Understanding Bone Growths in Children: Causes and Treatment Options
Bone hyperplasia (osteophyte) The young girl, around 5 years old, discovered several protruding bones near the lower side of her thigh and at the joints close to the front of her hand. At that time, she underwent an X-ray at a major hospital, which indicated a familial hereditary...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong Reply:
Hello: If it is familial, it may be chondromatosis. If it does not affect daily life, conservative treatment can be adopted. However, if it does have an impact, surgical removal and pathological examination are recommended to determine whether it is benign. Sincerely, Dr. Luo Zha...[Read More] Understanding Bone Growths in Children: Causes and Treatment Options
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 Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatments, and Prognosis
Arthritis Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing pain in my fingers and lumbar spine, and I often have trouble sleeping due to joint pain in my fingers, sometimes waking up in pain. When the weather is cooler, I sometimes experience pain in my left shoulder and right knee after f...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello Joy, Diagnosis: 1. Allergic Rhinitis 2. Ankylosing Spondylitis; Inflammatory Spondylopathy: Ankylosing Spondylitis is one type of inflammatory spondylopathy. Medications: 1. Loratadine: Antihistamine for allergic rhinitis, to be taken as needed based on symptoms. 2. Rofec...[Read More] Understanding Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatments, and Prognosis
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
Post-Surgery Care and Nutrition for Complex Leg Fractures
Complex fractures of the leg! My father recently suffered a complex (comminuted) fracture of the tibia and ankle due to a fall at work. He is currently undergoing treatment, and I would like to understand how to provide proper postoperative care and nutritional support for patien...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello, in response to your question about fracture healing, there are several factors to consider: 1. Mechanism of injury: Comminuted, high-energy, periarticular, and open fractures generally have a poorer healing outcome compared to simple fractures. 2. Individual factors: O...[Read More] Post-Surgery Care and Nutrition for Complex Leg Fractures
Can You Increase Bone Density and Size for a Stronger Appearance?
Increase bone density? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you if it's possible to make bones thicker? I feel that my arms are particularly thin compared to others of the same height, which makes me feel very slim and unattractive. After all, having a more muscular arm is of...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Netizen: The thickness of bones is related to factors such as genetic predisposition, nutritional status, exercise habits, bone diseases, neuromuscular disorders, and hormones. At 19 years old, your skeletal development is nearly complete, as the growth plates have mostly ca...[Read More] Can You Increase Bone Density and Size for a Stronger Appearance?
Should You See an Orthopedic Doctor for Meniscus or Ligament Injuries?
Meniscus/Ligament Injury? Dear Doctors, Hello, I would like to know if I should see an orthopedic doctor for a possible meniscus/ligament injury (as described below). I have consulted several doctors; some suggested rheumatoid issues, while others indicated potential damage to t...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Hello! Based on the symptoms you described, it is evident that you have a meniscus injury in your left knee, which has also affected your patellar chondromalacia. It is necessary to perform arthroscopic surgery for diagnosis and treatment, as MRI can only provide an examination. ...[Read More] Should You See an Orthopedic Doctor for Meniscus or Ligament Injuries?
Understanding Back Pain: Bone Spurs, Scoliosis, and Pregnancy Concerns
Lower back pain, bone spurs, scoliosis? Hello, I am 30 years old. I have experienced pain when bending over for over ten years. Recently, I have been feeling soreness in my right hip, knee, and ankle joints, and I am concerned that my back issues may be worsening. I recently had ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, occur due to the formation of excess bone at the edges of bones as a result of aging. If these bone spurs do not compress nerves or irritate surrounding tissues, they typically do not cause any symptoms. Therefore, some elderly individuals m...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain: Bone Spurs, Scoliosis, and Pregnancy Concerns
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
Bone Health Supplements: Benefits, Risks, and Recommendations
Bone health maintenance Dear Dr. Yeh: Before developing osteoporosis, is it advisable to take bone health supplements in advance? What are the consequences of excessive intake? Are there any side effects? What type of supplement is Bonesamin capsules? Are they beneficial? Note: I...
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
Generally, at the age of thirty, a person's bones are at their hardest. After thirty, bone density gradually declines, especially in women after menopause, which accelerates bone loss. Maintaining bone health is quite simple; it requires appropriate weight-bearing exercises ...[Read More] Bone Health Supplements: Benefits, Risks, and Recommendations
Effective Treatments for Knee Joint Effusion: Beyond Aspiration and Medication
Knee joint effusion Hello, Since the end of April, I have experienced swelling and fluid accumulation in both of my knee joints three times. After multiple examinations at Veterans General Hospital and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (including routine blood tests, urinalysis, can...
Dr. Yang Zhengfan Reply:
Dear Pisces, indeed there are some patients who experience knee effusion with no identifiable cause. Generally, we categorize these patients under "inflammation." As for the cause of the inflammation, it could be due to degeneration, autoimmune rheumatic diseases, bacte...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Knee Joint Effusion: Beyond Aspiration and Medication
Post-Surgery Complications: Seeking Help for Joint Issues
Joint surgery I have suffered comminuted fractures of my wrist and ankle joints. One year after surgery to remove the hardware, I found that the bone in my ankle is encasing the screw, which prevents me from fully extending my ankle and has resulted in weakness in my hand. One of...
Dr. Xu Zhaoren Reply:
After a comminuted fracture of the wrist joint, post-traumatic arthritis is often triggered, leading to restricted joint mobility. A thorough examination is necessary to address your concerns, so please consult an orthopedic specialist for an outpatient evaluation.[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications: Seeking Help for Joint Issues
Can New Ceramic Hip Implants Last 40 Years? Exploring the Latest Technology
Can a new artificial hip replacement really last for forty years? On August 28th (Saturday), I heard Dr. Wang discussing a new ceramic material on a radio program that can extend the lifespan of artificial hip joints to forty years. Could you please introduce this new technology ...
Dr. Wang Zikang Reply:
Dear Wang Xing Online User: Due to various reasons, including degenerative arthritis of the femoral neck and avascular necrosis of the femoral head, a total hip arthroplasty may be necessary. The current motion interface of artificial hip joints primarily consists of metal and hi...[Read More] Can New Ceramic Hip Implants Last 40 Years? Exploring the Latest Technology
Symptoms of Hip Implant Loosening: Understanding Instability and Gait Issues
What symptoms may occur if a hip prosthesis becomes loose? The inability to bend the knee is indeed due to severe wear and tear. Now, regarding the issue of walking with a limp and appearing unstable, could this be related to the loosening of a previously replaced artificial hip ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Loosening of artificial joints will definitely present with pain symptoms. Walking with a limp may also be related to insufficient muscle strength, or it could be due to unequal leg lengths. Additionally, a tilted pelvis can also contribute to such phenomena.[Read More] Symptoms of Hip Implant Loosening: Understanding Instability and Gait Issues
Understanding Joint Noises: Causes and Solutions for Common Issues
Joint sounds? I sometimes hear sounds in my hand joints (shoulder and elbow) when bending and straightening. My left knee, which was previously injured (bruised from a fall), makes a grinding noise when I walk or run. I'm not sure if this indicates any problems and if it can...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is normal for joints to make sounds; this may be the sound of tendons sliding over the joint. If it does not cause pain or affect joint function, there is generally no cause for concern.[Read More] Understanding Joint Noises: Causes and Solutions for Common Issues
Can Artificial Knees Squat? Insights for Arthritis Patients
Can a knee prosthesis allow for squatting? Hello Dr. Yang! I am a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, and my knee joint has been severely damaged. My immunologist has recommended that I undergo knee replacement surgery. However, I would like to understand more about the functional...
Dr. Yang Zhengfan Reply:
Dear Sandy, the lifespan of artificial joints is based on statistical data collected from patients over the years. High-flexion artificial joints have only been present in the West for a little over a decade and in the Taiwanese market for just six years, so there is still no def...[Read More] Can Artificial Knees Squat? Insights for Arthritis Patients
Can Artificial Knee Joints Squat? Insights for RA Patients
Can a knee prosthesis allow for squatting? Regarding a 33-year-old patient with rheumatoid arthritis, would a physician recommend or consider it appropriate to replace the knee joint with a prosthetic knee that allows for squatting? It is said that prosthetic knees designed for s...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
There is a type of artificial knee joint that allows for high flexion; however, after undergoing joint replacement surgery, squatting is generally not recommended as it can lead to damage to the artificial joint. In cases of severe rheumatoid arthritis, surgical intervention for ...[Read More] Can Artificial Knee Joints Squat? Insights for RA Patients
Understanding Bruises: Causes and Recovery After a Car Accident Injury
Contusion I was in a car accident on August 6th of this year, where I was hit by a vehicle and fell to my left side. The next day, I experienced pain in my neck and both upper and lower left limbs. On August 9th, I saw a doctor, and at that time, the left side of my body was swol...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is possible that the numbness is due to a nerve or soft tissue injury in the muscles. If there is no improvement after a few days of rest, it is recommended that you see a physician. If the limping persists, it may be necessary to get an X-ray to check for any fractures.[Read More] Understanding Bruises: Causes and Recovery After a Car Accident Injury
Understanding Shoulder and Elbow Pain After an Injury: What to Do Next
Help with shoulder and elbow issues? Dear Dr.: I can speak and read in Chinese. Please reply in Chinese if it’s easier. Here comes my X-ray report: Right shoulder: No fracture or soft tissue calcification is seen. A bone island is noted in the humeral head. The glenohumeral an...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Based on your description, it is likely a soft tissue injury, which could cause pain and weakness in your shoulder and elbow joints. If you are unable to raise your shoulder above ninety degrees, it may indicate a rotator cuff injury. An MRI examination would be necessary to asse...[Read More] Understanding Shoulder and Elbow Pain After an Injury: What to Do Next