Understanding Water Safety and Mineral Deficiency: Common Concerns
Please provide the content you would like me to translate Thank you, doctor, for your response. I have a few more questions to ask: 1. Does U.S. law really prohibit people from drinking pure water? 2. When you mentioned using or drinking other types of water, did you mean boil...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
In the United States, there is no prohibition against drinking pure water. Boiling tap water makes it safe to drink, and there should be no issues with that. There is also no evidence that drinking reverse osmosis water leads to mineral deficiencies, as daily food intake contains...[Read More] Understanding Water Safety and Mineral Deficiency: Common Concerns
Why Do My Joints Crack? Understanding Joint Sounds and Health
Bone crepitus? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask why I hear my bones cracking or popping whenever I make a big movement. What could be the reason for this? Is it due to calcium deficiency or osteoporosis? Thank you!
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question: Based on your complaint, the popping sound you hear during large movements is likely coming from the area around the joints. Typically, this sound is caused by the friction between cartilage and the joint capsule, or tendons, or other cartilag...[Read More] Why Do My Joints Crack? Understanding Joint Sounds and Health
Sun Exposure and Calcium Absorption: Insights from Arctic Populations
The issue of sun exposure? Hello, doctor. Thank you for your hard work. I would like to ask a couple of questions: Question 1: Calcium absorption requires vitamin D and sunlight. However, the Inuit people living in the Arctic experience very short daylight hours throughout the y...
Dr. Xie Tianjie Reply:
Question 1: There are many factors that affect calcium absorption, including age, gender, race, and hormones. Excessive consumption of coffee and alcohol can also lead to osteoporosis. Adequate intake of vitamin D and exposure to sunlight can help treat osteoporosis. Question 2...[Read More] Sun Exposure and Calcium Absorption: Insights from Arctic Populations
New Osteoporosis Drug: Availability in Taiwan Hospitals
Recent new drugs Hello, doctor. I would like to ask: I saw a newspaper report a few days ago stating that the United States has developed a new drug that can treat osteoporosis and increase bone density. Which hospitals in Taiwan have introduced this new drug or plan to introduce...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Do you know the names of the medications? If there are specific drug names, it would be easier to answer your question. The more recent medications are Fosamax and Calcitonin. Are you referring to these two drugs? Both of these medications can be covered by health insurance as lo...[Read More] New Osteoporosis Drug: Availability in Taiwan Hospitals
Should You Get a Bone Marrow Test for Severe Osteoporosis?
Should a bone marrow biopsy be performed? A 42-year-old female was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis during a health check-up and has started taking Fosamax and calcium supplements. Due to the physician's suspicion of other underlying conditions contributing to the severe o...
Dr. Zhou Hongzhi Reply:
Sorry: It is recommended to consult an expert in hematology for questions related to this matter.[Read More] Should You Get a Bone Marrow Test for Severe Osteoporosis?
Understanding Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms, and Management Tips
Bone spur My father works as a lathe operator and has visited an orthopedic doctor, where he underwent X-rays. The doctor diagnosed him with sciatica and noted that his bones are aging prematurely. The X-ray showed that the distance between the last segment of his spine and the p...
Dr. Zhang Shilie Reply:
In elderly individuals, X-rays may show that the distance between the tip of the spinal cone and the adjacent vertebra is closer than that of normal individuals, indicating degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs. This can lead to spinal canal stenosis, resulting in poor...[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms, and Management Tips
Can Calcium Loss Be Reversed? Understanding Bone Health and Supplements
Calcium loss Hello Dr. Yeh: Can calcium loss be replenished? I recently went to the health center for a bone density test, and my bone calcium loss was measured at 2. The doctor said that once calcium is lost, it cannot be replenished. Is this true? How can I restore my calcium l...
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
After bone loss, medication can only increase bone density slightly and cannot restore it to normal levels. At 33 years old, you are generally at the peak of bone density, making it less likely to develop osteoporosis unless there are other endocrine disorders. Regular exercise, ...[Read More] Can Calcium Loss Be Reversed? Understanding Bone Health and Supplements
Managing Osteoporosis: Effective Calcium Solutions for Your Mother
Please ask your question? Dear Dr. Lin, My mother has a history of breast cancer and underwent surgery, which resulted in some damage to her spine. She wore a brace for a while, but no longer does. Initially, she experienced back pain, which has since decreased; however, she now...
Dr. Lin Junliang Reply:
Patients with a history of breast cancer who experience back pain should first rule out the possibility of metastatic breast cancer by undergoing examinations at a hospital. There are various treatment options for osteoporosis; however, patients with a history of breast cancer sh...[Read More] Managing Osteoporosis: Effective Calcium Solutions for Your Mother
Understanding Soft Bones: Causes, Exercises, and Precautions for Pain Relief
Bones are too soft? Hello, Doctor Shi: A few years ago, I experienced a tearing sensation in my back when I picked up my child. Since then, I have felt discomfort when sitting or lying down. Before I received cupping therapy, I had been using a hula hoop for a few weeks, and I am...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Your lower back pain may be due to improper lifting techniques. You need to be particularly careful when bending down to pick up a child, as improper exertion can easily lead to injury. Typically, the ligaments and tendons of the spine are affected. Treatment usually involves med...[Read More] Understanding Soft Bones: Causes, Exercises, and Precautions for Pain Relief
Understanding Hip Joint Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Hip joint pain I have been experiencing hip joint pain for the past two weeks, sometimes accompanied by sounds. I consulted a doctor and had an X-ray, but the doctor said there were no issues. However, after taking medication for a week, there has been no improvement. I suspect t...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Hip pain lasting for half a month with normal X-rays is most likely due to tendonitis. It may be helpful to recall any instances of overuse or sprains that occurred prior to the onset of pain, as these can lead to such symptoms. Additionally, if the pain is localized to the outer...[Read More] Understanding Hip Joint Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Understanding the Link Between Osteoporosis and Frequent Ankle Sprains
Ankle Hello Dr. Shi: Recently, my ankles are very prone to sprains. I went to the hospital and was told by the doctor that I have osteoporosis. Is there a connection between osteoporosis and the tendency to sprain my ankles? Why have I sprained my ankles many times in a year, and...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Osteoporosis and ankle sprains are generally unrelated. Currently, osteoporosis can be assessed using ultrasound, and the results can serve as a reference. Ankle sprains are typically caused by sports injuries, car accidents, or falls. If an injury occurs once, the likelihood of ...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Osteoporosis and Frequent Ankle Sprains
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
Managing Joint Pain: Effective Strategies for Inflammation Relief
Pain in the hands, feet, knees, and ligaments is common. Myositis can cause severe pain that makes movement difficult? I often experience inflammation and pain in my joints for unknown reasons. My blood tests show normal uric acid levels, so I do not have gout. However, when the ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It could be rheumatoid arthritis, synovitis, or even osteoporosis, which should also be considered at your age. It is best to consult an orthopedic physician for a thorough examination and treatment.[Read More] Managing Joint Pain: Effective Strategies for Inflammation Relief
Understanding Heel Pain: Causes and Remedies for Stair Climbing Discomfort
Heel pain Pain and tightness in the right heel when climbing stairs.
Dr. Xie Tianjie Reply:
Heel pain has three common causes: 1. ligament inflammation, 2. gout, and 3. post-traumatic ankle arthritis. In addition to obtaining a detailed medical history, a local X-ray examination can be performed to check for the presence of heel spurs, or a blood test can be conducted t...[Read More] Understanding Heel Pain: Causes and Remedies for Stair Climbing Discomfort