Understanding a Soft Bump Below the Sternum: Causes and Concerns
The protrusion located just below the center of the sternum? Hello Dr. Chen: Last night, while lying flat, I felt a round protrusion located just below the center of my sternum. It has a soft texture, and pressing on it causes pain, but the pain subsides quickly. Additionally, I ...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
That area is called the xiphoid process. In some individuals, it may be more prominent, and frequent touching or pressure can occasionally lead to inflammation and pain, which is mostly benign.[Read More] Understanding a Soft Bump Below the Sternum: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Knee Cartilage Damage: Healing and Treatment Options
Knee cartilage defect issue? Hello, doctor. Three months ago, I experienced pain in my left knee after overstretching my ankle while pumping at home. I can walk on flat surfaces without pain, but going up and down stairs is extremely painful. I can only walk in places with ramps....
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Continue taking medication and undergoing rehabilitation; if that doesn't work, we can consider trying PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy.[Read More] Understanding Knee Cartilage Damage: Healing and Treatment Options
Post-Hip Replacement Recovery: Addressing Weakness and Swelling
How to recover after hip joint surgery? Hello Doctor: I underwent a left hip arthroplasty on February 5, 2021. It has now been 37 days (5 weeks) since the surgery, and I have been applying heat to the area. However, my thigh and knee remain very swollen, and my left leg feels wea...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
After total hip arthroplasty, recovery typically takes about six to twelve weeks. It is still considered normal to have some swelling in the thigh at five weeks post-surgery. Please return to your physician for a check-up in the sixth week to rule out any other issues. There may ...[Read More] Post-Hip Replacement Recovery: Addressing Weakness and Swelling
Can Surgery Help Relieve My Persistent Foot Pain?
Can surgery be performed? Hello Doctor: The bone just below my right big toe didn't hurt much last year, so I didn't pay much attention to it. However, starting in January, it suddenly became swollen (sometimes so swollen that I can hardly move it) and painful (sharp pa...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, if there is no history of trauma, one should pay attention to gout. Hallux valgus rarely presents symptoms at such a young age. If there is no improvement with medication and rest, further examination by an orthopedic specialist is necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about ...[Read More] Can Surgery Help Relieve My Persistent Foot Pain?
Understanding Knee Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Knee problems Timeframe: Started in early February and continues to the present. Physical condition: Occasionally exercises (about two to three times a week, sometimes less), no obvious injury sensations (such as strains or sprains). Symptoms: Initially, there was pain in the rig...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
1. I previously had issues with soft tissue injuries, where pain would occur after using that area for a period of time (possibly 10 minutes to half an hour). However, my knee pain mostly occurs when I am not using it. I'm not sure about the condition of my elbow. Is my situ...[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Managing Post-Surgery Pain: Hip Replacement Complications and Solutions
Pain in the lower back, a specific point in the buttocks, and thigh pain? Hello Doctor, my mother underwent a left hip joint replacement surgery in early November. Initially, she did not experience much pain during her hospital stay or upon discharge, but by December, she started...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, after hip joint surgery, if you experience severe pain again, it is important to be aware of potential issues such as infection or dislocation. It is advisable to reassess your condition. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Wang Shou-ji.[Read More] Managing Post-Surgery Pain: Hip Replacement Complications and Solutions
Managing Post-Surgery Pain: Insights on Hip Replacement Complications
Pain in the lower back, a specific point in the buttocks, and thigh pain? Hello Doctor, my mother underwent a left hip joint replacement surgery at the beginning of November. Initially, she did not experience much pain during her hospital stay and upon discharge. However, in Dece...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, after hip joint surgery, if you experience severe pain again, it is important to be aware of issues such as infection and dislocation. It is recommended to reassess your condition. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Wang Shou-ji.[Read More] Managing Post-Surgery Pain: Insights on Hip Replacement Complications
Post-Surgery Recovery Challenges After Fifth Toe Fracture: Seeking Solutions
Postoperative care for metatarsal fractures? I fell on May 20, 2020, and it was confirmed that I had a fracture of the fifth toe. I underwent surgery on September 18. Even after the surgery, I still experienced significant pain and soreness in my calf, and I couldn't stand o...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, toe fractures typically take about 6 months to heal completely, depending on your age. First, it is important to confirm whether the internal fixation devices are irritating the soft tissues and causing pain. If that is a possibility, they will need to be removed before th...[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery Challenges After Fifth Toe Fracture: Seeking Solutions
Understanding Knee Discomfort: Causes, Concerns, and Care Tips
Knee problems Hello Doctor: I have three questions. 1. My left knee has been uncomfortable for two days, but it’s not painful to the point where I can describe the sensation. There is a spot on the outer upper side of my left knee that hurts when pressed, but the appearance of ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. It could be tendonitis near the knee, and the noise might indicate a problem with the patella. 2. Bone cancer typically causes localized swelling and significant pain, such as in the knee or hip. If it has metastasized to the bones, back pain would indicate advanced stages, ...[Read More] Understanding Knee Discomfort: Causes, Concerns, and Care Tips
Understanding Chest Pain After a Fall: Causes and Treatment Options
When slipping and falling, I felt a vibration in my chest, followed by chest pain? (1) The reason for the chest pain after falling while sitting down could be due to a few factors. It is possible that the impact caused a strain or injury to the muscles or cartilage in the chest a...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. It is possible to have blunt trauma to the sternum due to the transmission of pressure, similar to how sitting down abruptly can injure the lumbar spine, potentially leading to a compression fracture of the lumbar vertebrae. 2. For medication treatment, local heat applicatio...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain After a Fall: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Scoliosis: Symptoms and Concerns in Adolescents
Scoliosis Hello Doctor: I am 15 years old and about two years ago, I was diagnosed with moderate scoliosis (26 degrees). I had a follow-up X-ray, and the comparison showed that the curvature had decreased. For the past six months, I have been experiencing a difficult-to-describe ...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Numbness in one side of the upper limb may be caused by compression of specific spinal nerve roots. It is advisable to consult a neurologist or orthopedic surgeon to clarify the cause. You can Google "central cord syndrome" to see if it resembles your symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Scoliosis: Symptoms and Concerns in Adolescents
Understanding Rib Pain: Causes and Recovery Time for Inflammation
Pain upon palpation of the right rib cage? About two weeks ago, I started feeling pain when pressing on the tip of one of my lower right ribs. There is no significant pain when pressing on the ribs above and below it. In the past month, I haven't experienced any trauma or in...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Based on your symptom description, costochondritis is one of the more likely diagnoses. The pain typically lasts for 3 to 8 weeks or longer. Using topical ointments or patches for a period of time can help improve symptoms, but it may take some time to see gradual effectiveness. ...[Read More] Understanding Rib Pain: Causes and Recovery Time for Inflammation
Understanding Mysterious Sounds in the Head When Turning Right
When turning the head to the right, there is a sound in the brain? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've noticed that when I turn my head to the right, I hear a sound in my brain, but when I turn to the left, there is no sound (with both eyes looking straight ahead as the center poi...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, abnormal sounds during left and right rotation are usually caused by friction between the first and second cervical vertebrae. It is generally advisable to try taking anti-inflammatory medication for a few days to reduce the friction. If medical attention is needed, you ca...[Read More] Understanding Mysterious Sounds in the Head When Turning Right
Sudden Swelling of the Fourth Toe: Causes and Treatment Options
The fourth toe of the right foot suddenly swelled? The fourth toe on both feet has been persistently swollen for about two years. A month ago, the fourth toe on my right foot suddenly became swollen. I visited the immunology department at Beihua Hospital, and after blood tests, t...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, sudden swelling of the fingers and toes should first rule out any immune-related issues. Additionally, individuals over the age of 50 are at a higher risk for degenerative arthritis. Please visit an orthopedic clinic for further diagnosis. Thank you.[Read More] Sudden Swelling of the Fourth Toe: Causes and Treatment Options
How Long After Foot Surgery Can You Walk Normally Again?
How many months after a fracture surgery can one walk normally? Hello Doctor, I fractured my right foot's fourth toe while playing basketball on November 12 this year. I underwent surgery on November 17 to fix it with a steel pin, and the pin was removed on December 16. Howe...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
1. Since the university entrance exam is on January 23, I would like to know if I will be able to walk normally by then. >> Generally, it should be possible, but a definitive assessment can only be made based on X-rays. 2. Will I still need to use crutches to walk at that...[Read More] How Long After Foot Surgery Can You Walk Normally Again?
Understanding Disc Herniation and Its Impact on Finger Sensation
Herniated disc finger issues Hello Doctor, since around mid to late October, I've been experiencing a peculiar sensation on the outer side of my left little toe, as if it's soft when it touches the floor. I consulted a doctor and had an X-ray taken, which revealed that ...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, the symptoms in your hands and feet are likely not caused by the same issue. First, we need to assess the degree of scoliosis. Given your age, if the curvature is not significant, it is unlikely to affect the nerves, and treatment with medication and rehabilitation should ...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation and Its Impact on Finger Sensation
Understanding Pain Above the Tibia After Playing Sports: Causes and Concerns
Pain above the tibia after playing basketball? Hello Doctor, I am 18 years old. When I went to the court to play basketball tonight, I initially felt some soreness above my knee (which I believe is the quadriceps tendon). Later, the area above my tibia became painful when bending...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
1. The prominent area of the tibia in adolescents is often a benign condition known as Osgood–Schlatter disease. 2. The area you described seems more like patellar tendonitis, which requires moderate rest (about two weeks) followed by a gradual return to activity. Additionally,...[Read More] Understanding Pain Above the Tibia After Playing Sports: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Mild Cervical Spine Issues: Treatment and Risks Explained
Cervical spine issues Hello Doctor, recently my family member (male, 46 years old) underwent a cervical spine X-ray as part of a health check-up. The report indicates Mild Marginal Spur at C5-6, Grade I Retrolisthesis at C5-6, C6-7 Interspace Narrowing, and Mild Reduced Body Heig...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, the issues you described are quite common. Whether they need to be addressed primarily depends on the presence of symptoms. Mild symptoms include neck pain, limited neck mobility, and frequent neck stiffness. Moderate symptoms involve numbness in the arms and neck movement...[Read More] Understanding Mild Cervical Spine Issues: Treatment and Risks Explained
Managing Complex Knee Issues After ACL Reconstruction: Pain and Solutions
How to address complex knee issues? Hello, doctor. I underwent a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction surgery last October, which was my second reconstruction. The first surgery resulted in ligament laxity after a year, leading to the need for a second operation. Init...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, your issue is indeed complex and requires a meticulous and skilled physician along with a good rehabilitation team to assist you long-term. I recommend you consult with Dr. Luo Jian-Sheng, the orthopedic specialist at Chung Shan Medical University Hospital. He is an expert...[Read More] Managing Complex Knee Issues After ACL Reconstruction: Pain and Solutions
Understanding Foot Fractures: Recovery Tips and Pain Management
The bones in my foot are fractured and there seems to be some displacement issue. I have already seen a doctor and received a cast? On November 20, I accidentally broke the side panel (glass) of my computer. I went to clean it up, but some areas were difficult to reach, so I used...
Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
1. If your toes turn purple or white, you should return for a follow-up appointment immediately. 2. Apply ice packs and elevate your feet to help reduce swelling; keep your feet elevated while sleeping as well. 3. Symptoms will gradually improve after the acute phase, which l...[Read More] Understanding Foot Fractures: Recovery Tips and Pain Management