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
Can Rehabilitation Help Relieve Piriformis Muscle Pain?
Muscle pain Hello, Director Su! My mother has been experiencing frequent pain in the left thigh muscle near the hip during her morning walks. The doctor mentioned that there is an issue with the piriformis muscle. Can rehabilitation therapy help resolve this? Thank you!
Dr. Su Hongci Reply:
Piriformis syndrome, also known as pseudo-sciatica, occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or injured within the pelvis, potentially due to tumors, fractures, or during gluteal injections. The sciatic nerve passes through the piriformis muscle in the buttock, and it can some...[Read More] Can Rehabilitation Help Relieve Piriformis Muscle Pain?
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
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
Managing Scoliosis in Seniors: Non-Surgical Options for Relief
Scoliosis My grandmother is 70 years old and has had noticeable scoliosis for several years, often experiencing back pain. She goes to physical therapy every day, but recently her back has become more hunched, and she needs to rely on a cane to walk. What can be done to prevent f...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. It is important to enhance the intake of calcium and collagen through food and supplements, such as glucosamine. 2. The use of assistive devices should be considered based on the degree of curvatur...[Read More] Managing Scoliosis in Seniors: Non-Surgical Options for Relief
Can Rehabilitation Treatments Help with Sleep Issues?
Sleep issues Hello, Director: The work pressure has caused me frequent insomnia. I've heard that rehabilitation treatments using magnetic field therapy can help improve this? Is acupuncture also a viable treatment? Thank you for your response!
Dr. Su Hongci Reply:
When dealing with insomnia, it is important to first consider whether it is a symptom of another underlying condition. It may be necessary to address the root problem rather than treating all insomnia solely with sleeping medications. A sleep study can be conducted to identify an...[Read More] Can Rehabilitation Treatments Help with Sleep Issues?
Is It Sciatica? Understanding Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Could you please tell me if this is sciatica? I am 60 years old and have had diabetes for many years, which I manage with medication. Recently, I have been experiencing pain from the outer side of my hip down to my thigh, and the pain can last all day. Sometimes my calf also hurt...
Dr. Su Hongci Reply:
Sciatica is a symptom that can be caused by various factors, and identifying the exact cause is essential for appropriate treatment. The sciatic nerve is a large nerve in the lower limb, formed by the fourth and fifth lumbar nerves and the first three sacral nerves. It passes thr...[Read More] Is It Sciatica? Understanding Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding Bone Density Issues: Factors Behind Fractures in Seniors
Bone density issues? Hello, Director Chen! My mother is 65 years old and has always had a habit of walking and taking good care of herself. She has been taking supplements like calcium and vitamin D without missing any. Earlier this year, she had a bone density test, and there wa...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello: Thank you for your inquiry. Here is my response to your question along with an analysis: 1. Possible factors include: 1. Cerebral atrophy and poor balance 2. Osteoporosis 3. Degeneration of the hip and knee joints 4. Muscle insufficiency. 2. Bone densit...[Read More] Understanding Bone Density Issues: Factors Behind Fractures in Seniors
Rehabilitation Options for Old Thumb Injuries: A Guide
Old injury of the thumb Hello, Dr. Chen! Several years ago, my mother fractured her right big toe when she missed a step while going down the stairs. She was taken to a plastic surgery hospital where the doctor performed a meticulous suturing surgery. After more than a decade, sh...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello Ms. Wen-Juan: 1. In response to your question, if you have been experiencing pain for over a decade, it could potentially be due to rheumatic pain or gouty arthritis, and a differential diagnosis is necessary. For the latter, a blood test can be conducted to check the uri...[Read More] Rehabilitation Options for Old Thumb Injuries: A Guide
Can Shortwave Therapy for Leg Pain Be Applied to the Calf Instead of the Knee?
Shortwave therapy Hello Director Chen: My mother went for rehabilitation due to leg fatigue, and one of the treatments she received was shortwave therapy, which was applied to her knee area. However, the pain on the outer side of her calf has not subsided. Is it necessary for sho...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Here are the responses to your questions and suggestions: 1. The shortwave therapy can be applied to the calf area instead of being limited to the knee region. 2. It is important to ensure that the towel used for padding is smooth and flat, as this will allow for more...[Read More] Can Shortwave Therapy for Leg Pain Be Applied to the Calf Instead of the Knee?
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
Understanding Knee Issues: Rehabilitation for Seniors After Injury
Knee issues Hello, Dr. Chen! My mother is 67 years old. Six months ago, she fell while walking and fractured her right leg at the knee. Was this caused by severe bone loss? The orthopedic surgeon provided appropriate surgical treatment but did not replace her knee with a prosthet...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. Decreased balance, muscle atrophy, and osteoporosis in the elderly are the main causes of falls. 2. It is recommended to visit a rehabilitation department for deep heat therapy and electrical stimulation, as well as to train thigh muscle strength for quicker recovery. 3. It is...[Read More] Understanding Knee Issues: Rehabilitation for Seniors After Injury
Understanding and Managing Pain on the Top of Your Foot During Walking
Dorsal foot pain? Hello, Director! Recently, while walking, I often experience sharp pain in the dorsum of my left foot, which prevents me from continuing to walk. What could be the issue? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
(1) There are two possible causes: 1. Inflammation due to overuse of the foot muscles (extensor digitorum longus). 2. Herniation of the intervertebral disc at the fifth lumbar vertebra, which compresses the nerve root. (2) For the first condition, rest is necessary, and ice shoul...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Pain on the Top of Your Foot During Walking
Post-Fracture Care: Essential Tips for Recovery After a Car Accident
Fracture Hello Director Chen! My mother had a car accident and fractured her left leg, which has been put in a cast. Since she is over 50 years old, I am very concerned about how this will affect her ability to walk normally in the future. I would like to ask Director Chen: how s...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. The cast can be removed after 6-8 weeks and replaced with a brace, allowing for early initiation of rehabilitation and strength training. 2. If the wound has not healed, treatments such as laser therapy and ultrasound can be utilized; once the wound has healed, hydrotherapy ca...[Read More] Post-Fracture Care: Essential Tips for Recovery After a Car Accident
Understanding Floating Sensation While Walking After Spinal Injury
There is a feeling of sinking while walking? Hello, Director Pan. I recently suffered a spinal injury from a fall, but there are no fractures. I've noticed a sensation of instability while walking, and my erections are not firm. The doctor also observed that the knee and ank...
Dr. Pan Yingda Reply:
Basically, the diagnosis of spinal cord compression primarily relies on symptoms and physical examination. Evoked potentials and imaging studies serve only to confirm our previous hypotheses. The "floating sensation while walking" is a subjective feeling; I am not entir...[Read More] Understanding Floating Sensation While Walking After Spinal Injury
Intercostal Muscle Strain or Rib Injury? Understanding Your Pain
Intercostal muscle strain? Hello, Doctor! I have pain in my left rib area, specifically in the 2nd and 3rd ribs from the waist up, which started after jumping. It hurts when I turn over in bed and when I get up. Could this be an intercostal muscle strain or a rib injury or fractu...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. It may be an intercostal muscle or external oblique muscle strain, which can lead to linear rib fractures in severe cases. An X-ray (in lateral and oblique views) can confirm this. 2. Topical ointments and adhesive patches can be applied to the affected area, and rehabilitati...[Read More] Intercostal Muscle Strain or Rib Injury? Understanding Your Pain
Rehabilitation Tips for Left Arm Fracture Recovery After Accident
Left arm fracture? Hello Dr. Zheng, 1. In July of this year, I was involved in a car accident and fractured my left arm. When I stand, I can only raise my left arm to about 120 degrees. The doctor advised me to use the wall to assist with upward movement, but my left arm has not...
Dr. Zheng Shunping Reply:
In response to your question: Based on your symptom description, it appears that you have a fracture near the left humeral shoulder joint. Generally, post-surgery, you will need to undergo progressive rehabilitation therapy to improve joint stiffness. It is advisable to discuss y...[Read More] Rehabilitation Tips for Left Arm Fracture Recovery After Accident
Effective Rehabilitation Strategies After Patellar Fracture Recovery
Patellar injury? Hello, Director Chen! I injured my left knee patella due to a fall and had it in a cast for 6 weeks. After the cast is removed, what would be the best way to rehabilitate? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. If the wound is not healed, laser and ultrasound therapy (from the outside) can be used initially, along with strengthening exercises for the thigh muscles. 2. Once the wound has healed, hydrotherapy can be added to improve flexibility, gradually increasing weight-bearing on t...[Read More] Effective Rehabilitation Strategies After Patellar Fracture Recovery
Understanding Herniated Discs: Safe Traction Techniques and Precautions
Herniated disc Hello, Director! I am currently undergoing rehabilitation for a herniated disc and would like to ask some related questions. If lumbar traction is not performed correctly, could it cause nerve damage or other side effects? Under what physical conditions should trac...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. If the patient has osteoporosis, compression fractures, or free-floating cartilage, it may lead to nerve damage. 2. If there is an increase in numbness or pain in the lower extremities, traction should be discontinued. 3. Activities such as pull-ups are not suitable; lumbar tr...[Read More] Understanding Herniated Discs: Safe Traction Techniques and Precautions
Preventing Elbow Dislocation: Tips for Safe Recovery and Rehabilitation
Elbow dislocation Hello, Dr. Chen! Two months ago, I dislocated my elbow due to a fall, but fortunately, there were no associated fractures. I used a sling to immobilize my elbow and have rested for several weeks. However, I still have lingering fears. Could you please advise me ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
(1) After an elbow dislocation, the ligaments may become elongated, increasing the likelihood of future dislocations. (2) Regularly applying heat to the area, stretching the muscles, strengthening the muscle groups above and below the elbow, warming up before exercise, and wearin...[Read More] Preventing Elbow Dislocation: Tips for Safe Recovery and Rehabilitation