Chronic Knee Pain and Swollen Fingers: Seeking Further Medical Guidance
Knee joint pain, finger swelling, elevated white blood cell count? Hello Doctor: I had a cold in mid-December 2017, and it didn't fully resolve until the end of February 2018. During that time, I visited the emergency room several times due to a fever that lasted for three m...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
You can see an orthopedic specialist.[Read More] Chronic Knee Pain and Swollen Fingers: Seeking Further Medical Guidance
Non-Surgical Solutions for Spine Issues: Can They Help?
Can it be improved without surgery? Hello Doctor, I apologize for bothering you! I would like to ask you about my condition. Two years ago, I had a spinal deformity and visited a doctor at National Taiwan University in Hsinchu, who recommended surgery to prevent the risk of paral...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: Lumbar spine surgery does not typically affect the cervical spine, unless there is a significant deformity in the lumbar region that requires evaluation. The assessment of spinal curvature and balance in the lateral view of the spine is necessary for understanding the cond...[Read More] Non-Surgical Solutions for Spine Issues: Can They Help?
Understanding Unexplained Joint Pain: Causes and Concerns
Unexplained joint pain? Hello, doctor. I sometimes experience swelling and pain in my joints. Before the pain occurs, I don't recall any significant impact or injury. Generally, I might feel some soreness the day before, and then the next day, I experience swelling or pain. ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is normal for joints to hurt if they are overused. However, if there is pain all over, it may be necessary to check for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. You can consult an orthopedic specialist or a rheumatologist. In the early stages of arthritis, joints typically do not...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Joint Pain: Causes and Concerns
Knee Pain When Straightening: Causes and Treatment Options
Pain occurs when the knee is fully extended? Hello Doctor: When I straighten my knee, I feel a sudden sharp pain in the back as if a tendon is being pulled, and in that moment, I also experience weakness. The back of my knee feels swollen to the touch. I do not engage in vigorous...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause knee pain, similar to conditions like ligament or tendonitis. If medication treatment does not improve the symptoms, it is advisable to consult an orthopedic specialist.[Read More] Knee Pain When Straightening: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Sternum Pain: Causes and Connections to Arthritis
Sternal pain Hello doctor, I have been experiencing persistent pain in the bone on my left chest for the past few days. I usually sleep on my side, and I feel pain when I turn over in my sleep. It also hurts when I touch it. I have rheumatoid arthritis, and I'm not sure if t...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: In rheumatoid arthritis, most pain in the joints may not be related to this condition. Pain from bones or periosteum, pressure, or unexplained inflammation are all possible causes. Most cases improve with heat therapy and medication (oral or topical). If there is no improv...[Read More] Understanding Sternum Pain: Causes and Connections to Arthritis
Knee Pain Confusion: Seeking Clarity on Arthritis and Other Issues
Knee issues, I have seen a doctor, but did not receive a clear answer. Can I ask for some advice? I often play basketball and I know that with age, my knees may have issues. For the past couple of years, I've experienced discomfort and weakness in my knees when going up and ...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: There are no issues with the cartilage, and it is likely that there are no acute problems such as tears caused by trauma, but this does not mean there is no wear and tear. As one ages, decreased muscle strength and joint degeneration can lead to increased discomfort after ...[Read More] Knee Pain Confusion: Seeking Clarity on Arthritis and Other Issues
Morning Finger Stiffness: Understanding Possible Causes and Concerns
Finger joints Hello Doctor, for the past couple of days, I have noticed that my fingers feel a bit stiff and slightly painful when I wake up, but this sensation disappears within two minutes of getting out of bed. Upon examining my fingers, I noticed a slight swelling at the join...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Typically, if the finger joints are overused, they may feel stiff in the morning upon waking, but if it is not arthritis, this stiffness usually resolves within a few minutes and is not a significant concern. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that occurs symmetr...[Read More] Morning Finger Stiffness: Understanding Possible Causes and Concerns
Unexplained Joint Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Joint pain Recently, I've been experiencing unexplained soreness in my hands, knees, and ankle joints, even though I haven't sustained any injuries. Could this be related to the change in weather, or is there an underlying issue? If I need to get checked, which specialt...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Changes in weather can sometimes cause joint pain due to insufficient warmth. The first step is to determine if there is symmetrical involvement, meaning whether the same joints on both sides of the body are affected simultaneously. Additionally, it is important to assess the dur...[Read More] Unexplained Joint Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Complications and Recovery from Severe Arm Fractures
Comminuted fracture of the arm? Due to my friend's car accident, he now has a comminuted fracture in his right arm, with nine segments of the arm broken. It's really serious. He had surgery at that time, and it has been about 20 days since the incident. However, since t...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is normal to experience pain after a fracture surgery; however, if the pain is unbearable, it may indicate a problem, and regular follow-up appointments are necessary. There is a risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis if the joint surface is injured, which can lead to post-tr...[Read More] Understanding Complications and Recovery from Severe Arm Fractures
Understanding Trigger Finger: Causes, Treatments, and Healing Options
What treatment options are available, and is it curable? Trigger finger is caused by inflammation of the tendon sheath, leading to impaired tendon movement and pain, typically occurring between the proximal interphalangeal joints of the fingers and thumb. The condition is often d...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
First, start with medication; if there is no improvement, add rehabilitation. If pain remains uncontrolled, then consider whether to undergo surgery.[Read More] Understanding Trigger Finger: Causes, Treatments, and Healing Options
Understanding the Differences Between Trigger Points and Arthritis
Trigger points and arthritis? What is the difference between arthritis and different types of rheumatic arthritis?
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Trigger finger is caused by inflammation of the tendon sheath, leading to impaired tendon movement and pain, typically occurring between the finger and thumb's proximal interphalangeal joints. The condition is often due to overuse and can sometimes result in the finger getti...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Trigger Points and Arthritis
Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis: Tips for Relief and Concerns
I would like to ask some questions about rheumatoid arthritis? 1. I would like to ask what methods can alleviate discomfort during inflammation. Would acupressure massage be helpful? 2. If the inflammation persists for more than a week and even after seeing a doctor and receivi...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Melody: Rheumatoid arthritis is classified as a systemic autoimmune disorder, so it is more appropriate to consult a rheumatologist.[Read More] Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis: Tips for Relief and Concerns
Preventing Osteomyelitis: Key Insights for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Prevention of Osteomyelitis Hello, Doctor! I am a 42-year-old patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Since the onset of my condition, my inflammatory markers (ESR) have consistently been above 9, which is quite high. As a result, I have undergone total knee and hip replacements. Unfo...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The transmission route is usually through the bloodstream and is related to immunosuppressive medications. There is a possibility of recurrence. If there are implants or artificial joints in the body, antibiotics may be less effective in reaching the site. Prevention involves mai...[Read More] Preventing Osteomyelitis: Key Insights for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Understanding Knee Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Knee pain Hello, Doctor. A year ago, due to work requirements, I had to stand up and squat continuously, increasing from 3 hours a day to 9 hours a day. After a week of this, I woke up one day to find my left leg numb. I could walk, but when sitting in a chair, I couldn't li...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Rheumatoid arthritis typically occurs symmetrically on both sides of the body and is characterized by redness, swelling, warmth, and pain. It can also affect other joints. Based on your description, it seems more like an overuse injury. I recommend that you consult an orthopedic ...[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Unexplained Joint Pain: Seeking Answers for Persistent Discomfort
No identifiable cause? Hello, my finger joints, the joints in the soles of my feet, and the joints near my knees, as well as the joints connecting my thighs to my hips, often experience pain in the bones and muscles around these areas. I have undergone X-ray examinations at the h...
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
In cases of multiple joint ligament pain, systemic diseases should first be considered, such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Among these, it is important to inquire about any history of gout. Rheumatoid arthritis is most commonly seen in young women, wh...[Read More] Unexplained Joint Pain: Seeking Answers for Persistent Discomfort
Understanding Finger Joint Replacement: Key Questions Answered
Questions about artificial finger joints? A month ago, I injured the joint of my right hand's ring finger in an accident. The doctor diagnosed it as a fracture causing joint surface damage. I was informed that in order to regain normal movement and bending, I would need to u...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Reader, Finger joint replacement is not common and has only been sporadically reported at academic conferences. This is related to the specific patient population suitable for the procedure and the suboptimal postoperative outcomes. Previous reports have indicated that whil...[Read More] Understanding Finger Joint Replacement: Key Questions Answered
Unexplained Pain in the Index Finger Joint: Causes and Solutions
Unexplained pain in the finger joint? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you a question. I have been experiencing unexplained sharp pain in the first joint of my right index finger. There is no history of trauma, and I haven't bumped or twisted it. Additionally, there is no ...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Xiao Zheng: Unexplained finger pain should still be monitored for any potential immune-related arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis. It is recommended to visit an orthopedic or rheumatology clinic for further evaluation. Wishing you a speedy recovery.[Read More] Unexplained Pain in the Index Finger Joint: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Bone Edema After Surgery: Causes and Treatment Options
Post-surgical fluid accumulation in the bone after removal of metal screws? Dear Dr. Chen, My son underwent surgery in July 2006 due to unexplained bone necrosis around the growth plate of his ankle. The necrotic tissue was excised, and a bone graft was taken from his hip to fil...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Reader: Bone marrow edema is a manifestation of changes in signal intensity observed during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It appears as decreased signal intensity on T1-weighted images and increased signal intensity on T2-weighted images, which is a non-specific finding....[Read More] Understanding Bone Edema After Surgery: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Trigger Finger: Post-Surgery Pain and Recovery Insights
Trigger finger I have been suffering from trigger finger in my right middle finger for many years. After multiple courses of anti-inflammatory medication and two local steroid injections that were ineffective, I finally underwent surgery in early July 2008 to release or excise th...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: Your issue is likely not related to trigger finger (as that should have been resolved after surgery). The persistent soreness and weakness in your right hand, along with the inability to fully bend your fingers and the stiffness and swelling of the joints, may indicate ten...[Read More] Understanding Trigger Finger: Post-Surgery Pain and Recovery Insights
Managing Bone Spurs and High Uric Acid in Elderly Patients
Bone spur Hello Dr. Lin: My father is 70 years old and has bone spurs, elevated liver enzymes, and high uric acid levels. He experiences shortness of breath when walking and needs to stop and rest after just a few steps. He has visited many hospitals for examinations, but they ha...
Dr. Lin Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello: All pain in bones, joints, and muscles can be referred to as rheumatism, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the synovial joints throughout the body, particularly in the hands. Therefore, your father's condition is likely not rheumatoid ar...[Read More] Managing Bone Spurs and High Uric Acid in Elderly Patients