Chronic Lower Back Pain: Seeking Answers After Two Years of Suffering
Lower back pain has persisted for two years? Hello, Doctor. I have been experiencing lower back pain for almost two years now. At its worst, I was unable to bend over to get out of bed and had to roll onto my side and push myself up with my hands. Currently, the pain persists whe...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Lower back pain can be quite bothersome and may persist for a long time. Its diagnosis is often uncertain, but rehabilitation typically leads to some improvement. Treatment may require a multifaceted approach, including medication, physical therapy, and correcting poor posture an...[Read More] Chronic Lower Back Pain: Seeking Answers After Two Years of Suffering
Understanding Wrist, Elbow, and Finger Pain: Causes and Solutions
10 fingers / wrist / elbow Dear Dr. Yeh, My left wrist, elbow, and fingers hurt all the time when I cook, crochet, knit, write letters, or clean the house. I always used cold water to wash my hands when I was in Taiwan. I wonder if it is arthritis or osteoporosis! I’m married an...
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
Pain in the left wrist, elbow, and fingers during work in middle-aged women with multiple joint pain should raise suspicion for rheumatoid arthritis. The primary symptoms include symmetrical involvement of both hands, swelling and pain in the distal finger joints, and stiffness. ...[Read More] Understanding Wrist, Elbow, and Finger Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Elbow Pain: Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow
Elbow joint pain Dear Director Shi, I would like to consult you regarding an issue with my elbow joint. My right wrist to elbow area has been injured since last summer (93rd year), and I have seen several traditional Chinese medicine practitioners for treatment, including topica...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
I'm not very familiar with traditional Chinese medicine treatment methods. Based on your description, the symptoms appeared after an injury to the elbow joint, which may have affected the tendons or ligaments. From an orthopedic perspective, it is usually recommended to get ...[Read More] Understanding Elbow Pain: Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow
Understanding Congenital Bone Abnormalities: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Hello!!!! Hello Dr. Hong: I hope you don't mind me asking. My girlfriend may have a congenital condition where there are multiple bony protrusions on the surface of her bones. Additionally, the growth positions and sizes of the joints in her hands and feet are also abnormal....
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Jeff: The protruding bones on your girlfriend's skeleton are likely osteochondromas, which are benign and related to genetic factors. If there are no symptoms, treatment may not be necessary. However, if they affect her quality of life or joint mobility, you might consider h...[Read More] Understanding Congenital Bone Abnormalities: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Rehabilitation Challenges After Tibial Fracture: Key Insights
Rehabilitation issues? Dr. Shi: I had a car accident on December 7, 2004, which resulted in a tibial fracture. I had two pins inserted. The cast was removed on January 18, 2005. Currently, my doctor has instructed me to do rehabilitation at home. Over the past two weeks of rehabi...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Tibial fractures typically take about three months to heal. After healing, weight-bearing activities should not cause any issues or pain. The temporary inability to flex the knee may improve with rehabilitation exercises. Applying heat can help relax the tendons and muscles, maki...[Read More] Understanding Rehabilitation Challenges After Tibial Fracture: Key Insights
Understanding Rheumatism and Arthritis: Symptoms and Solutions
Rheumatism and Arthritis Numbness in the hands and feet - inability to close the eyes - forehead twitching.
Dr. Chen Weiming Reply:
Your question is not very complete. Could you please provide more details about your situation so that I can give you the most appropriate advice? Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Rheumatism and Arthritis: Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Flat Feet and Chronic Jaw Dislocation: Key Insights
Please ask two questions regarding flat feet and habitual dislocation? 1. If you are being tested for flat feet, how long will it take to get the results? Is it possible to visually assess it? 2. I often yawn or open my mouth too wide while eating, which leads to my jaw dislocat...
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
Flatfoot should be evaluated with X-rays, and measuring the angles will provide immediate information. For the treatment of habitual jaw dislocation, it is advisable to consult an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, as this is their area of expertise, not orthopedics.[Read More] Understanding Flat Feet and Chronic Jaw Dislocation: Key Insights
Is My 6-Month-Old Ready to Walk? Understanding Early Walking and Bone Health
Learning to walk Dear Doctor, My daughter is currently six months old and loves to stand. Recently, she has also started to walk forward with our support. I am concerned about whether this will affect her leg bone development or if she is already ready to start learning to walk....
Dr. Huang Longde Reply:
The saying "seven sit, eight crawl" refers to the average age of development for children, but in reality, there is a significant variation in crawling and walking among children, ranging from six months to over two years. Essentially, we cannot restrict a child's ...[Read More] Is My 6-Month-Old Ready to Walk? Understanding Early Walking and Bone Health
Effective Rehabilitation Strategies for Post-Knee Replacement Patients
Rehabilitation issues I am 35 years old and a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. I have the following questions: I had total knee replacements on my left and right knees in July and October of this year, and my recovery has been good. However, I still have a bit of a wobble when ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Leg raises strengthen the quadriceps muscles in the thighs, and doing them more frequently can enhance walking and climbing stairs. Once the strength in the legs is sufficient, climbing stairs becomes easier, so there is no need to rush into stair climbing practice. In rheumatoid...[Read More] Effective Rehabilitation Strategies for Post-Knee Replacement Patients
Effective Treatment for Severe Ankle Sprains and Bone Displacement
What should I do for a severe ankle sprain and bone displacement? If there is a severe ankle sprain with possible bone displacement and bone contusion, how should it be treated? The situation is as follows: during a tennis practice, when I jumped and landed, my entire foot rolled...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Dear Student Lin: Thank you for your letter. If you have a severe ankle sprain and bone displacement, it will require at least 4-6 weeks of immobilization, and you should not bear weight on it. The ankle is stabilized by multiple ligaments, and after an injury, it needs a certain...[Read More] Effective Treatment for Severe Ankle Sprains and Bone Displacement
Understanding Ankle Injuries: Is Your Pain a Cause for Concern?
Hello, doctor. How severe is my ankle injury? About a year ago, I injured the lateral side of my right foot while playing basketball when I landed vertically. Initially, it felt like a typical sprain, with pain only when pressed, but this sensation disappeared shortly after. Howe...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Hello, Kaizi: Ankle sprains are common when playing basketball. The key is to have appropriate treatment and protection after the injury, and to avoid re-injury. As for the popping sound during activity, if there are no symptoms, it should not be a concern. However, please ensure...[Read More] Understanding Ankle Injuries: Is Your Pain a Cause for Concern?
Understanding Knee Pain: Is It Growing Pains or Something More?
My bones feel strange..? When I was younger, I often experienced pain near my knee and would tell my mom about it, but I couldn't pinpoint exactly where it hurt. At that time, it was often thought to be growing pains. Now that I'm 16, I've noticed that the pain ten...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The area between the knee and the ankle is referred to as the calf. This region consists of bones, muscles, tendons, and neurovascular structures. Pain in this area may indicate an issue with one of these tissues; however, if it is related to physical activity, it is most likely ...[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain: Is It Growing Pains or Something More?
Understanding Rib Fractures: Can You Be Discharged After One?
Rib Two days ago, I was involved in a motorcycle accident with an elderly man. After he arrived at the hospital, he claimed to have a broken rib and asked me to pay for his medical expenses. While we were waiting for the ambulance, he was still able to smoke (I sustained injuries...
Dr. Su Yiren Reply:
Hello Amy: A fractured rib indicates a chest injury. For safety reasons, these patients should be hospitalized for three days. I have encountered cases of pulmonary contusion (similar in principle to a concussion) that resulted in a 50% drop in blood oxygen levels, requiring intu...[Read More] Understanding Rib Fractures: Can You Be Discharged After One?
Understanding Wrist Bumps: Possible Causes and Treatments
I have a lump on my wrist joint? Hello, doctor. I have a lump on the back of my left hand near the joint, about the size of a one-dollar coin. It protrudes when I bend my wrist and elbow at a 90-degree angle. I only noticed it after July of this year, and there is no lump on the ...
Dr. Lin Gengxiao Reply:
1. Most soft tissue tumors in the wrist are benign, with malignant tumors being rare. Ganglion cysts are relatively common but rarely cause serious complications. Wrist ganglion cysts can occur at any age, with a higher prevalence in individuals aged 20 to 40, and they are more c...[Read More] Understanding Wrist Bumps: Possible Causes and Treatments
Understanding Persistent Joint Pain and Cracking Sounds: Causes and Solutions
Bone pain I have been experiencing cracking sounds in all my joints for a long time. I'm not sure what it is. Every time my hand joints crack, I feel like my hands have no strength. What could be the problem? I have seen both traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and or...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong Reply:
Hello: If your joints make sounds but there is no pain, it is generally not a concern. However, if there is deformity or pain, it may be wise to consult a rheumatologist to investigate other possible causes. Sincerely, Dr. Luo Zhao-Chung, Orthopedic Specialist.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Joint Pain and Cracking Sounds: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Swollen and Painful Joints in Fingers and Toes
Why are the joints in the fingers and toes swollen and painful? Doctor, why are the joints in my hands and feet swollen and painful? The joints in my fingers swell and become stiff because my triglyceride level is 250 and my cholesterol level is 235. Is there a connection? I have...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello Ali! Your description is unclear. Swelling and pain in different areas may be caused by different underlying conditions. If you are experiencing swelling and pain primarily in your thumb, index finger, and middle finger, along with numbness, it is often due to carpal tunnel...[Read More] Understanding Swollen and Painful Joints in Fingers and Toes
Understanding Sudden Finger Pain and Numbness: Possible Causes
Today, for some reason... my finger..? During a lecture today, I suddenly felt my right hand starting to ache. Later, the joints of my fingers began to darken and felt almost numb. However, with just a slight movement, my fingers would become noticeably painful. Doctor, could I p...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello: Regarding your symptoms, I would first like to ask if your fingers turn black when the weather gets cold or if the air conditioning is too strong indoors. If so, please recall whether you have experienced color changes in your fingers (such as turning white, purple, or red...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Finger Pain and Numbness: Possible Causes
Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Doctor
Finger joint pain In the past month, I have experienced unexplained pain and stiffness in the second joint of my left middle finger. Over the last two days, I noticed that the first joint of my index finger has also developed similar symptoms. There is no swelling in the joints, ...
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
Typically, swelling, pain, and stiffness in the proximal interphalangeal joints of a woman's hands should raise suspicion for rheumatoid arthritis. A blood test for rheumatoid factor should be conducted. If the pain is localized to a single finger joint, it is often related ...[Read More] Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Doctor
Understanding Ligament Changes in the Cervical Spine: Symptoms and Risks
Cervical ligaments Hello, doctor. My second cervical ligament has become white and thickened, which is noticeably different from the ligaments of my other cervical vertebrae. I have previously injured my cervical spine, and now I often experience headaches, sometimes accompanied ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The ligaments in the cervical spine may thicken and appear white, which could potentially compress the nerves. However, based on your description, it seems that this is not the cause of your symptoms. It would be advisable to see a physician for further examination. While it is u...[Read More] Understanding Ligament Changes in the Cervical Spine: Symptoms and Risks
Understanding Bone Inflammation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Bone inflammation Last year, my girlfriend was involved in a minor car accident and sustained some minor injuries. Initially, we thought it wasn't serious, but later her knee started to feel strange. When she walks slowly, her knee feels unstable and becomes swollen. She vis...
Dr. Sun Ruisheng Reply:
In addition to skeletal injuries following a car accident, knee injuries often involve ligament damage, particularly in Southeast Asia where motorcycle accidents frequently result in posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries. Unlike anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, whi...[Read More] Understanding Bone Inflammation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments