Understanding Nail Changes: What Your Symptoms Might Indicate
Nail changes are beginning to occur? I would like to ask the doctor, I recently went to the hospital for knee pain, and the doctor said I have gout. However, I indirectly discovered that the big toes on both of my feet have turned black from the base (the white part), and there a...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
First, let's talk about gout. Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body, which cannot be excreted in a timely manner and accumulates in the peripheral joints. About 70% of the affected sites are in the lower limbs, typically in the metatarsophalangeal joint of the...[Read More] Understanding Nail Changes: What Your Symptoms Might Indicate
Understanding Sudden Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Arthritis Around mid-April, I woke up one morning and started to notice that I couldn't open my mouth very well. The joint near my temple was painful. Later, I also experienced pain in the soles of my feet when I got out of bed in the morning, but it would improve after an h...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello: The diagnosis your physician provided is likely Palindromic Rheumatism. This condition is a type of arthritis that does not cause joint deformity. However, your symptoms should still be monitored for the potential progression to Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is important to con...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Understanding Gout Crystals: Diagnosis and Management Tips
Gout crystals I have been dealing with gout for several years, experiencing about 5-6 episodes per year with uric acid levels around 10. Will I have gout crystals in my joints? How should I ask my doctor to check this? Do I need to have an attack for it to be detectable?
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello: In clinical practice, the definitive diagnosis of gout requires the extraction of synovial fluid from the joint cavity using a needle for microscopic examination to identify the presence of urate crystals or to observe tophi. The ability to extract urate crystals during go...[Read More] Understanding Gout Crystals: Diagnosis and Management Tips
Understanding Spinal Imaging: Concerns About Scoliosis and Inflammation
Skeletal imaging I previously underwent a bone scan, and I was referred to the rheumatology department. The results showed that my spine appears as follows... <=== The first vertebra is slightly misaligned)______)______)___)___ p.s. This is a side view (of course, it’s not as ...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
In your letter, you mentioned three diseases: 1. Scoliosis 2. Ankylosing Spondylitis 3. Rheumatoid Arthritis. Since you did not provide information about your age, symptoms, etc., it is difficult to determine which disease you may have. Therefore, here is an overview of these thr...[Read More] Understanding Spinal Imaging: Concerns About Scoliosis and Inflammation
Understanding Chronic Joint Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Joint pain Hello: My joints have been aching since childhood; I remember being in so much pain that I cried and couldn't walk. Now, I've noticed that sometimes with changes in the weather, the pain can be so severe that I can't sleep (this pain has persisted from c...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Knee pain in children can sometimes be attributed to growth-related issues, where the bones grow faster than the tendons or ligaments, leading to discomfort around the knee. This condition is known as growing pains, and typically, no specific problems are found upon examination, ...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Joint Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Why Do My Elbows Hurt After Push-Ups? Understanding Joint Pain
Unable to perform more than 10 push-ups due to pain in the wrist joint? I am unable to perform more than 10 push-ups due to pain in my wrist joints. When I press on the bony areas of the joints, there is a slight pain sensation. Can you tell me why this is happening? Two to three...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello: If this situation occurs only after doing push-ups, it may simply be an exercise-related injury. It is advisable to reduce your workout intensity or even completely stop doing push-ups for now. Please note that before performing push-ups, in addition to stretching your wri...[Read More] Why Do My Elbows Hurt After Push-Ups? Understanding Joint Pain
Understanding Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: Concerns and Treatment Options
Please ask again? Dear Dr. Lin, Thank you for your detailed response last time. During my follow-up appointment on May 17, my rheumatoid factor was 196, and my inflammatory index was 3.67 (from blood tests taken on May 4). There was no redness or swelling in my joints, but I exp...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello: Although the symptoms you described do not include swollen, red, hot, and painful joints, it is impossible to confirm the presence of arthritis without a direct physical examination. Additionally, while the lab results do show abnormalities, they cannot definitively diagno...[Read More] Understanding Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: Concerns and Treatment Options
Understanding the Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Insights
Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor: I underwent an HLA-B27 test during college due to acute iritis. At that time, the orthopedic doctor directly told me that I had spondyloarthritis. Initially, I didn't fully understand it and simply accepted what the doctor sa...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello: At that time, you were suspected of having iritis associated with the HLA-B27 gene, as HLA-B27 positivity is related to iritis. Therefore, your physician requested further testing. The orthopedic doctor may have diagnosed you with spondyloarthritis based on the positive HL...[Read More] Understanding the Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Insights
Understanding Persistent Wrist Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Wrist joint pain Hello, doctor. My situation is a bit complicated, and I am quite scared, so I hope you can provide me with some professional insights. Thank you in advance. For the past three years, I have been experiencing pain in my right wrist joint, especially before going...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello Wei: Your description is not very clear, but it seems more like a neurological issue. It is possible that there is nerve compression in the neck or hand. If you have limited range of motion in your joints or joint swelling, it is more likely to be related to arthritis or an...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Wrist Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Postpartum Joint Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options
Joint pain Hello Dr. Yeh, I recently gave birth three months ago. I breastfed for the first two months, and since giving birth, I have frequently experienced wrist pain. This past month, I've also been experiencing knee pain (it feels like cramps when I bend and then straigh...
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
After childbirth, frequently holding the baby can lead to wrist pain and thumb movement pain, which is caused by tendonitis. It is recommended to rest more, hold the baby less, and take pain relievers. If there is no improvement, local injections are advised.[Read More] Postpartum Joint Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Joint Replacement Surgery: Success Rates and Longevity
Inquire about surgical-related questions? If the joint replacement surgery is successful, it typically needs to be replaced approximately every 15 to 20 years. The success rate of the surgery is generally high, often reported to be around 90-95%. However, potential complications ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The success rate of joint replacement surgery is very high, generally exceeding 95%. However, the longevity of the artificial joint depends on factors such as the method of use, the patient's age, activity level, and the specific joint involved. Typically, the best outcomes ...[Read More] Understanding Joint Replacement Surgery: Success Rates and Longevity
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 Coccyx and Pelvic Issues: A Guide to Sciatica Relief
Coccygeal and pelvic issues? Hello Doctor: I have been suffering from symptoms similar to sciatica, often experiencing soreness that extends from my buttocks down through my entire leg to my ankle. Additionally, the joints in my feet (ankles, knees, and hip joints) also feel sore...
Dr. Yang Zhengfan Reply:
Dear Candace, I have read your description three times and I’m sorry, but I still cannot understand the issue you are describing. Is it pelvic instability? Are the ligaments too lax? Based on your symptom description, I can't even determine if it is sciatica, let alone these...[Read More] Understanding Coccyx and Pelvic Issues: A Guide to Sciatica Relief
Understanding Joint Clicking Sounds in Young Children: Is It Normal?
Joints may make a cracking or popping sound! My child just turned three years old, she is a girl. Her height is 97 cm and her weight is 17 kg. About four to five months ago, I noticed that her joints make a cracking sound, and it is very obvious to see the significant movement of...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, I suggest you find a nearby orthopedic physician for an examination. I believe your concerns will be best addressed there. Wishing you a pleasant day![Read More] Understanding Joint Clicking Sounds in Young Children: Is It Normal?
Understanding the Costs and Insurance Coverage for Knee Replacement Surgery
Regarding joint replacement surgery? Hello. Could you please tell me what the current cost of knee replacement surgery is? Is it categorized based on the patient's condition? Additionally, is there health insurance coverage for this procedure? What are the relevant requireme...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Currently, artificial joints are covered by health insurance, and patients only need to pay a portion of the cost, typically around one-tenth, which is approximately over ten thousand NT dollars. As long as the physician deems there are indications for surgery, an application can...[Read More] Understanding the Costs and Insurance Coverage for Knee Replacement Surgery
Understanding Sacral Pain: Treatment Options for Sciatica Symptoms
The sacrococcygeal region of the spine has several segments with varying angles and pelvic tilt? Hello Doctor: I have been struggling with symptoms similar to sciatica, experiencing frequent pain that radiates from my buttocks down through my entire leg to my ankle. Additionally,...
Dr. Wang Zikang Reply:
Dear Xiaohui, Based on your description of symptoms, your issues seem to involve two parts: 1. Compression of the lumbosacral nerves leading to lower limb pain, and 2. Abnormal stability of the lumbosacral region and pelvis causing lower back pain. Since a precise diagnosis requ...[Read More] Understanding Sacral Pain: Treatment Options for Sciatica Symptoms
Understanding Foot Pain and Deformed Toes: Causes and Solutions
Foot Hello, doctor. I don't know why my feet hurt after walking for a long time, and it's strange that the joints in my toes are bending and taking on a "Q" shape. Please advise. Thank you.
Dr. Chen Weiming Reply:
Please refer to the answer for the other question regarding "toes."[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain and Deformed Toes: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Deformed Toe Joints: Causes and Solutions for Pain Relief
Toe Hello, doctor. Could you please tell me why the joints in my toes have become deformed, resembling the shape of a "Q"? It becomes very uncomfortable after running for a long time. Thank you for your response.
Dr. Chen Weiming Reply:
Hello, if your toes have become shaped like a "ㄑ", it is likely due to a condition known as Hallux Valgus (bunion). This is often caused by wearing pointed shoes. Please make sure to switch to wide-toed shoes, and consider consulting an orthopedic specialist to avoid th...[Read More] Understanding Deformed Toe Joints: Causes and Solutions for Pain Relief
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Diagnosis and Waiting Times
Ankylosing Spondylitis I would like to ask, because my friend previously had this examination at Taipei Hospital, and the hospital said that the testing needs to be outsourced, but we still haven't received the results. I would like to know approximately how long it will tak...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Maruko, Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is an autoimmune disease primarily affecting the joints and surrounding tissues, particularly the spinal joints. It commonly occurs in patients aged 20 to 40 years. Patients often experience lower back pain, spinal stiffness, and limited ...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Diagnosis and Waiting Times
Understanding Intermittent Pain in Multiple Body Areas: Possible Causes
Intermittent pain in various body parts? Hello, Doctor. Over the past week, I have been experiencing increasing pain throughout my body without a specific location. Initially, it felt like each segment of my spine was stuck together, and I had a sense of fatigue in my back. When ...
Dr. Zhou Hongzhi Reply:
At just 25 years old, experiencing so many ailments is concerning. You should be cautious and consider further examinations, such as tests for rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. You can go to the hospital for blood tests.[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Pain in Multiple Body Areas: Possible Causes