Understanding Elbow Joint Issues: Rehabilitation Tips for Aging Hands
Elbow joint Dr. Chen, greetings! In my younger years, I worked hard and managed the household, like a candle burning at both ends. After work, I would pick up the children and handle household chores, fearing that a crying child might cause a hernia. I would carry them on my back...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
(1) Glucosamine strengthens the cartilage, while calcium supplements, milk, and small dried fish are used to support the hard bone. Both are not mutually exclusive. (2) It is best to undergo a nerve conduction study for the wrist to determine the location and severity before trea...[Read More] Understanding Elbow Joint Issues: Rehabilitation Tips for Aging Hands
Exploring Pilates Equipment for Rehabilitation and Core Strength
About Pilates equipment? Hello Director Chen! In our busy modern urban life, many people have areas that require mild rehabilitation. For instance, many office workers experience shoulder and neck tension due to prolonged sitting and computer use, leading to discomfort in the sho...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
(1) Pilates exercises are indeed beneficial for strengthening the core muscle groups, allowing patients to progressively control muscles from distal to proximal, which can lead to increased strength and stability. (2) Whether it can achieve aesthetic curves remains uncertain. (3)...[Read More] Exploring Pilates Equipment for Rehabilitation and Core Strength
Improving Sleep Quality: Rehabilitation Solutions for Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders Dear Dr. Chen, Since getting older, I have been very troubled by my sleep issues. I am hesitant to take sedatives because I worry that it will only worsen my condition. I am sensitive to light, noise, and any sound can affect my mood. Sometimes, even after finall...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
(1) Simple stretching exercises can be performed before bedtime, focusing on gentle stretches for the neck and lower back. (2) Drinking a glass of milk before bed can help stabilize mood. (3) Rehabilitation may include magnetic field therapy, which can be beneficial for insomnia.[Read More] Improving Sleep Quality: Rehabilitation Solutions for Sleep Disorders
Sudden Lower Back Pain: Is It Related to Kidney Issues?
Sudden lower back pain? Dear Dr. Pan, today I spent a long time on the computer, and after doing some stretching exercises, everything felt normal after taking a shower. However, around 1 AM when I was about to sleep, I noticed pain in my left elbow and the lower back on the righ...
Dr. Pan Yingda Reply:
Basically, it is not related to the kidneys. As for your elbow and lower back, I believe it is related to prolonged inactivity combined with poor posture. Since there is no obvious external force or injury, it should not be serious. Taking a warm bubble bath and doing some stretc...[Read More] Sudden Lower Back Pain: Is It Related to Kidney Issues?
Can Vibration Massagers Help Parents with Spinal Bone Spurs?
Hello... May I ask if the parents have bone spurs in their lower back..? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask if it would be beneficial for my parents, who have bone spurs in their lower back and have already seen a doctor, to use a vibrating massager for the lumbar region. Would ...
Dr. Pan Yingda Reply:
Hello, Zai Zai: I appreciate your filial piety. Since I am not aware of your parents' specific issues, I am unsure if my advice is appropriate. One principle is to avoid overly expensive options and to keep expectations reasonable. Additionally, if they feel comfortable usin...[Read More] Can Vibration Massagers Help Parents with Spinal Bone Spurs?
Understanding Stiff Neck: Causes, Prevention, and Effective Remedies
Stiff neck Hello Dr. Chen! I've been experiencing frequent neck stiffness lately, making it difficult to turn my head comfortably. What should I do about it now? How can I prevent it? A friend suggested using a memory foam pillow; is it effective? Thank you! Xiaoye
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
(1) Please apply a warm compress and massage the Jianjing point located between the second and third fingers on the back of the hand. (2) Choose an ergonomic pillow that can adequately support the cervical spine; a memory foam pillow may be effective. (3) Perform isometric exerci...[Read More] Understanding Stiff Neck: Causes, Prevention, and Effective Remedies
Understanding Shifting Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Lower back pain? Dear Dr. Pan, On June 12, I fell off my motorcycle, landing on my right side. That evening, I felt soreness in my right lower back, and of course, my buttocks were also painful. I had a bruise on my right thigh near the knee. After work that night, I went to a t...
Dr. Pan Yingda Reply:
A-Zheng: Hello, the pain can move around, and the most common reason for this is compensatory. Compensatory means that when one part of our body is injured and we avoid using it due to pain, the load or daily activities shift to other areas. As a result, areas that were originall...[Read More] Understanding Shifting Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Managing Myofascial Pain: Effective Treatments and Patient Insights
Myofascial Pain Hello, Doctor: I am 68 years old and have been experiencing pain in my hip. The pain occurs when I sit, but I do not feel pain when walking, running, or bending forward, backward, or sideways. The pain is located near the ischial tuberosity and I have been diagnos...
Dr. Pan Yingda Reply:
Hello: It seems that you have put a lot of effort into understanding your pain and have done considerable research. Personally, I don't think it resembles HIVD (Herniated Intervertebral Disc) or spinal stenosis. If the symptoms are not related to the load and movement of the...[Read More] Managing Myofascial Pain: Effective Treatments and Patient Insights
Understanding Recovery After ACL Injury: Common Concerns and Solutions
Rehabilitation Hello Doctor: At the end of January this year, I suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a fracture in my right knee due to a car accident. I had a metal plate inserted, and the doctor advised me to keep it immobilized for a month without bending or putting ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
(1) Generally, at one month post-injury, weight-bearing should be limited to 1/4 to 1/3 of body weight. The popping sound in the knee indicates ligament laxity, and strength training is necessary, focusing on both the anterior and posterior thigh muscles (important). (2) Rehabili...[Read More] Understanding Recovery After ACL Injury: Common Concerns and Solutions
Understanding Numbness in Toes and Its Possible Causes
Tingling in the toes? Doctor: Hello! Recently, whenever I sit down, I feel a strange sensation in my left buttock, and the front part of my left foot (near the big toe) becomes numb. Occasionally, the outer side of my left palm also experiences some numbness. Initially, this impr...
Dr. Zheng Shunping Reply:
In response to your question: Based on your description of symptoms, the widespread numbness you are experiencing may indicate certain specific neuropathies, which could be caused by diabetes, hereditary factors, autoimmune conditions, or other less common diseases. It is advisab...[Read More] Understanding Numbness in Toes and Its Possible Causes
Understanding Ankle Sprains: Recovery, MRI Insights, and Treatment Options
Ankle sprain from playing basketball? Hello, I have been experiencing discomfort in my ankle for eight months due to a sprain from playing basketball. I have seen an orthopedic doctor, had X-rays and blood tests done, and the doctor said my uric acid levels are normal and my bone...
Dr. Pan Yingda Reply:
Hello Adam: Basically, don't overthink your problem (since some basic examinations are fine), and there's no need for any special tests. Since it's a sprain, treatment should focus on that aspect. Besides medication, have you been "treating" your foot? Wh...[Read More] Understanding Ankle Sprains: Recovery, MRI Insights, and Treatment Options
Understanding Back Pain: Causes, Rehabilitation, and Self-Care Tips
Back pain 1. I experience pain when I press on the center of my back, but it doesn't hurt when I'm not pressing. I had a massage therapist work on it, and it felt better afterward, but the next day, pressing on that spot still causes pain. What could be the issue? I don...
Dr. Xu Zhenrong Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen, Based on your description and the nature of your work, it is likely that you are experiencing a muscle strain in your lower back due to frequently lifting heavy objects. This is not uncommon in activities or jobs that require regular lifting. In addition to managi...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain: Causes, Rehabilitation, and Self-Care Tips
Understanding Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Exercises
Lumbosacral spondylolisthesis of the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae? Hello, Doctor! For the past two to three months, I have been experiencing some discomfort in the lower part of my back, particularly when I bend over for a prolonged period. Sometimes, I feel a bit of pain in...
Dr. Xu Zhenrong Reply:
Hello JC: Based on the description of your X-ray, it is suspected that you have spondylolisthesis at the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. It is recommended that you consult a professional physical therapist to guide you in appropriate exercises. 1. Pulling up on a bar functio...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Exercises
Understanding Heel Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Heel pain Dear Dr. Cheng, Since early March, I have noticed tenderness in the back of my left heel (approximately 3 centimeters from the sole). Pressing this area when my foot is in a straight position causes increased pain. However, when I flex my foot, I do not feel any discom...
Dr. Zheng Shunping Reply:
In response to your question: Based on your symptom description, it is possible that you have plantar fasciitis, which often occurs due to prolonged standing at work or uneven pressure distribution from footwear. I recommend that you visit a rehabilitation specialist for a muscul...[Read More] Understanding Heel Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Which Specialist to Consult for Chronic Back and Joint Pain?
If you are experiencing lower back pain, you should consult a specialist in orthopedics or a chiropractor. Additionally, a visit to a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist may also be beneficial for managing pain and improving function? Hello Doctor: I have been experie...
Dr. Gao Zhenling Reply:
Hello Cindy: Your symptoms of back pain resemble those of ankylosing spondylitis; however, the knee pain and heel pain may not be related to this condition. I recommend that you visit the rehabilitation department for a thorough examination and rehabilitation treatment. Thank you...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Chronic Back and Joint Pain?
Understanding Upper Body and Lower Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Upper body to lower back pain? Dr. Chen: I would like to ask about some symptoms I've been experiencing. Recently, I've been feeling pain in my lower back when lying down to sleep. I also notice that pain radiates towards my groin and upper body when I turn over in bed....
Dr. Chen Jiali Reply:
Hello, based on your situation, you can consult a rehabilitation medicine specialist or an orthopedic doctor. Through a physician's interview and physical examination, it can be clarified whether the multiple areas of pain are due to one or more issues. Once a diagnosis is c...[Read More] Understanding Upper Body and Lower Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Daily Heel Pain: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
There is a point on my heel that feels like it's being pricked by a needle every day? Hello Doctor, my mother is 62 years old and has had a slightly misaligned spine with intermittent pain for many years. Two years ago, she underwent massage therapy, which reduced the freque...
Dr. Xu Zhenrong Reply:
Dear Yu Line, Regarding the interpretation of X-rays by orthopedic physicians, the so-called "heel pain" caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia is known as plantar fasciitis. The typical symptoms include heel pain that occurs after getting out of bed in the morni...[Read More] Daily Heel Pain: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
Improving Gait Issues: Addressing External Foot Wear and Hip Pain
Outward toeing Hello, I have a question regarding long-term wear on the outer side of the heel of my shoes. New shoes wear out quickly, and I tend to walk with my feet turned outward. I've also noticed that I can't squat down properly, my outer hips are sunken, and I of...
Dr. Xu Zhenrong Reply:
Hello, Ms. Dou Dou: First of all, the wear on the soles of your shoes is closely related to your posture and lifestyle habits. If you have a long-term issue with your legs being externally rotated, the outer side of the heel of your shoes will be more prone to wear. The external ...[Read More] Improving Gait Issues: Addressing External Foot Wear and Hip Pain
Understanding Side Hip Pain: Causes and Rehabilitation Options
The outer sides of the left and right buttocks often experience soreness? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing soreness in the outer sides of my hips (the area where my hands hang down when standing) and in the lower back near the hips. Whenever I sit for a while, I s...
Dr. Xu Zhenrong Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms you described, it is likely that they are caused by weakness and excessive tension in the muscles of the lower back. I recommend that you develop proper posture habits, use chairs with back support, and ideally use a lumbar cushion to enhance support....[Read More] Understanding Side Hip Pain: Causes and Rehabilitation Options
Managing Right-Sided Back Pain After Spine Surgery: Seeking Solutions
Sharp pain in the right side of the lower back? My mother is 51 years old and previously underwent surgery for a slipped disc in her lumbar spine, where screws were used to stabilize the vertebrae. It has been over five years since the surgery, and she has not experienced any sig...
Dr. Li Weiqiang Reply:
Hello: It seems that the situation is not straightforward, but further investigation is necessary to understand your aunt's condition. Could she come to my clinic for a detailed examination? I will then provide you with recommendations. Sincerely, Dr. Li Wei-Chiang, Rehabili...[Read More] Managing Right-Sided Back Pain After Spine Surgery: Seeking Solutions