowering therapy should not...[Read More] Understanding Urate Crystals in Gouty Arthritis: Key Insights
Understanding Systemic Muscle and Joint Issues: Seeking Answers for Chronic Pain
Systemic musculoskeletal issues? Hello Doctor: I have had a problem with muscle fatigue since childhood, which has worsened over the past few years. Even riding a motorcycle for half a day causes me to experience full-body soreness the next day due to the vibrations, and my muscl...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms do raise suspicion for fibromyalgia; however, the diagnosis of this condition must first rule out other diseases. Many conditions, especially connective tissue diseases, may present with these symptoms. It is recommended to consult a rheumatologist for furthe...[Read More] Understanding Systemic Muscle and Joint Issues: Seeking Answers for Chronic Pain
Managing Left Foot Joint Pain: Understanding Gout and Treatment Options
Pain in the joint area of the left toe? Hello Doctor: About two days ago, the joint of my left foot's middle toe started to hurt. I went to see a doctor who ordered blood tests and found my uric acid level to be 10. The doctor mentioned it could be gout, so I was prescribed ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
During a gout attack, the first step should be to treat the pain symptoms. After the acute phase has passed, urate-lowering medications can be initiated to manage hyperuricemia. Additionally, dietary control is important to avoid excessive intake of high-purine foods, and increas...[Read More] Managing Left Foot Joint Pain: Understanding Gout and Treatment Options
Understanding Joint Pain in the Big Toe: Is It Gout?
The joint of the left big toe is painful? This morning, I suddenly experienced pain in the joint of my left big toe, which only hurts when I walk. Recently, I have been consuming more meat (three slices of pork daily, which I am unsure if this is a lot), and I have also been eati...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
Gout is caused by abnormal metabolism of uric acid, leading to its deposition in the joints, resulting in inflammation and pain, most commonly occurring in the big toe joint. Individuals can first have a blood test to check if their uric acid levels are normal (this can be done a...[Read More] Understanding Joint Pain in the Big Toe: Is It Gout?
Understanding Leg Pain: Causes and Solutions for Drivers
Soreness occurs only when standing or walking? My left leg has suddenly experienced soreness on the outer thigh and knee joint for the past 14 days, making it impossible for me to stand for more than a minute. Walking exacerbates the pain, and I need to sit down immediately to re...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, based on your description, it could be sciatica or a herniated disc, although another possibility is a muscle strain, which seems less likely. The most important thing in this situation is rest, as the diagnosis indicates a spinal issue. Your ...[Read More] Understanding Leg Pain: Causes and Solutions for Drivers
Chronic Back Pain: Seeking Solutions After 3.4 Years of Suffering
Lower back pain for 3.4 years? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing lower back pain since high school, and it has persisted for about 3 to 4 years now. Recently, the pain has worsened over the past six months, and it even hurts when I walk. The pain radiates from my lower back ...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello, Xiao Hong: If a diagnosis of seronegative spondyloarthritis is confirmed, the most commonly used immunomodulator is Salazopyrin (sulfasalazine). However, patients with G6PD deficiency may not be suitable for this type of medication (depending on the severity of the enzyme ...[Read More] Chronic Back Pain: Seeking Solutions After 3.4 Years of Suffering
Understanding Ligament Injuries: Causes, Treatments, and Recovery Options
Ligament? Hello, I have a question for you. Two years ago, I accidentally fell down the stairs (about 6-7 stories), and since then, I have experienced swelling and pain in both of my Achilles tendons. I did not seek medical attention immediately and only went to see an orthopedic...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, please consult an orthopedic physician first. Based on your description, I personally believe that surgery may not be necessary; it could be a myofascial issue or a gout flare-up. It is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Wishi...[Read More] Understanding Ligament Injuries: Causes, Treatments, and Recovery Options
Understanding Unexplained Pain: Is It Related to Weightlifting and Gout?
Unknown cause It seems that I only experience sharp pain from my armpit to my ribcage when lifting heavy objects for an extended period. I have experienced this before, but it occurs infrequently. I have a history of gout; could this be related? Thank you.
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
Rib pain should consider issues such as traumatic fractures, contusions, pathological fractures, and neuralgia. Based on the symptoms described by the user, it seems more like a tendon strain or neuralgia. If the user still has questions, it may be advisable to get an X-ray to ch...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Pain: Is It Related to Weightlifting and Gout?
Is Surgery Safe for an 80-Year-Old with Sciatica and Gout?
Surgery Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my friend's father, who is 80 years old and has issues with sciatica. He has been diagnosed with mild bone spurs, and he has a finger that was injured in his youth, causing it to be bent and unusable. Given his age, would i...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Whether surgery is necessary depends on the severity of the symptoms. If medication can alleviate the condition, then surgery may not be required. However, if the pain persists, surgery should be considered. Older patients have a higher surgical risk. Gout is typically managed wi...[Read More] Is Surgery Safe for an 80-Year-Old with Sciatica and Gout?
Understanding Pain in Toenails: Causes and When to Seek Help
Pressing on the toenail causes pain? Hello: One day I suddenly noticed that my toe was painful! I thought it might be due to a bump and that it would get better in a few days, so I didn't pay much attention to it. However, after several days, the pain persisted, and I later ...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
Toe pain is usually caused by paronychia, which can result from a wound or trauma, but the user does not have such a medical history. Gout typically affects the first metatarsophalangeal joint, while pain between the second and third toes is often associated with neuropathic issu...[Read More] Understanding Pain in Toenails: Causes and When to Seek Help
Managing Gout: Medication vs. Dietary Control for Long-Term Relief
Gout treatment Hello, do patients with gout need to take medication long-term, or can it be managed with dietary control alone?
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Repeated question, please refer to the response from July 5th. Thank you![Read More] Managing Gout: Medication vs. Dietary Control for Long-Term Relief
Understanding Stiffness in Fingers After Wrist Fracture Recovery
Stiffness in the middle finger? Hello, I had a car accident a year and a half ago, resulting in a fracture of the radius and ulnar bones (near the wrist). The metal pins were removed a year ago. Recently, within the past month, I have noticed stiffness in my fingers when I wake u...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Reader, Based on your description, it seems you may be experiencing trigger finger, which is likely not significantly related to your previous radius and ulnar fracture. The formal medical term for trigger finger is stenosing tenosynovitis of the flexor tendon. This conditi...[Read More] Understanding Stiffness in Fingers After Wrist Fracture Recovery
Managing Ankle Pain After Injury: Tips for Recovery and Relief
Ankle Hello, Dr. Lee! I previously sprained my left ankle. After receiving massage therapy from a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, I noticed that whenever I walk too much or stand for too long, my ankle starts to hurt and I even limp. After walking a bit, it feels somew...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, please seek medical attention as soon as possible. You should avoid standing for long periods, and even if it's a soft tissue injury (such as fascia or tendon), it requires ample rest and should not be overused. A medical evaluation can h...[Read More] Managing Ankle Pain After Injury: Tips for Recovery and Relief