Understanding Patellar Chondromalacia: Symptoms, Causes, and Concerns
Patellar chondromalacia I am 20 years old and currently serving in the military. In my childhood, I experienced impacts to both knees and received treatment at a martial arts clinic. At that time, there were no significant issues, just occasional discomfort similar to rheumatism....
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Dear netizens: Patellar chondromalacia is a type of patellofemoral pain syndrome characterized by widespread anterior knee pain when the patient uses the patellofemoral joint. This pain is particularly exacerbated during activities such as climbing stairs, running, squatting, or ...[Read More] Understanding Patellar Chondromalacia: Symptoms, Causes, and Concerns
Effective Rehabilitation Strategies for Post-Knee Replacement Patients
Rehabilitation issues I am 35 years old and a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. I have the following questions: I had total knee replacements on my left and right knees in July and October of this year, and my recovery has been good. However, I still have a bit of a wobble when ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Leg raises strengthen the quadriceps muscles in the thighs, and doing them more frequently can enhance walking and climbing stairs. Once the strength in the legs is sufficient, climbing stairs becomes easier, so there is no need to rush into stair climbing practice. In rheumatoid...[Read More] Effective Rehabilitation Strategies for Post-Knee Replacement Patients
Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Joint pain in the fingers? Hello Doctor: My fingers often experience pain in each joint, especially in the thumb, which is more severe. Sometimes the pain is so intense that it leads to stiffness and trembling. Even pressing the brake while riding a bike can be unbearable. When t...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong Reply:
Hello: Based on the information provided, it may be necessary to suspect rheumatoid arthritis. You should visit a rheumatology and immunology specialist for a thorough examination. Sincerely, Dr. Luo Zhao-Chung, Orthopedics.[Read More] Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Knee Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Knee joint pain Hello, Doctor. I have been experiencing pain in my left knee for about two and a half months now. Initially, the pain would only occur after walking for a long time, but gradually I started to feel a slight "tingling" sensation even when sitting or stand...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Knee joint pain without signs of redness, swelling, or heat is less likely to be rheumatic in nature. The location of the pain is also significant; if the pain is in the front, it is generally related to the patella. If the pain is felt internally, it may be associated with intra...[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Cervical Degeneration and Its Impact on Health
Cervical degeneration First of all, thank you for answering my previous question. This time I would like to ask: (1) What are the potential harms to the body from degeneration of the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae? (2) If a tibial osteotomy has been performed and pain persist...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If there are bone spurs on the cervical spine but they do not compress the nerves, then there is no concern. However, if there are symptoms of nerve compression, treatment is necessary. If tibial osteotomy is ineffective, one may consider undergoing joint replacement surgery when...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Degeneration and Its Impact on Health
Post-Total Knee Replacement: Addressing Bruising and Itching Concerns
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) I am 35 years old and a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. I have two questions: 1. I had a total knee replacement one month ago. When I was discharged from the hospital, my left leg was bruised and stiff. It has slightly improved since then, but t...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
After knee replacement surgery, there is usually a bit of bruising, and stiffness may take some time to improve, but this will not affect future recovery. The skin may itch post-surgery, possibly due to dryness; applying a little lotion can help prevent this. Additionally, itchin...[Read More] Post-Total Knee Replacement: Addressing Bruising and Itching Concerns
Knee Swelling and Inflammation: Understanding Your Symptoms and Treatment Options
Knee effusion and synovitis? I am 32 years old, female, 170 cm tall, and weigh 65 kg. About a month ago, without any intense exercise, impact, or trauma (meaning for an unknown reason), I initially felt a slight discomfort in my right knee while walking. However, two days later, ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The knee joint appears to have synovitis, as the extracted fluid is yellow. It is uncertain whether it is clear; if it is, it is less likely to indicate a bacterial infection. A bacterial infection can also be detected through blood tests, and sometimes bacterial cultures of the ...[Read More] Knee Swelling and Inflammation: Understanding Your Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Knee Replacement: Recovery Insights for RA Patients
Total knee arthroplasty I am a 35-year-old patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who underwent a total knee arthroplasty in July of this year. Due to severe damage to my left knee joint, the surgeon indicated that the implant material used was of a second-generation type. My rec...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Hemarthrosis in the knee joint can affect joint mobility, but once the swelling subsides, it typically does not pose significant issues. The drainage tube can usually be removed within two to three days, although there may still be some fluid present in the knee joint. Future tre...[Read More] Understanding Knee Replacement: Recovery Insights for RA Patients
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
Understanding Hip Replacement Issues: Symptoms of Loosening or Infection
Artificial hip joint I am 35 years old and a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. I had a hip replacement 9 years ago. I don't exercise much, and recently I've felt a "warm" sensation in my left hip joint. Could this be a symptom of loosening or infection? I am ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Symptoms should appear with loosening, with pain and soreness being the primary complaints. If there is an infection, the affected area may feel warm or uncomfortable. It is advisable to visit a hospital for a physician's evaluation, which may include X-rays or blood tests t...[Read More] Understanding Hip Replacement Issues: Symptoms of Loosening or Infection
Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis: Surgery vs. Medication and Rehab Options
Rheumatoid Arthritis About eight years ago, I sustained a ligament injury. At that time, I did not undergo surgical treatment, but my foot has been experiencing intermittent pain. Recently, I went to the hospital for an X-ray, and the doctor mentioned that the bones in my knee ar...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
You may first consider trying rehabilitation and medication treatment. Is the imbalance of the patella referring to patellar valgus or lateral displacement? This needs to be clarified. If so, arthroscopic surgery may help improve the condition.[Read More] Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis: Surgery vs. Medication and Rehab Options
Symptoms of Hip Implant Loosening: What to Look For in Young Patients
What symptoms may occur if a hip prosthesis becomes loose? A young patient with rheumatoid arthritis has had a hip replacement for 6 to 7 years and is now preparing for knee replacement. However, they are experiencing difficulty bending the knee, a stiff gait, and a tendency to w...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Are you referring to the artificial joint replacement that has been in place for 6 years, specifically the hip joint? If there is a phenomenon of loosening in the hip joint, it typically presents with pain and may also result in a limp. Additionally, the range of motion in the jo...[Read More] Symptoms of Hip Implant Loosening: What to Look For in Young Patients
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 Wrist Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Issues related to the wrist? Hello, Doctor. I have a question to ask you... Currently, I am experiencing pain in both of my wrists. I visited an orthopedic doctor, who believes it is a sprain. However, I did not fall or experience any trauma. The symptoms include sudden weakness ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Symptoms like these are usually caused by overuse or improper use, with the most common issues being ligament or tendon inflammation, which typically improve with rest or medication. Another possibility is rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that can affect multiple joints, but can...[Read More] Understanding Wrist Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Trigger Finger: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Trigger finger If bending and straightening your fingers causes pain, and pressing down also results in discomfort, along with a feeling of tightness in the fingers that has persisted for a month, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. They can assess your conditio...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Readers, Trigger finger, formally known as stenosing tenosynovitis of the flexor tendon, is typically caused by narrowing of the first annular pulley of the flexor sheath. This condition leads to finger pain and difficulty in extending the proximal interphalangeal joint. Th...[Read More] Understanding Trigger Finger: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
When to Seek Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms?
Rheumatoid Arthritis 1. When should a physician be consulted for rheumatoid arthritis? 2. My left and right little fingers' tips have recently swollen rapidly. They do not hurt unless I apply pressure. Does this indicate rheumatoid arthritis? I also have concerns about def...
Dr. Xu Zhaoren Reply:
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease that requires long-term outpatient treatment. Patients can seek examination and treatment at the rheumatology department of a large hospital.[Read More] When to Seek Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms?
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
What is rheumatoid arthritis? Hello, I just turned 22 this year. About three to four months ago, I started experiencing soreness, and around that time, my right arm, from the hand to the fingers, began to feel sore and painful in every joint. I have seen a traditional Chinese med...
Dr. Xie Tianjie Reply:
Hello: Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease with diverse clinical manifestations, including joint pain, stiffness, and fatigue, among others. The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis should include a physical examination, rheumatoid factor testing, and X-ray imaging. If you ex...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding Cartilage Disorders: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Chondropathy Dr. Zhou: I would like to ask what cartilage disease is like? I previously saw a doctor who said I have cartilage disease, but I don't know how to treat it! When I am in pain, I feel numbness and soreness all over, especially in my hands, feet, and back.
Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
Chondropathy refers to a condition characterized by delayed bone growth due to vitamin D deficiency or metabolic abnormalities. Symptoms include generalized pain and poor growth and development, which should be treated promptly (with vitamin D and calcium supplementation) to prev...[Read More] Understanding Cartilage Disorders: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Understanding Knee Pain: What Tests Might Your Doctor Recommend?
Knee pain Due to my knee pain, the doctor arranged for me to have blood tests and an ultrasound of the knee joint. Could you please tell me what conditions Dr. Lu might be suspecting?
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Blood tests are used to check for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory diseases (for example, elevated uric acid levels in gouty arthritis, increased white blood cell counts in bacterial arthritis, and positive rheumatoid factor in rheumatoid arthritis). ...[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain: What Tests Might Your Doctor Recommend?