Could Kidney Health Affect My Grandma's Severe Back Pain?
Could these symptoms be related to kidney storage? Doctor: Hello, I would like to ask about my grandmother. Recently, she has been experiencing frequent lower back pain. She went to the hospital, and the doctor diagnosed her with osteoporosis and myofascial pain syndrome. Althoug...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Xiao Wan: Generally, back pain caused by kidney issues is commonly due to stones, infections, or tumors. However, considering your grandmother's age, it is quite common to have osteoporosis combined with degenerative arthritis of the spine, which may even lead to compression...[Read More] Could Kidney Health Affect My Grandma's Severe Back Pain?
Can Umbilical Cord Blood Treat Joint Damage from Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatic diseases and arthritis? Is it possible to use umbilical cord blood to treat damaged joints in rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis?
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello: So far, there is no formal medical use of umbilical cord blood for the treatment of arthritis. It is recommended to follow the physician's instructions for treatment. Lin Hsiao-Yi, Department of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital.[Read More] Can Umbilical Cord Blood Treat Joint Damage from Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Choosing the Right Hip Implant Material: Ceramic vs. Metal for Young Patients
Materials for artificial hip joints? Dear Dr. Shih, I am the patient who asked you a question on March 2nd. I had a right hip arthroplasty with a ceramic prosthesis last June and am about to undergo surgery for a left hip arthroplasty. I would like to know which is more suitable...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The purpose of both is to reduce wear, and currently, the follow-up duration is not as long as that of traditional artificial joints, making comparisons difficult. However, both theoretical and experimental evidence demonstrate that their wear is indeed less. Both are suitable fo...[Read More] Choosing the Right Hip Implant Material: Ceramic vs. Metal for Young Patients
Choosing the Right Surgeon for Hip Replacement: Key Considerations
Artificial hip joint Dear Dr. Shi, I am the patient who consulted you last year on August 1st. I underwent surgery to have an artificial hip joint implanted due to avascular necrosis of my right hip joint in early June of last year. Later, at the end of June, I discovered that m...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
There is generally no particular issue with consulting different physicians, as long as the doctors are meticulous in ensuring that the legs are as equal in length as possible. The materials for artificial joints are available at various hospitals, but it is still important to co...[Read More] Choosing the Right Surgeon for Hip Replacement: Key Considerations
Uneven Shoulder Height: Signs of Scoliosis and Treatment Options
Uneven shoulder height? The left shoulder is slightly higher than the right; does this indicate scoliosis? What tests are needed to confirm scoliosis? What treatments should be pursued afterward? Will these treatments require out-of-pocket expenses? Can scoliosis cause lower back...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Xiao Guang: The difference in height on both sides of your shoulders is indeed a common manifestation of scoliosis. Generally, an X-ray can reveal this condition, and treatment options range from observation to surgery, depending on the severity. Since you are in your twenties an...[Read More] Uneven Shoulder Height: Signs of Scoliosis and Treatment Options
Understanding Distal Radius Fractures: Recovery and Rehabilitation Tips
Radial fracture Hello Doctor: I sustained a dislocation of my right hand palm and a closed distal radius fracture due to a car accident on January 2nd. I underwent surgery on the same day for reduction and had a cast and two external fixation pins placed. Four weeks later, the ca...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Bone healing takes approximately six weeks, after which the joints can move freely. It is advisable to undergo rehabilitation, allowing for movement in various directions. However, one should avoid using excessive force when bending. If riding a motorcycle, it is sufficient for t...[Read More] Understanding Distal Radius Fractures: Recovery and Rehabilitation Tips
Understanding Benign Bone Tumors in Children: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Bone tumors in children My child is 9 years old and accidentally bumped their right upper arm against the edge of the bed, resulting in a fracture in the upper arm bone. An X-ray examination revealed that there is a benign tumor in that area of the bone, which is why a minor impa...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello, in response to your questions: 1. The first step in diagnosing bone tumors is through X-rays, as orthopedic specialists are trained to interpret X-ray images for bone tumors. Most benign bone tumors can be assessed using X-rays. If there is any suspicion, further imaging...[Read More] Understanding Benign Bone Tumors in Children: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Understanding Joint Sounds in Infants: When to Worry?
Joint issues? Hello doctor... My child is now five months old. Recently, I've noticed that when I hold him, I can hear sounds coming from his joints. Also, when I lift his legs up and down, there are sounds as well. It sounds a bit strange. Although there are sounds from the...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
If there are sounds in the joints but no discomfort, it is usually not a major concern. However, if you are worried, it is advisable to take the child to a pediatric orthopedic specialist for a thorough examination. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Joint Sounds in Infants: When to Worry?
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
Is My Daughter at Risk for Congenital Hip Dislocation?
Is my daughter suffering from congenital hip dislocation? Hello Doctor: First of all, thank you for your response! My daughter is three months and six days old. We just discovered that her left foot is slightly more than one centimeter shorter than her right foot, but both feet h...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, first-born girls and children born in the breech position are more likely to develop developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), with an incidence rate of about 2%. This is a relatively common orthopedic condition that may not be easily identifi...[Read More] Is My Daughter at Risk for Congenital Hip Dislocation?
Understanding Persistent Joint Pain in Adolescents: Causes and Solutions
Persistent joint pain Hello, doctor. I am currently a high school sophomore, and I have been experiencing joint pain frequently since last year (during my freshman year). Sometimes, while walking, I suddenly feel sharp pain (sudden weakness), but after a short while, I can walk a...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It seems that many joints are experiencing pain, which is more indicative of conditions related to rheumatoid arthritis or myofascial pain syndrome. I recommend that you consult a rheumatologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Joint Pain in Adolescents: Causes and Solutions
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Overcoming Pain and Finding Relief
Ankylosing Spondylitis I have ankylosing spondylitis due to excessive and inappropriate exercise, which has caused some degree of spinal scoliosis. Previously, I experienced severe hip pain and swelling in my left forefoot, but after treatment from a chiropractor, the hip pain ha...
Dr. Chu Baijun Reply:
Hello, Sausage Brother: Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease that often triggers inflammatory responses in certain joints and does not necessarily require external injury. In severe cases, appropriate medication should be used in a timely and moderate manner for proper...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Overcoming Pain and Finding Relief
Understanding Wrist Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Self-Care Tips
Wrist pain? Hello, Dr. Wang: I would like to ask about my wrist joint, which sometimes feels achy; during severe episodes, even my elbow or shoulder joints are affected. These symptoms often occur after lifting heavy objects or with frequent hand activities. However, I feel more ...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
If your work frequently requires lifting heavy objects or involves excessive upper limb activity, it may lead to soreness. Regular application of heat, protective measures (such as wearing braces), and muscle training can help alleviate your discomfort. If symptoms persist, it is...[Read More] Understanding Wrist Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Self-Care Tips
Misdiagnosed Joint Issues: A Patient's Journey Through Multiple Surgeries
It took three surgeries to finally identify the issue with the spine? Hello Doctor, I had surgery for HIVD in December 2005, and my recovery was good. However, prior to radiation therapy, my wound may have come into contact with water, and I experienced unexplained fevers three...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
After total hip arthroplasty, patients typically need to rely on a cane for about three to six months. Using a walker allows for some weight-bearing, but it is advisable to discontinue the walker only after three to six months when there is no pain. Muscles that are not used for ...[Read More] Misdiagnosed Joint Issues: A Patient's Journey Through Multiple Surgeries
Understanding the Costs of Artificial Knee Implants: A Guide for Patients
Cost of artificial knee joint? Hello, doctor: My grandmother needs to undergo knee replacement surgery and meets the criteria for insurance coverage. I would like to ask the doctor if there are better materials for artificial knee joints. The doctor mentioned that ultra-high mole...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
I am unsure if the price is reasonable. However, if it truly lasts as they claim, it would be worth it. As I mentioned before, the success of total knee arthroplasty is highly dependent on the surgeon's experience and skill. Currently, the materials covered by health insuran...[Read More] Understanding the Costs of Artificial Knee Implants: A Guide for Patients
Managing Right Calf Muscle Pain in Seniors: Tips and Solutions
Soreness in the right calf muscle? My mother is 78 years old and has been experiencing muscle soreness in her entire right calf (both the front and back) recently. Massaging it helps a bit, and she does not feel pain while sitting, but the soreness occurs when she stands. What sh...
Dr. Lin Yijun Reply:
Hello: There are many reasons that can cause calf muscle soreness, including overuse of the muscles themselves, inflammation of the muscles or joints, pain caused by compression of the sciatic nerve or lumbar nerve roots, electrolyte imbalances, poor blood circulation, and more. ...[Read More] Managing Right Calf Muscle Pain in Seniors: Tips and Solutions
Understanding Knee Replacement: Materials, Costs, and Care for Seniors
About artificial knee joints? My 71-year-old grandmother recently visited an orthopedic doctor, who informed her that she needs a knee replacement. I learned that there are different materials for artificial joints, and I would like to ask the doctor: Are there distinctions in in...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The materials used for artificial knee joints are generally similar; what matters more is the quality of the surgical technique. Typically, these procedures are covered by health insurance, although some hospitals may claim that certain materials are superior and charge extra for...[Read More] Understanding Knee Replacement: Materials, Costs, and Care for Seniors
Understanding Hip Dislocation in Infants: Care and Treatment Tips
Pediatric hip dislocation Hello, my child is currently 2.5 months old and has been diagnosed with hip dislocation. We have just started using a harness for correction. I have a few questions: 1. Are there any specific recommendations for holding the baby while they are in the h...
Dr. Chen Houquan Reply:
Jessica first sends her greetings to you and your family. I believe you are a great and admirable mother. When children wear a harness, it is important to maintain the position after putting it on to ensure that the hip joints are in the correct alignment. In fact, wearing a harn...[Read More] Understanding Hip Dislocation in Infants: Care and Treatment Tips
Understanding Wrist Tendonitis and Its Impact on Finger Swelling
Doctor, please help me? Dear Dr. Lin, I have been experiencing pain in both of my wrists for a month now. I previously went to a traditional Chinese medicine clinic for massage, but the results were not very effective. The pain is particularly severe when I fasten my bra, and re...
Dr. Lin Yijun Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms you described, it is reasonable to suspect rheumatoid arthritis. If it can be confirmed that it is not rheumatoid arthritis or another inflammatory arthritis, it is usually due to overuse leading to tendonitis, which simplifies the situation. As for c...[Read More] Understanding Wrist Tendonitis and Its Impact on Finger Swelling
Post-Fracture Rehabilitation: Key Questions for a Smooth Recovery
Rehabilitation after fracture healing? Hello Dr. Lee: I am the one who asked a question on May 17th. Thank you for your blessings. Yesterday (which was seven months and twenty days after my fracture), I went for a follow-up appointment, and the doctor said that the fracture has h...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions, please have confidence in yourself, especially since your attending physician has reviewed your imaging and provided appropriate instructions. Question 1: Please use your crutches without fear. Question 2: Normal individuals do not re-fra...[Read More] Post-Fracture Rehabilitation: Key Questions for a Smooth Recovery