Persistent Joint Pain in Fingers and Toes: Causes and Solutions
Pain in the joints of the fingers and toes? Last year, while in mainland China, I experienced a fever accompanied by widespread joint pain that was so severe I couldn't even get out of bed. After two weeks, the fever subsided, but upon returning to Taiwan, I continued to hav...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Online User: There are many causes of systemic joint pain, but based on your description, the likelihood of issues related to rheumatology or infections caused by viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms is the highest. I recommend that you seek further examination and tr...[Read More] Persistent Joint Pain in Fingers and Toes: Causes and Solutions
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 Hallux Valgus: Which Specialist to Consult?
Regarding hallux valgus? Hello, my mother has recently discovered symptoms of hallux valgus, and she would like to know which specialist she should consult to gain a deeper understanding of her condition. (Such as sports injuries, joints, etc.)
Dr. Chu Baijun Reply:
Hello: Regarding the issue of hallux valgus, it is quite common in the field of orthopedics. I believe that any orthopedic specialist should be able to provide your mother with appropriate advice and care. Sincerely, Dr. Chu Bai-jun, Orthopedic Specialist.[Read More] Understanding Hallux Valgus: Which Specialist to Consult?
Do LEDs Affect Patients with Artificial Hip Joints?
Do light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have an impact on artificial joints? I am a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and have undergone hip joint replacement. I have a question for the director: I recently started working at a company that deals with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and am ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Currently, there have been no reports indicating that LED light affects artificial hip joints.[Read More] Do LEDs Affect Patients with Artificial Hip Joints?
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
Understanding Foot Anatomy: A Guide to Metatarsals and Toe Joints
Foot I'm sorry, but I don't quite understand the meaning of the metatarsal bones and the metatarsophalangeal joints. Could you please send me an explanatory diagram? Thank you!
Dr. Su Yiren Reply:
Please find the attached image for your reference! Sincerely, Dr. Su Yi-Jen, Chiayi Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Foot Anatomy: A Guide to Metatarsals and Toe Joints
Understanding Sports Injuries: Managing Chronic Arm and Wrist Pain
Regarding sports injuries? Hello Doctor, I have a few questions I would like to ask: 1. My right arm has been injured since high school and has not healed yet. Back then, I was young and active, playing basketball, baseball, and engaging in arm wrestling. Not long after, I star...
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Hello: Your condition may be due to excessive vigorous exercise without adequate rest. If your situation does not improve, it is recommended that you visit our orthopedic sports medicine specialist, Dr. Zhuang Yongqing, for further examination and treatment. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Sports Injuries: Managing Chronic Arm and Wrist Pain
Effective Care and Treatment for Painful Big Toe Joint Issues
Foot I often experience sharp pain behind the big toe bone, and it also hurts when I walk. I would like to inquire about maintenance methods and treatment options.
Dr. Su Yiren Reply:
Dear Mr. Fang, Are you referring to the metatarsal bones or the metatarsophalangeal joints? Sincerely, Dr. Su Yi-Jen Chiayi Hospital, Department of Health[Read More] Effective Care and Treatment for Painful Big Toe Joint Issues
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
Understanding Growth Plates: Can You Still Grow Taller?
Regarding height increase? I previously went to the hospital to get an X-ray of my growth plates, but every doctor who saw my health insurance card's birth date sent me away, telling me not to waste my money. However, I didn't give up and went to a private lab for an X-...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
1. Once the growth plates have fused, it is difficult to achieve further height increase. 2. If individuals are determined to grow taller, they can try the following methods: performing pull-ups to relax the spinal joints, which may provide a chance of increasing height by abou...[Read More] Understanding Growth Plates: Can You Still Grow Taller?
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 Joint Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Specialist Guidance
Joint redness, swelling, and pain? Hello, my joints often hurt for no reason. Usually, the painful areas become red and warm, mostly affecting my knee joints, as well as my wrists and elbows. Sometimes, the joints in my fingers also hurt, and I experience swelling in my fingers o...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, Rain: I apologize for the delay in my response due to a busy schedule. I appreciate your understanding. The joint pain you described, accompanied by redness, swelling, heat, and tenderness, is indicative of a typical inflammatory response. Whether this is due to general ov...[Read More] Understanding Joint Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Specialist Guidance
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
Understanding Spinal Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Tips
Intervertebral disc inflammation? Recently, I underwent a second MRI at Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital in Hsinchu County, which revealed a mild protrusion of the L4-L5 intervertebral disc, but there was no evidence of nerve compression. I have been experiencing numbnes...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello Xiao Hu, I apologize for the delayed response due to business commitments, and I appreciate your understanding. The intervertebral discs are part of the spinal joints, which is why it is referred to as degenerative spinal arthritis. The treatment for this condition is simi...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Tips
Understanding Ankle Ligament Sprains: Recovery and Pain Management Tips
Ankle ligament sprain Hello Dr. Wang, Two weeks ago, I sustained a ligament injury in my ankle after intense running. Initially, I did not feel any pain, but later I noticed significant discomfort when walking or running. There was no visible swelling. I consulted an orthopedic ...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Dear Shih Yun-Ting, You are experiencing ankle pain after running, but there is no visible swelling. If this is your first occurrence, appropriate physical therapy and medication are necessary. Regarding your question about whether you need to continue taking medication, general...[Read More] Understanding Ankle Ligament Sprains: Recovery and Pain Management Tips
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
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 Habitual Wrist Dislocation: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
I would like to inquire about habitual wrist dislocation? On October 24th of this year, I was involved in a car accident that resulted in a torn ligament in my left wrist and a dislocated bone. I consulted two hospitals, both of which presented me with two options: 1. Fixation wi...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. Wrist joints rarely experience habitual dislocations. However, severe injuries can lead to instability. 2. There is no occurrence of sudden dislocation. 3. If surgery is not performed, immobilization with a cast or splint for about six weeks is also acceptable. 4. After six we...[Read More] Understanding Habitual Wrist Dislocation: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Unexplained Orthopedic Issues: Seeking Solutions for Persistent Pain
Unexplained etiology? Hello, I would like to consult a doctor regarding some issues. 1. I was in a car accident about five years ago, where the first point of impact was my right elbow, and I landed on my right shoulder. I have seen a doctor for this. 2. For the past five yea...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Based on your description, it seems to be an injury caused by exercise, involving damage to the joints or ligaments due to overuse. This condition may not be visible on X-rays, and general orthopedic care may not provide effective treatment. Consider consulting a specialist who f...[Read More] Unexplained Orthopedic Issues: Seeking Solutions for Persistent Pain
Effective Strategies to Prevent Further Degeneration of Aging Spine
What methods should be used to prevent further deterioration of spinal aging? Hello Dr. Chen, I have severe degeneration in my lumbar spine at levels L4 and L5. What methods should I use to protect my spine? What should I eat and what exercises can I do to promote regeneration a...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Readers, The aging of joints is a natural phenomenon, similar to how machines or tires wear out over time. The degree and speed of joint aging are influenced by factors such as age, physical condition, usage patterns, and the presence of injuries, with only the usage patter...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Prevent Further Degeneration of Aging Spine