Persistent Shoulder Pain After Clavicle Fracture Surgery: What to Expect?
It has been almost three months since the surgery for a comminuted fracture of the left clavicle, and I am still experiencing significant pain? Dear Dr. Shi, Hello! I underwent surgery on my left clavicle on September 1, where it was stabilized with a plate and screws. I started...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
After a clavicle fracture surgery, it is important to monitor the degree of bone healing. If the bone has completely healed, there should be no pain, which typically occurs within three to six months. Regarding shoulder mobility, if the bone screws are not impinging on the muscle...[Read More] Persistent Shoulder Pain After Clavicle Fracture Surgery: What to Expect?
Post-Surgery Care Tips for Faster Recovery from Hand Fractures
Postoperative Care and Maintenance Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about caring for a hand fracture after surgery. What can be done to promote faster recovery? Thank you, Doctor.
Dr. Zhang Jiahao Reply:
Hello: "Hand fractures" is a very general diagnosis that encompasses a wide range of conditions. It is difficult to provide detailed advice. In theory, if the physician believes that the healing of the fracture has progressed enough to begin rehabilitation, then it is a...[Read More] Post-Surgery Care Tips for Faster Recovery from Hand Fractures
Understanding Knee Pain and Calf Heat: Possible Causes and Solutions
Knee discomfort and heat in the right calf? Dear Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing warmth in my right calf, with increasing frequency. I am unsure if this could be a sign of venous thrombosis. I previously injured my right knee while hiking, which has led to ongoing disc...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Venous thrombosis often occurs in situations of prolonged immobility, such as sitting for too long on a flight. However, based on your condition, it does not seem to resemble venous thrombosis; instead, you should be aware of issues related to varicose veins and poor blood circul...[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain and Calf Heat: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Knee Injuries: When to Seek Medical Attention
Knee injury Hello Dr. Wang, about two weeks ago, I fell and bruised both of my knees, which were painful. After a week, the bruising has healed, but I still experience knee pain when squatting and cannot squat for long periods. Could this be related to the fall? Should I schedule...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Ms. Wang: Squatting puts significant pressure on the knee joints. If there is any inflammation or issue with the knee, prolonged squatting should be avoided, but walking is generally not a problem. If there are concerns, it is advisable to visit a hospital for further examination...[Read More] Understanding Knee Injuries: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Elbow Noises and Knee Pain: When to Seek Treatment
Elbow crepitus and knee pain? Hello, doctor. I apologize for asking two questions at once. First, my right elbow has been making a popping sound when I do push-ups recently, but there is no pain associated with it. This occurs even with a small number of repetitions (around ten),...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello, Zhang: It is normal for joints to make sounds during activity; this is caused by the friction between cartilage and tendons or ligaments. If there is no pain, there is no need for concern or treatment. Some people have a habit of creating friction sounds in their finger jo...[Read More] Understanding Elbow Noises and Knee Pain: When to Seek Treatment
Understanding Shoulder and Elbow Noises During Push-Ups
Shoulder and elbow crepitus? Doctor: I apologize for the previous question regarding the elbow; I should have included the shoulder. When doing push-ups, both my right shoulder and right elbow make a popping sound, but there is no pain. I'm a bit concerned, so I would like t...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello, Zhang: It is normal for joints to make sounds during activity; this is caused by the friction between cartilage and tendons or ligaments. If there is no pain, there is no need for concern or treatment. Some individuals have a habit of creating friction sounds in their fing...[Read More] Understanding Shoulder and Elbow Noises During Push-Ups
Preventing Osteomyelitis: Key Insights for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Prevention of Osteomyelitis Hello, Doctor! I am a 42-year-old patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Since the onset of my condition, my inflammatory markers (ESR) have consistently been above 9, which is quite high. As a result, I have undergone total knee and hip replacements. Unfo...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The transmission route is usually through the bloodstream and is related to immunosuppressive medications. There is a possibility of recurrence. If there are implants or artificial joints in the body, antibiotics may be less effective in reaching the site. Prevention involves mai...[Read More] Preventing Osteomyelitis: Key Insights for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Does Using a Stationary Bike Accelerate Wear on Artificial Joints?
Joint replacement with artificial prosthesis? If a physician has replaced a joint with a prosthetic joint, does frequently using a stationary exercise bike accelerate wear on the artificial joint and shorten its lifespan? Are there any special precautions to take while using it? ...
Dr. Zhang Jiahao Reply:
Hello: After knee joint replacement surgery, it is important to maintain moderate exercise, and using a stationary bike is acceptable. Remember to adjust the seat height properly to avoid excessive bending of the knee joint. Additionally, do not set the bike resistance too high t...[Read More] Does Using a Stationary Bike Accelerate Wear on Artificial Joints?
Managing Left Shoulder, Neck, and Arm Pain: Treatment and Exercises
Left shoulder, neck, and arm issues? 1. Several months ago, I experienced soreness and numbness in my left hand, making it difficult to lift heavy objects. After an X-ray examination by a physician, I was informed that I have cervical spine deformity. After taking medication for ...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, based on your description, your symptoms indicate cervical spondylosis with nerve compression. The standard treatment is to start with medication; if the response is inadequate, physical therapy can be added (which typically includes cervical ...[Read More] Managing Left Shoulder, Neck, and Arm Pain: Treatment and Exercises
Understanding Titanium Alloy in Artificial Hip Joints: Metal Type and Pregnancy Impact
Materials for artificial hip joints? Is titanium alloy used in artificial hip joints classified as a metal, or what type of material is it? Additionally, does it have any effects on pregnancy? Thank you!
Dr. Luo Zhongwei Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen: Titanium alloy is a type of metal that provides greater flexibility and does not affect pregnancy.[Read More] Understanding Titanium Alloy in Artificial Hip Joints: Metal Type and Pregnancy Impact
Can Hip Joint Necrosis Be Treated Without Surgery?
Avascular necrosis of the hip joint? Hello, I would like to ask: I currently have avascular necrosis in both of my hip joints. The left side is probably in stages 3 or 4, while the right side has just begun. Is it true that I can avoid surgery? Will extracorporeal shock wave ther...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Ms. Chen: The majority of cases of avascular necrosis of the femoral head have unknown causes. Risk factors include alcohol consumption, medications such as corticosteroids, certain occupations, as well as diseases and sequelae from trauma. If the bone has already necrosed and is...[Read More] Can Hip Joint Necrosis Be Treated Without Surgery?
Understanding the Differences Between Knee Implant Materials: A Patient's Guide
Total Knee Replacement Hello, my mother recently underwent a total knee arthroplasty, and the surgery was very successful. Her rehabilitation is also progressing well. The only issue is that she initially requested a self-pay knee implant, but due to an oversight by the hospital,...
Dr. Zhang Jiahao Reply:
Hello: The lifespan of artificial joints is primarily related to the patient's post-operative usage. Even with the use of so-called ultra-durable liners, engaging in heavy work can still lead to damage (including osteolysis). There are many cases where health insurance-cover...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Knee Implant Materials: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Diagnosis Explained
Ankylosing spondylitis Hello Dr. Wang: Previously, I felt something unusual in my right foot, and after seeing a traditional Chinese medicine doctor (later a Western doctor diagnosed it as flat feet), the doctor suggested I check for ankylosing spondylitis. I would like to ask, w...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms typically include recurrent back pain, a family history, and a higher prevalence in males, as it is an autoimmune disease. X-rays may show inflammation of the sacroiliac joints and spinal joints. A blood test for HLA-B27 may be positive. Diagnosis ...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Diagnosis Explained
Understanding Knee Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Knee pain Hello, Doctor. A year ago, due to work requirements, I had to stand up and squat continuously, increasing from 3 hours a day to 9 hours a day. After a week of this, I woke up one day to find my left leg numb. I could walk, but when sitting in a chair, I couldn't li...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Rheumatoid arthritis typically occurs symmetrically on both sides of the body and is characterized by redness, swelling, warmth, and pain. It can also affect other joints. Based on your description, it seems more like an overuse injury. I recommend that you consult an orthopedic ...[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Understanding Knee Health Supplements: Do They Really Work?
Commercial products for knee health? Hello, Dr. Lee: I previously injured my left knee while playing table tennis (I often put a lot of force on the ground several times, and after playing, I felt some pain). However, after resting for a while, the symptoms would usually subside...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, it is indeed important to take care of your knee joints, and intense exercise may not be suitable. Regarding your symptoms, it would be best to have a thorough evaluation by an orthopedic physician. Glucosamine supplements (such as glucosamine...[Read More] Understanding Knee Health Supplements: Do They Really Work?
Understanding Hip Joint Surgery: Insurance Coverage vs. Out-of-Pocket Costs
Hip joint surgery Is it true that the hip joint surgery covered by health insurance can only be used for 10 years? Is it really necessary for the out-of-pocket option to cost over 70,000 NTD (for one side)? For a 53-year-old middle-aged man considering this surgery, would you rec...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The artificial hip joint materials covered by health insurance consist of a metal and polymer interface. The polymer has a certain wear rate, which results in gradual wear each year. Younger patients or those with higher activity levels tend to experience a greater wear rate. Gen...[Read More] Understanding Hip Joint Surgery: Insurance Coverage vs. Out-of-Pocket Costs
Why Does My Pelvis Crack During Sit-Ups? Understanding the Cause
When performing sit-ups, the bones may produce a cracking sound? Hello Dr. Lee, sometimes when I do sit-ups, I hear a cracking sound in my pelvis. What could be the cause of this? Will continuing to do this exercise cause any harm to my bones? Thank you.
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello, in response to your question, the cracking sound is usually caused by the friction of ligaments or cartilage in the joints and does not cause any damage to the bones. If you still have concerns, I recommend consulting an orthopedic physician nearby, as they will surely be ...[Read More] Why Does My Pelvis Crack During Sit-Ups? Understanding the Cause
Link Between Sleep Deprivation and Joint Pain: What You Need to Know
The relationship between sleep deprivation and joint pain? Hello Doctor: Since my teenage years, whenever I get less than 8 hours of sleep for several consecutive days (three to four days), I experience pain in my ankle and knee joints, which can even become red and swollen, affe...
Dr. Zhang Jiahao Reply:
Hello: Chronic sleep deprivation does not typically cause joint redness and pain. Based on your description, it seems to be related to an immune response in your body. I recommend visiting a rheumatology and immunology specialist for further examination to determine the underlyin...[Read More] Link Between Sleep Deprivation and Joint Pain: What You Need to Know
Chronic Lower Back Pain: Seeking Answers Beyond X-rays and Medications
Low back pain I have been suffering from lower back pain for over a year. I have visited nearly ten hospitals (both large and small, traditional and Western medicine). After X-rays, doctors have said there are no significant issues. Blood tests also indicated no signs of inflamma...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is possible that no clear cause can be identified. Your symptoms resemble myofascial pain syndrome, which is an inflammation of the muscle fascia. Typically, X-rays do not reveal any issues, but the pain is related to muscle activity and can radiate from the neck down to the l...[Read More] Chronic Lower Back Pain: Seeking Answers Beyond X-rays and Medications
Understanding Downward Instability in Shoulder Joints: Key Measurement Points
Assessment of Inferior Shoulder Instability Hello, doctor. I recently underwent a shoulder joint inferior instability X-ray stress test at a hospital, and the report indicated an inferior dislocation of 8mm on the right shoulder. However, upon visual inspection of the X-ray, it a...
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following advice: After taking X-rays of both shoulders while lifting heavy objects, a comparison of the heights of the scapulae on both sides can be made. Wishing you peace and happi...[Read More] Understanding Downward Instability in Shoulder Joints: Key Measurement Points