Understanding Leg Fatigue: Causes and Solutions for Your Mom's Discomfort
Leg soreness? Hello, Dr. Chen! My mother has been experiencing leg fatigue for the past six months. She often complains of soreness after standing for a short while, feels tired after walking for just ten minutes, and her calves are particularly sore. What should we do, doctor? T...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. It may be due to lactic acid accumulation after exercise, or it could be degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with sciatic nerve compression. 2. For the former, you can soak your calves in...[Read More] Understanding Leg Fatigue: Causes and Solutions for Your Mom's Discomfort
Understanding Trigger Finger: Symptoms and Rehabilitation Options
Finger stiffness Hello, Director Chen! Four years ago, I had trigger finger in my right little finger, which was located near the palm and required a minor surgical procedure by an orthopedic doctor, followed by rehabilitation with wax therapy until I fully recovered. Recently, w...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. It may be a case of trigger finger. If you encounter this situation, do not use a hard grip, as it can lead to tendon strain. You should first soak your hand in warm water and gradually move it in t...[Read More] Understanding Trigger Finger: Symptoms and Rehabilitation Options
Effective Ways to Treat Ankle Sprains and Reduce Swelling
Ankle sprain Hello Director Chen: I sprained my ankle while walking 7 days ago, and a friend who practices folk remedies has assisted me, but the condition has not improved. How can I alleviate this swelling and pain? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Ligang: Here are my responses to your questions along with some suggestions. 1. During the acute phase, apply ice to the affected area and avoid exercising to prevent further injury. 2. In the chronic phase, you can use a contrast bath method: soak in warm water (below ...[Read More] Effective Ways to Treat Ankle Sprains and Reduce Swelling
Effective Wax Therapy Techniques for Hand Rehabilitation in Transport Workers
Therapeutic Heat in Rehabilitation Hello, Director Chen! I have been working in transportation for a long time, and my hands have been experiencing numbness due to lifting boxes of soy sauce. Last week, I went for rehabilitation and had paraffin wax therapy, which felt good. Coul...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello Sir: Here are the responses to your questions and some suggestions: 1. Numbness in both hands may be caused by carpal tunnel syndrome or ulnar nerve compression, and brain therapy has shown good results. 2. Paraffin therapy is typically conducted at temperatures between 52 ...[Read More] Effective Wax Therapy Techniques for Hand Rehabilitation in Transport Workers
Understanding Left Shoulder Blade Pain: Causes and Rehab Solutions
Pain in the left scapula? Hello, Dr. Chen! My left scapula is noticeably higher than the right side. Could this be causing frequent pain in my left scapula? The discomfort also extends to my arm and elbow joint. Can rehabilitation therapy help? What exercises can I do at home to ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions and to provide suggestions: 1. The left scapula is higher than the right side, commonly referred to as "winged scapula," which is caused by atrophy or weakness of the serratus anterior muscle. Performing half push-ups (with the lower...[Read More] Understanding Left Shoulder Blade Pain: Causes and Rehab Solutions
Understanding Reverse Exercises for Calf Pain Relief: Expert Insights
Regarding reverse motion? Hello, Director: I have been experiencing calf soreness, and during shortwave therapy, it felt very comfortable. The therapist taught me to perform reverse foot exercises at home by pressing my foot against the back of a chair and pushing it upward with ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss Zhu Jun: This is Nantou Hospital. I am responding to your questions and providing suggestions. 1. For muscle soreness, you can start with a warm water soak or apply a heat pack. 2. Begin with exercises for the antagonist muscles, such as moderate strength exercises...[Read More] Understanding Reverse Exercises for Calf Pain Relief: Expert Insights
Rehabilitation Options for Stroke Patients with Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
Stroke patients Hello Director Chen: My father has had two strokes over the past seven years, and now he walks as if he has cerebral palsy, with his arms and legs flailing. He does not use a cane and I am very worried about him having an accident. Can such a patient undergo rehab...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. Rehabilitation should be conducted by a rehabilitation specialist, and it is advisable to correct gait patterns. 2. Use a cane; do not avoid using it out of concern for appearance, as maintaining a proper gait is more important for safety and preventing falls, thereby avoiding...[Read More] Rehabilitation Options for Stroke Patients with Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
Understanding SSP Electrotherapy: Effectiveness and Safety Concerns
Electrotherapy Hello Dr. Chen: My mother is experiencing soreness in her left elbow joint, upper arm, and scapula. We took her for rehabilitation, and after SSP electrotherapy, the circular marks on her elbow joint and upper arm quickly disappeared, but the scapula left numerous ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Ms. Leono: In response to your question, I would like to provide the following suggestions: 1. SSP therapy consists of two components: the electrical current (with adjustable frequency and intensity) and the suction cup massage (with adjustable suction strength). 2. If there are ...[Read More] Understanding SSP Electrotherapy: Effectiveness and Safety Concerns
Dealing with Finger Injuries: When to See a Specialist for Recovery
The finger was hit by a ball? Hello, doctor. Two months ago, I was hit on my little finger while playing basketball. I purchased a topical anti-inflammatory gel from the pharmacy, but it hasn't been effective. I then went to a traditional Chinese medicine clinic for a month,...
Dr. Pan Yingda Reply:
Generally, a sprain takes about two weeks to heal, while a more severe one should heal within a month; two months is a bit long. Since you have already tried traditional Chinese medicine, I think it would be best to consult a rehabilitation specialist! (Orthopedics would likely o...[Read More] Dealing with Finger Injuries: When to See a Specialist for Recovery
Do I Have Uneven Legs? Understanding Footwear Wear Patterns and Solutions
Do I have leg length discrepancy? Hello, thank you for taking the time to answer my question. My issue is that when I used to wear high heels, I noticed that the heel of my right shoe was worn down unevenly, slanting to the right, but I didn't think much of it. Recently, I&#...
Dr. Pan Yingda Reply:
Hello, I apologize for missing your question. Your issue may not necessarily be due to leg length discrepancy, but it is certain that there is some imbalance between the two sides. Determining if you have a leg length discrepancy is simple; you can measure it with a tape measure....[Read More] Do I Have Uneven Legs? Understanding Footwear Wear Patterns and Solutions
Understanding Rehabilitation: Heat Therapy and Neck Treatment Guidelines
Rehabilitation issues? Hello, Director! My mother went for rehabilitation, and she got a burn with blisters from an overheating hot pack. Her neck is now being treated with infrared light. I would like to ask if it is necessary to use the infrared light for a full 15 minutes befo...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. A heat pack or infrared therapy for ten minutes is sufficient; adequate flexibility and circulation are achieved without needing 15 to 20 minutes. 2. Once the heat dissipates, the effect may diminish slightly, but the flexibility remains, and traction is still effective.[Read More] Understanding Rehabilitation: Heat Therapy and Neck Treatment Guidelines
Understanding Interferential Current Therapy: Is Skin Darkening Normal?
Interference wave Hello Director Chen: I am undergoing rehabilitation, and one of the treatments is interferential current therapy for my right arm (from the wrist to the elbow). The soreness has decreased somewhat, but my skin has turned dark black, which is quite alarming! Is t...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. This is not a normal reaction and may be due to the sponge on the electrode being dry. You can ask the therapist to moisten the sponge to prevent this phenomenon. 2. The current may be too high; you can ask the therapist to adjust the intensity.[Read More] Understanding Interferential Current Therapy: Is Skin Darkening Normal?
Understanding Wax Therapy: Addressing Concerns and Treatment Duration
Regarding wax therapy? Hello, Dr. Chen! After my mother had paraffin therapy on her left hand, her entire arm developed red patches that only disappeared the next day. Is this a negative effect? It has been three weeks, and her hand still frequently feels numb. Should she continu...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. This is a normal vascular response, which typically subsides in about 6 to 8 hours; it will not have any negative effects. 2. It may also be due to the wax treatment unit heating up (when the red light is on), reaching temperatures of 57°C (generally between 52°C and 57°C). 3....[Read More] Understanding Wax Therapy: Addressing Concerns and Treatment Duration
Is My Foot Pain After Basketball Plantar Fasciitis?
I injured my foot after exercising; could it be plantar fasciitis? I injured the fascia on the sole of my foot while playing basketball because I didn't warm up properly and wasn't wearing suitable shoes. It's been 2 to 3 months now, and it still hasn't healed...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. Fascia injuries are difficult to heal on their own due to their limited blood supply. 2. At home, you can soak in hot water (40-44°C) and perform stretching exercises for the calf muscles. 3. You may visit a rehabilitation department for deep heat therapy such as shortwave dia...[Read More] Is My Foot Pain After Basketball Plantar Fasciitis?
Effective Device Treatments for Insomnia: A Rehabilitation Perspective
Insomnia issues Hello Director Chen: Long-term insomnia affects my quality of life, and the sedatives I take are becoming increasingly stronger. I feel very groggy the next morning, which is quite bothersome. Are there any device-based treatments for insomnia? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
(1) The rehabilitation department has a magnetic field therapy device that can be adjusted to low frequencies for treatment, as its frequency is close to brain waves, making it effective for insomnia. (2) For those who tend to overthink, it is advisable to consult a psychiatrist ...[Read More] Effective Device Treatments for Insomnia: A Rehabilitation Perspective
Understanding Arm Pain: Causes and Rehabilitation Strategies
Arm pain Hello Director Chen: It seems that my left arm acts like a weather station; whenever the atmospheric pressure is about to drop, I start experiencing soreness from my wrist, which sometimes moves to my elbow joint, then extends up my upper arm to my scapula. It gets espec...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. You can visit the rehabilitation department for an examination, as there may be cervical nerve root compression, since the C5 and C6 nerve roots innervate the area from the scapula to the upper arm. 2. Treatments such as cervical heat therapy, electrical stimulation, and tract...[Read More] Understanding Arm Pain: Causes and Rehabilitation Strategies
Understanding Left Chest Muscle Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Left chest muscle pain? Hello Director Chen: I occasionally experience muscle cramps and sometimes sharp pain near the last two ribs below my left chest, close to the heart. I haven't had any collisions or injuries. Could you please advise what might be wrong? Thank you! Kos...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
There are three main possibilities: 1. It could be intercostal neuralgia, for which analgesics can be taken, and rehabilitation with laser therapy is recommended, along with performing exercises that involve raising both arms upward. 2. It may be a thoracic disc herniation; in th...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Muscle Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Cold Hands and Feet: Tips to Alleviate Cramps and Improve Circulation
Cold hands and feet, muscle cramps? Hello Director Chen: My hands and feet are always cold in winter. I exercise for one to two hours every day, but there has been no improvement. Occasionally, my feet cramp at night while I sleep, which is very bothersome. What can I do to impro...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. Perform pumping exercises for the upper and lower limbs, similar to the Eagle Claw technique, by slowly curling the toes or fingers; start from the distal ends and move towards the proximal ends, then gradually release the tension. 2. Soak your hands and feet in warm water (a...[Read More] Cold Hands and Feet: Tips to Alleviate Cramps and Improve Circulation
Effective Rehabilitation Treatments for Finger Injuries After Climbing
Finger injury Hello Dr. Chen! Last week I learned rock climbing, and I injured my fingers during the session. After applying heat and using ointment, my joints still feel strange. What rehabilitation treatments can help resolve this issue? Thank you for your response! Brit
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. Rock climbing places significant stress on the arms, fingers, and joints. If proper warm-up exercises are not performed, or if climbing is prolonged or too difficult, it can lead to strains of the tendons or joints. 2. If the acute phase has passed (for example, after 24 hou...[Read More] Effective Rehabilitation Treatments for Finger Injuries After Climbing
Quick Recovery Tips for Skiing Injuries: Managing Bruises and Pain
Bruise Hello, Dr. Chen! Six days ago, I went skiing at Nozawa Onsen in Japan. Due to my poor skills and being overly playful, I fell and experienced significant pain, resulting in a large bruise on my buttocks. What can I do to resolve this quickly? Thank you for your response!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. You can apply a warm compress for 10 minutes, but be careful to ensure that the skin does not have any open wounds, as this could lead to infection. 2. You can use ointments like "Xylocaine" to help dissolve the bruising, but also be cautious not to apply it on open ...[Read More] Quick Recovery Tips for Skiing Injuries: Managing Bruises and Pain