Can Surgery Restore Mobility in Stiff Toe Joints After Fracture?
Is it possible to perform surgery to open up a stiff interphalangeal joint? Hello, Director Shi! I suffered a fracture of the proximal phalanx of the third toe on my left foot, which was fixed with a steel pin on December 24, 2003. The pin was removed on May 27, 2004, but I have ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Rehabilitation is sufficient; you can seek assistance from a physician and a physical therapist. Typically, stiffness in the toe joints does not require surgery. Patience is essential, and engaging in more rehabilitation activities may lead to some recovery.[Read More] Can Surgery Restore Mobility in Stiff Toe Joints After Fracture?
Is Your Toddler's Outward Walking Normal? Understanding Bow Legs
Is it normal for a child to walk with their feet turned outward? The child is currently one year and one month old, and has been walking for about a month. However, when walking, the posture of his feet shows that the left foot is normal, while the right toe points outward to the...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of external rotation of the feet, which can be influenced by the hip joint, knee joint, and ankle joint. It is not possible to determine the cause solely based on the description provided. Please visit a nearby orthopedic specialty hospital for diagno...[Read More] Is Your Toddler's Outward Walking Normal? Understanding Bow Legs
Addressing Congenital Foot Anomalies: Treatment Options for Shorter Toes
My toes are different from others? I would like to ask, my second and third toes are different from others; they are shorter. Specifically, the second toe is only about half the length of my big toe (this is the case with my left foot, while my right foot is normal). I believe I ...
Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Netizen: Currently, there are medical methods available for limb lengthening, but it is not recommended to attempt it lightly unless necessary. You may visit the orthopedic clinic of Professor Huang Shih-Chieh at National Taiwan University Hospital to assess whether you are ...[Read More] Addressing Congenital Foot Anomalies: Treatment Options for Shorter Toes
Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Treatment, and Medication Concerns
Sciatica Hello, Doctor. I have a slight spinal curvature, and due to my job, I often carry heavy sheet music while on the go. I wonder if this is related to my menstrual pain. On the first day after my menstrual period ended, I accidentally carried a rather heavy book home, and t...
Dr. Zhou Hongzhi Reply:
1. Your symptoms are likely indicative of sciatica. 2. The medication does not contain any corticosteroids. 3. You should return to the hospital for further examination.[Read More] Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Treatment, and Medication Concerns
Concerns About Bunion Surgery: Costs and Options Explained
I've been worried for a long time! Hello: I have a bone protrusion next to my big toe (closer to the sole) that seems to have been there since childhood. I've only started to find it unattractive as I've grown older, but it doesn't hurt. Can I undergo surgery ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The protrusion of the big toe bone may be caused by hallux valgus, which is related to wearing pointed or smaller shoes for an extended period. This leads to pressure that causes the head of the first metatarsal bone at the base of the big toe to enlarge and protrude inward. Hall...[Read More] Concerns About Bunion Surgery: Costs and Options Explained
Effective Strategies to Alleviate Joint Pain and Improve Flexibility
Regarding joints..? I heard that one method to slim down the calves is to elevate the legs against the wall at a 90-degree angle for about 30 minutes before sleeping. I usually do it for around 5 minutes, and I experience a tearing sensation in the outer back of my knees on both ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
This method may not be helpful for slim calves, and if pain occurs after performing it, one should stop. If the joints are too stiff, continuing rehabilitation may lead to improvement.[Read More] Effective Strategies to Alleviate Joint Pain and Improve Flexibility
Choosing the Right Fixation Method for Fractures: Pins vs. Casts
Methods of Fracture Stabilization! Questioner: Alex / Male / 24 years old I sustained some fractures in my big toe during a car accident. Some doctors suggested internal fixation with pins, while others said it may not be necessary. How should I decide? Thank you. Response: ...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong Reply:
Hello: Theoretically, if properly protected for eight weeks, good healing should occur. However, generally, the healing time for fractures under appropriate protective treatment typically requires three months to determine if healing has occurred. Therefore, it is advisable to wa...[Read More] Choosing the Right Fixation Method for Fractures: Pins vs. Casts
Understanding Foot Injuries: Is It a Fracture or Just a Sprain?
Fall Hello, I would like to ask about my sister. Yesterday, she tripped over something while walking at home and fell. Her left pinky toe is painful, and this morning it is red and swollen. There is a bruise on the inner side of the pinky toe near the ring toe, and she experience...
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong Reply:
Hello: It may be necessary to go to a specialized orthopedic hospital for an X-ray examination to confirm whether a fracture has occurred. As for seeking treatment from traditional Chinese medicine or Western medicine, it is reasonable to consult a qualified physician in either f...[Read More] Understanding Foot Injuries: Is It a Fracture or Just a Sprain?
Choosing Whether to Use Pins for Toe Fractures After an Accident
The choice of whether to use a steel nail? In the case of a car accident where there are some fractures in the bones of the big toe, some doctors may recommend the insertion of a pin, while others may suggest that it is unnecessary. How should one decide? Thank you.
Dr. Luo Zhaozhong Reply:
Hello! Fractures must be stabilized. Stabilization can be achieved through internal fixation or external fixation. Internal fixation typically involves the use of intramedullary nails, while external fixation may involve casts, braces, etc. The choice of fixation method should be...[Read More] Choosing Whether to Use Pins for Toe Fractures After an Accident
Should Your Child Wear Corrective Shoes for Flat Feet?
Do children need to wear corrective shoes? My child (currently two years and seven months old) walks with an inward foot position and has unstable ankles. Additionally, the father has flat feet (which I understand has a high chance of being hereditary). Should my child wear corre...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, it is common for children to have in-toeing, and it usually does not require correction. Additionally, commercially available corrective shoes may not have a genuine corrective effect. Therefore, I recommend finding a trusted orthopedic physic...[Read More] Should Your Child Wear Corrective Shoes for Flat Feet?
Can Bone Screws Be Adjusted After Locking Fractured Toes?
Is there a way to adjust the bone after the bone screw threads have locked it in place? Hello, Director Shih! The patient has a fracture of the distal phalanx of the third toe and the proximal phalanx of the fourth toe on the left foot. An open reduction and internal fixation wit...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
To realign it, another surgery may be necessary because the position of the bone screws is usually difficult to change after fixation. However, if the displacement of the fracture is not severe, sometimes it can be acceptable not to make adjustments.[Read More] Can Bone Screws Be Adjusted After Locking Fractured Toes?
Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and Solutions for Forefoot Discomfort
Foot pain Director, I have been experiencing intermittent pain in the front part of my foot lately. What could be the cause?
Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Hello AUOU: A common reason for discomfort could be standing for too long. If your job requires prolonged standing, you might consider wearing cushioned shoes. If you are experiencing pain in your big toe, it may be related to elevated uric acid levels. I recommend visiting our o...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and Solutions for Forefoot Discomfort
Optimal Timeframe for Realigning Fractured Toes After Surgery
How long does it take to adjust back to normal? Hello Director Shih! The patient has sustained fractures of the distal phalanx of the third toe and the proximal phalanx of the fourth toe on the left foot, and has undergone open reduction and internal fixation with nails. If there...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If the bone displacement is within an acceptable range, it may not be a significant issue if it is not realigned. However, if the displacement is severe, it should be adjusted as soon as possible; delaying too long can make recovery more difficult.[Read More] Optimal Timeframe for Realigning Fractured Toes After Surgery
Can Bone Displacement Occur After Surgery? Tips for Prevention
Is it possible for the bone to undergo heterotopic ossification after surgery? Fractures of the distal phalanx of the third toe and the proximal phalanx of the fourth toe on the left foot underwent open reduction and internal fixation with nails. Is there a possibility of heterot...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If the bone screws become loose or their position changes, it may lead to bone displacement. Therefore, it is important to take good care of the area after surgery and protect it until the bone heals. Avoid impacts or excessive activity. If there is a cast for protection, it shou...[Read More] Can Bone Displacement Occur After Surgery? Tips for Prevention
Medications to Promote Bone Growth: Coverage and Recommendations for Recovery
Which medications can promote bone cell growth, and which ones are covered by health insurance? Which ones are not covered? Hello, Dr. Shi! Happy New Year! I am currently undergoing open reduction and internal fixation surgery for fractures of the proximal phalanx of the third to...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Under normal circumstances, the healing of fractures takes a certain amount of time, and there are currently no medications available that can accelerate fracture healing. However, for optimal healing, good nutrition is essential, and there should be no deficiencies in calcium, v...[Read More] Medications to Promote Bone Growth: Coverage and Recommendations for Recovery
How Often Should X-Rays Be Taken to Monitor Bone Healing?
How long should I wait to take an X-ray to observe the healing speed of a bone? For a fracture of the third and fourth toes on the left foot that has undergone open reduction and internal fixation with nails, it is generally recommended to obtain follow-up X-rays to assess healin...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Generally, the interval is about one to three months, typically consisting of checks every six weeks, twelve weeks, six months, nine months, and once a year. This results in approximately ten check-ups per year, which is usually not a problem.[Read More] How Often Should X-Rays Be Taken to Monitor Bone Healing?
How Long Does It Take for a Toe Fracture to Heal for Safe Walking?
How long does it take for a toe bone fracture to heal and become as strong as the adjacent bones, allowing for normal walking? The patient has fractures of the distal phalanx of the left third toe and the proximal phalanx of the fourth toe, and has undergone open reduction and in...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
After surgery, it typically takes about eight to twelve weeks for healing, after which the removal of bone screws can be considered. Safe walking can usually begin around twelve to twenty-four weeks. The healing time may vary depending on the severity of each fracture.[Read More] How Long Does It Take for a Toe Fracture to Heal for Safe Walking?
Managing Knee Pain and Swelling After Injury: Recovery Insights
Knee swelling and pain, bilateral foot edema? Dear Dr. Yang, About two months ago, I sustained injuries from an accident that resulted in fractures of the eleventh and twelfth thoracic vertebrae, as well as the first lumbar vertebra, a shattered patella in my right knee, and fra...
Dr. Yang Zhengfan Reply:
Dear Xiao Zhu, your injuries are quite severe and likely caused by significant trauma. Generally, the healing time for a simple fracture is about three to six months; however, the duration of swelling and soreness often exceeds the healing time. This is because the resolution of ...[Read More] Managing Knee Pain and Swelling After Injury: Recovery Insights
Understanding and Addressing Toe Walking in Toddlers: A Guide for Parents
Pediatric Gait Abnormalities Dear Dr. Li, Hello. My daughter is currently 2 years old. Since she started walking, she has been walking on her tiptoes. Even now, she still walks on her tiptoes and runs a little that way, but she does not do it when standing still. We often correc...
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, there are five possible reasons why a child may prefer to walk on their toes: 1. Congenital: Such as clubfoot, where the shape of the foot is not normal and can usually be identified visually. 2. Neurological: Such as in cases of cerebral pals...[Read More] Understanding and Addressing Toe Walking in Toddlers: A Guide for Parents
Understanding and Correcting Toe Deformities in Children: A Guide
Bunion (Hallux Valgus) Hello. A child around 3 years old has the second toe bending outward and the third toe bending inward, causing slight overlapping. May I ask: 1. What impact will this phenomenon have on their growth? 2. At what age is it most appropriate to correct this? 3....
Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, toe issues are quite common. Based on your description, your son may have overriding toes, which typically occur between the second, third, and fourth toes. This condition usually does not require correction and tends to change as he grows old...[Read More] Understanding and Correcting Toe Deformities in Children: A Guide