Effective Treatments for Thumb and Wrist Pain in Seniors
Hand pain Hello, Dr. Hsieh. I would like to ask about my grandmother, who is 72 years old. She experiences pain and weakness in her left thumb and wrist, particularly in the web space, during movement, making it difficult for her to hold a bowl. She had an injury in her youth and...
Dr. Xie Tianjie Reply:
Lesions caused by old injuries to the hand and wrist joints may include disorders of the joints and ligaments. A detailed X-ray examination at an orthopedic outpatient clinic is necessary. For patients who are not suitable for analgesics, the use of splints and rehabilitation the...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Thumb and Wrist Pain in Seniors
What is Bone Cement? Composition, Effectiveness, and Use in Osteogenesis Imperfecta
What is bone cement? What are the components of so-called bone cement? How effective is it? Is it suitable for patients with osteogenesis imperfecta?
Dr. Lin Junliang Reply:
Bone cement is a chemically synthesized filler that is non-adhesive and does not promote bone growth. Currently, it is more commonly used in orthopedic applications related to artificial joints. Patients with osteogenesis imperfecta rarely receive treatment with bone cement. It m...[Read More] What is Bone Cement? Composition, Effectiveness, and Use in Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Understanding Joint Sounds and Pain: Solutions for Knee Issues
Joints can speak! Hello, Dr. Lin! I am 23 years old, and my joints, especially my left patella, make popping sounds during movement and are prone to soreness. I often feel like my knee joint gets stuck when going up stairs! Additionally, my limbs easily become numb, and I cannot ...
Dr. Lin Junliang Reply:
A young woman with knee pain is diagnosed with patellar chondromalacia and should visit an orthopedic outpatient clinic for further evaluation. As for the numbness in her limbs, she can consult a neurology outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Joint Sounds and Pain: Solutions for Knee Issues
Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Causes and Connections to Other Joints
Finger joint pain In the past year, I have frequently experienced swelling and pain in my left middle finger, to the point where I sometimes cannot remove my ring. Additionally, I occasionally have similar issues with my heels, toes, and knees. I have had my uric acid levels test...
Dr. Xie Tianjie Reply:
The symptoms of pain and swelling in the joints of the fingers and toes mentioned by the online user are common in patients with gout. A normal serum uric acid level does not definitively rule out gout, as uric acid levels in the blood can rapidly metabolize and return to normal ...[Read More] Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Causes and Connections to Other Joints
Understanding Foot and Joint Pain: Possible Causes and Connections
Toe pain Hello, doctor. For the past six months, I've been experiencing pain in my toes at times, swelling and pain in my finger joints at other times, knee pain occasionally, and heel pain as well. I had my uric acid levels checked, and they are not high. I'm unsure if...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
There are many causes of joint pain, including arthritis, rheumatic conditions, or myofascial pain syndrome. Distinguishing between these diseases requires a physician's personal diagnosis and examination, so it is necessary for you to visit a hospital to identify the cause....[Read More] Understanding Foot and Joint Pain: Possible Causes and Connections
Understanding Joint Pain and Popping Sounds in Young Adults
Limb joints Hello Dr. Lin! I am 23 years old, and my joints, especially my left patella, make popping sounds during movement, and they easily become sore. When going up stairs, I often feel like my knee joint is getting stuck! Additionally, my limbs easily become numb. I cannot s...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The sounds you hear when moving your joints may be due to ligaments sliding over each other. If you experience soreness or your joints feel like they are locking, it could indicate an underlying issue within the joint. Therefore, it is advisable to see a doctor to determine the c...[Read More] Understanding Joint Pain and Popping Sounds in Young Adults
Postpartum Joint Pain: Effective Treatments and Acupuncture Options
Joint pain It has been five months since delivery, and I still experience pain in my elbows, knees, and lumbar region, especially when leaning forward while sitting or lying on the table. The area from my lumbar spine to my coccyx feels very tight. What treatment options should I...
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
Multiple joint and lower back pain may suggest rheumatoid arthritis, but the stiffness and pain predominantly in the proximal interphalangeal joints of the hands could be attributed to overexertion after childbirth. Frequent carrying of the baby may lead to tendonitis; if this is...[Read More] Postpartum Joint Pain: Effective Treatments and Acupuncture Options
Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Healing, Aesthetics, and Long-Term Effects
Clavicle fracture Dear Dr. Shi, On April 4th, I fractured my clavicle after hitting a guardrail while riding my bike, specifically in the distal third. After examination, the doctor advised me to wear a figure-eight brace and that it would heal naturally, allowing me to continue...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Clavicle fractures can generally be treated non-surgically; however, this method often results in a prominent or slightly deformed healing, and sometimes a slight shortening of the bone. There are several situations that necessitate surgical intervention, such as open fractures, ...[Read More] Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Healing, Aesthetics, and Long-Term Effects
Breakthrough in Longevity of Artificial Knee Joints: Insights from Taiwan
Breakthroughs in the Longevity of Artificial Knee Joints On March 23, 90, the Liberty Times reported on an interview with Mr. Wang Guozhao, the president of Kaohsiung Medical University, mentioning that the lifespan of new artificial joints can reach 20 to 30 years. Are there hos...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The longevity of artificial joints, potentially lasting up to twenty years, depends not only on the quality of the materials but also on factors such as surgical technique, the patient's arthritis condition, overall health, and the presence of other diseases. Current artific...[Read More] Breakthrough in Longevity of Artificial Knee Joints: Insights from Taiwan
Understanding Ankle Fractures: Causes of Pain and Rehabilitation Tips
Ankle fracture Dear Dr. Shi, I sustained a fracture of the medial malleolus and a comminuted fracture of the distal fibula in a car accident on December 15, 2000. Three days later, I underwent surgery to implant six bone screws for stabilization. On March 14 of this year, follow...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The treatment for an ankle fracture typically involves surgery to realign the bones and joints, allowing for early mobilization. Post-surgery, it is common to require a cast for stabilization, which may be necessary due to prolonged inactivity of the joint or tendons. After the c...[Read More] Understanding Ankle Fractures: Causes of Pain and Rehabilitation Tips
Understanding Chronic Joint Pain: Causes and Recommended Tests
Joint pain Hello Doctor: I have had a back injury for over ten years. Now, in addition to the soreness in my back, I frequently experience pain in my joints, such as my knees and ankles, even though I have never had any previous injuries to those joints. I am unsure why this is h...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The most likely cause of joint pain is injury, followed by overuse. Additionally, it is important to consider whether the pain is due to joint degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout. The differential diagnosis of joint pain can be quite challenging. In addition to a physical...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Joint Pain: Causes and Recommended Tests
Understanding Foot Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Foot pain Hello, Doctor Shi: A couple of days ago, I started experiencing pain in my last toe, specifically at the junction of the phalanx and metatarsal bones. The pain came on suddenly and is quite intense. I visited a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for massage, but ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Is the pain located on the bottom of your foot, and is it accompanied by redness, swelling, and warmth? These are all important factors for diagnosis. Generally, plantar pain is often related to footwear or activities such as walking or running. Overuse can lead to inflammation o...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Wrist Discomfort: Is Cracking Your Joints Harmful?
Wrist I've been feeling like my wrist is tight lately, and I need to stretch it out to feel comfortable. Is this bad? I also hear a popping sound when I stretch it, as well as in my neck. I've heard that making joints pop is not good; is that true? However, I feel more ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Discomfort in the wrist that feels like it is being compressed is a common clinical presentation. This may be due to overexertion, frequent use, injury, or sprain. In some cases, it can also be caused by conditions such as rheumatism or arthritis. Stretching the wrist may provide...[Read More] Understanding Wrist Discomfort: Is Cracking Your Joints Harmful?
Understanding Cartilage Softening: Causes, Treatments, and Recovery
Cartilage softening In the past two years, I have often experienced pain in my knee and hip joints upon waking up in the morning. There was no prior injury, and I initially thought it was due to poor sleeping posture. The pain usually subsided after a few days, so I didn't p...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is recommended that you consult another physician to confirm your condition before proceeding with treatment. If it is chondromalacia patellae, in addition to medication, limiting physical activity, and using knee braces, rehabilitation therapy can also be beneficial. This con...[Read More] Understanding Cartilage Softening: Causes, Treatments, and Recovery
Understanding Ring Finger Joint Pain After a Fall: Causes and Solutions
Pinky finger joint pain I accidentally fell off a swing, causing pain and immobility in the joint of my ring finger.
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Injuries to the finger joints can result in damage to ligaments, tendons, or bones. It is important to seek medical attention immediately to obtain an accurate diagnosis, which will allow for appropriate and timely treatment to prevent complications. It is recommended that you co...[Read More] Understanding Ring Finger Joint Pain After a Fall: Causes and Solutions
Effective Care and Treatment Options for Rheumatic Pain in Seniors
Rheumatic pain Is there a simple and effective way for elderly individuals with rheumatic pain to maintain their health or care for themselves? Additionally, how should it be treated? Thank you!
Dr. Xie Tianjie Reply:
The letter mentions rheumatic pain in the elderly but does not specify which joint or area is affected. Generally, the public associates rheumatic pain with the shoulders, back, or knees, which often feel sore, weak, and even exhibit redness, swelling, and stiffness as one ages. ...[Read More] Effective Care and Treatment Options for Rheumatic Pain in Seniors
Understanding Elbow and Knee Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Pain in the elbow and knee joints? My mother is approximately sixty years old, with a heavier build. Her health check-ups have shown no signs of osteoporosis. Recently, she has been experiencing abnormal pain in both elbow joints when sleeping on her side, and bending her knees a...
Dr. Xie Tianjie Reply:
Elderly individuals around the age of sixty, especially those who are overweight, experience greater pressure on their knee joints. As the cartilage in the joints wears down to a certain extent, they may gradually develop joint pain, weakness, and even stiffness to the point of b...[Read More] Understanding Elbow and Knee Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Treatment, Prevention, and Dietary Tips
Rheumatoid Arthritis Dear Dr. Hsieh, 1. What is rheumatoid arthritis? 2. How is it treated? How can it be prevented? Why do some doctors say this disease cannot be cured? 3. Are there any dietary restrictions? Does changing one's constitution help? Thank you for your answe...
Dr. Xie Tianjie Reply:
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease with an unknown etiology that primarily affects multiple joints throughout the body, leading to joint swelling, pain, and stiffness. In severe cases, it can result in joint deformities and damage. Additionally, it can involve tendons, bu...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Treatment, Prevention, and Dietary Tips
Is It Normal for Your Knee to Make Noise When Bending?
Knee joint crepitus? Is it normal for the knee to make a loud popping sound when bending during exercise? Thank you!
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is normal for the knee joint to make sounds when bending. Some individuals may experience pain due to cartilage wear or arthritis. If there are no symptoms of soreness or pain, there is no cause for concern. Similarly, when we forcefully bend our finger joints, they may also p...[Read More] Is It Normal for Your Knee to Make Noise When Bending?
When to See an Orthopedic Specialist: Key Signs and Symptoms
When should you see an orthopedic specialist? When should you see a rehabilitation specialist? When should you see an orthopedic specialist?
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Please specify the symptoms or issues in order to provide appropriate advice. Generally, if there are problems related to bones and joints, it is recommended to first consult an orthopedic physician for solutions. If further treatment is necessary, a referral to a rehabilitation ...[Read More] When to See an Orthopedic Specialist: Key Signs and Symptoms