Protecting Your Knees and Ankles While Walking Uphill and Downhill
Protection of the knee and ankle? When walking on steep slopes every day, I often see people walking backward uphill and downhill. My knees are not in great condition. Doctor, how can I walk up and down the mountain to protect my knees and ankles? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Walking backward focuses on using different muscles, allowing the original muscles to rest and preventing overexertion. 2. Climbing up and down hills engages the muscles more than walking on fla...[Read More] Protecting Your Knees and Ankles While Walking Uphill and Downhill
Effective Strategies for Managing Localized Lower Back Pain
Low back pain Dear Doctor: I have a localized pain in my lower back that sometimes occurs on the right side and occasionally on the left side. The pain is so severe that I struggle to get up after lying down and have difficulty turning over. What should I do? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. In reality, consider whether you have been overexerting yourself; if so, you should change your work methods and frequency. 2. If there is no evidence of overexertion, you should visit a hospital t...[Read More] Effective Strategies for Managing Localized Lower Back Pain
Understanding Muscle Pain: Causes and Solutions for Thigh Discomfort
Muscle pain The muscles in the back of your left thigh are experiencing cramping pain not only when standing but also when climbing stairs, sitting down, or squatting. I haven't engaged in any strenuous activities that could have caused this. What could be the reason for thi...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, it could be a biceps tendon strain or sciatica, and relevant physical or neurological examinations are needed for confirmation. 2. If it is a tendon issue, treatments such as...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Pain: Causes and Solutions for Thigh Discomfort
Effective Exercises for Herniated Discs: Can You Swim?
Herniated disc Hello, Director Su! I have been undergoing rehabilitation for a herniated disc for 3 months. What exercises can I do? Is swimming allowed? Thank you!
Dr. Su Hongci Reply:
Patients should engage in gentle stretching exercises or aquatic rehabilitation in addition to medication and physical therapy. It is essential to warm up before exercising and to avoid high-impact activities such as basketball and tennis, as well as heavy lifting and twisting mo...[Read More] Effective Exercises for Herniated Discs: Can You Swim?
Is Lower Back Pain Related to Sciatica Issues?
Lower back pain? Dear Doctor: Is lower back pain an indication of a problem with the sciatic nerve? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your questions and provide the following suggestions: 1. Most cases of lower back pain and discomfort are due to poor posture, heavy lifting, or prolonged sitting or squatting, which leads to muscle overuse and infl...[Read More] Is Lower Back Pain Related to Sciatica Issues?
Understanding Waist Stretching in Rehabilitation: When and How Much to Lift
Lower back strain Hello, Director! My mother is undergoing rehabilitation and has a lower back stretching program. I would like to ask, what is the basis for determining the starting weight for lower back stretching? At what point in rehabilitation can we consider stopping? Thank...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, the importance of weight training for the lower back starts at about 1/4 of body weight, increasing by 1 kg every two to three days until reaching 1/2 of body weight. 2. Howe...[Read More] Understanding Waist Stretching in Rehabilitation: When and How Much to Lift
Does Scoliosis Cause Uneven Shoulders? Can Sit-Ups Help?
Scoliosis Doctor, does scoliosis cause one shoulder to be higher than the other? Can doing sit-ups improve this condition? Thank you!
Dr. Su Hongci Reply:
The spine is the main structure of the human body, composed of seven cervical vertebrae, twelve thoracic vertebrae, five lumbar vertebrae, and four sacral vertebrae, arranged neatly from top to bottom. It should essentially form a straight line without any deviation. If there is ...[Read More] Does Scoliosis Cause Uneven Shoulders? Can Sit-Ups Help?
Is Lumbar Traction Safe for Sciatica and Herniated Discs?
Lumbar traction Dear Doctor: I have sciatica that radiates to my left lower limb, and it has been occurring frequently lately. I've heard that stretching the lower back can be effective. However, I have a hernia; is it safe for me to stretch my lower back?
Dr. Xu Zhenrong Reply:
Dear Mr. Confused, I am pleased to receive your letter and happy to provide you with answers. A hernia occurs due to a weakness or tear in the abdominal wall, leading to the protrusion of fatty tissue or organs, such as the intestines, through this defect. This is especially not...[Read More] Is Lumbar Traction Safe for Sciatica and Herniated Discs?
Do You Need Rehab for a Clavicle Fracture? Understanding Recovery and Risks
Clavicle fracture Hello, Director Su! I accidentally fell and fractured my clavicle because my palm hit the ground first. I am currently wearing a brace. Do I need rehabilitation? Will there be any long-term effects? Thank you!
Dr. Su Hongci Reply:
Clavicle fractures are one of the most common types of fractures. They typically heal well without the need for surgical intervention. Most cases can be managed by using a figure-of-eight shoulder strap to immobilize the shoulder in an upward and backward position. A triangular b...[Read More] Do You Need Rehab for a Clavicle Fracture? Understanding Recovery and Risks
Can Stretching Help Sciatica Pain with a Hernia?
Can a hernia cause back pain? I have sciatica that radiates to my left lower limb, and it has been frequently occurring lately. I've heard that stretching the lower back is effective. However, I have a hernia; is it safe for me to stretch my lower back?
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. Due to lumbar traction, abdominal pressure may increase, which can affect hernias; therefore, lumbar traction is not advisable at this time. Instead, you may consider strengthening deep tissue m...[Read More] Can Stretching Help Sciatica Pain with a Hernia?
Effective Exercises to Correct Uneven Shoulders: A Rehab Guide
Shoulder height discrepancy issue? My shoulders are noticeably uneven, with the right side higher than the left. What exercises can help improve this? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions: 1. It is essential to first check for the presence of scoliosis. A preliminary examination involves observing the individual bending forward naturally, while...[Read More] Effective Exercises to Correct Uneven Shoulders: A Rehab Guide
Effective Strategies to Alleviate Muscle Pain from Prolonged Sitting or Standing
soreness Hello, doctor! My mother says that after standing for a while (about 30 minutes), her legs feel sore, and after sitting for a long time, she experiences back pain. When lying down for an extended period, unless she falls asleep, she still feels uncomfortable. What can be...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. This is a phenomenon of muscle aging and shortening, caused by maintaining the same posture for an extended period, which leads to the constriction of local small blood vessels and insufficient bloo...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Alleviate Muscle Pain from Prolonged Sitting or Standing
Is Yoga Safe for My 60-Year-Old Mom with Back Pain?
Yoga issues? My mother often experiences lower back pain. I have a niece who is a yoga instructor and wants to help her. My 60-year-old mother would like to ask the doctor: Is it advisable for her to try yoga? Thank you for your guidance!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, ma'am: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. For a 60-year-old woman experiencing lower back pain, it is important to consider issues such as lumbar degeneration, osteoporosis, shortened back muscles, and poor circulation. 2. When p...[Read More] Is Yoga Safe for My 60-Year-Old Mom with Back Pain?
How to Alleviate Tightness and Pain in the Thigh Muscle
Tightness in the thigh muscles? Hello, doctor! Recently, I've been experiencing tightness in my left posterior thigh, and there's some pain when I walk. What can I do to avoid this? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. a. The primary muscle on the back of the thigh is the biceps femoris. If there has been a previous strain that was not fully treated, it may lead to muscle spasms. b. Compression of the first sacr...[Read More] How to Alleviate Tightness and Pain in the Thigh Muscle
Understanding Chronic Lower Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Low back pain? I would like to ask: I previously injured my lower back while playing basketball, but it wasn't severe, so I didn't seek medical attention. After a few days, it returned to normal. However, since that incident, I have been experiencing lower back pain eas...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions: 1. In practical terms, there are typically two areas that could be injured in the lower back. The first is a strain of the "quadratus lumborum" musc...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Lower Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
How to Treat Swelling and Pain on the Back of the Hand After Injury
Swelling and pain in the back of the hand? My father injured the back of his left hand while working, resulting in swelling and pain. What should we do? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your question and provide the following recommendations: 1. A physical examination and X-rays should be performed first to confirm whether there is a fracture. If a fracture is present, consult an orthopedic speciali...[Read More] How to Treat Swelling and Pain on the Back of the Hand After Injury
Managing Pain and Recovery After a Fall: Tips for Rehabilitation
Bruise Hello, doctor! Today I went canyoning and fell, hitting the right side of my lower back against a rock. The pain was so intense that I couldn't get up. The emergency room doctor reviewed the X-rays and said there was no major injury, but I believe I have injured my co...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. It is important to consider the impact point of the force <magnitude and area of force> and the conduction of the force <up to which lumbar vertebra>, so the management can be div...[Read More] Managing Pain and Recovery After a Fall: Tips for Rehabilitation
Understanding Hand Numbness and Muscle Atrophy: Diagnosis and Treatment
Numbness in the back of the hand and muscle atrophy? I have numbness in the back of my left hand, and there is muscle atrophy between my thumb and index finger. It feels very sore when I hold a newspaper or chopsticks, and I even drop them. How should I be examined and treated?
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. The muscles on the back of the hand and between the thumb and index finger are innervated by the radial nerve. The compression point may originate from the sixth cervical nerve root or from the radial ...[Read More] Understanding Hand Numbness and Muscle Atrophy: Diagnosis and Treatment
Optimal Sleeping Positions for Comfort and Health: A Guide
Healthy sleeping positions Hello, doctor! Could you please advise on how to position my head, arms, and legs while sleeping on my stomach for better comfort and health? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions regarding your question: 1. Sleeping on your stomach can be beneficial for muscle relaxation, but there are two issues that need to be addressed: A. There may be a feeling of pressure on the ches...[Read More] Optimal Sleeping Positions for Comfort and Health: A Guide
Understanding Lumbar Rehabilitation: Conditions That Benefit from Stretching
Lower back pain I have very little knowledge about rehabilitation. What conditions can lead to lower back pain? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your question and provide the following recommendations: 1. Lumbar traction, referred to as "pulling the lower back," should not be performed solely for back pain; it is indicated when there are symptoms of ...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Rehabilitation: Conditions That Benefit from Stretching