Can Patients with Artificial Joints Use Hydrotherapy and Hot Tubs?
Artificial joint Dear Director Chen: Can patients with artificial joints undergo hydrotherapy? Is it safe to use a home hot tub? Thank you for your response!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. After total joint replacement surgery, wound healing is essential, and hydrotherapy is recommended as it can enhance joint mobility and facilitate strength training. 2. Hydrotherapy often leads to ex...[Read More] Can Patients with Artificial Joints Use Hydrotherapy and Hot Tubs?
Can Physical Therapy Help Relieve My Mother's Back Pain?
Lower back pain? Hello, Dr. Su! My mother is 42 years old and has been experiencing lower back pain and discomfort for the past few days. It takes her several minutes to get out of bed in the morning, and she struggles with the movements. Once she gets up, she moves like a robot....
Dr. Su Hongci Reply:
Lower back pain refers to pain located below the lower edge of the rib cage, often radiating to the buttocks and legs. Some individuals may experience severe pain that makes walking difficult, accompanied by thigh cramps, while others may have a dull ache that makes sitting or st...[Read More] Can Physical Therapy Help Relieve My Mother's Back Pain?
Best Aerobic Exercises for Parents Over 60 Beyond Walking
Aerobic exercise For parents around 60 years old, in addition to their regular morning walks, other suitable aerobic exercises include swimming, cycling, low-impact aerobics, and dancing. These activities are gentle on the joints while still providing cardiovascular benefits. It&...
Dr. Pan Yingda Reply:
Aerobic exercise can sometimes be difficult to quantify. Essentially, I tell my patients to walk briskly, feel their heart rate increase, and sweat for a duration of 30 minutes. For a more precise measurement, they can monitor their heart rate. For a 60-year-old individual, when ...[Read More] Best Aerobic Exercises for Parents Over 60 Beyond Walking
Understanding Back of Hand Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Pain in the back of the hand? Hello Doctor: I accidentally lifted something with a bit of weight, and suddenly my left hand felt like it went numb. It hurts a lot even with slight touch. Could I have injured a ligament? How should I handle this? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. It may be an injury to the "common extensor tendon" or the "extensor indicis tendon." During the acute phase characterized by pain, redness, and swelling, you can apply ice ...[Read More] Understanding Back of Hand Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Can Seniors with Osteoarthritis Swim? Tips for Joint Care and Maintenance
Degenerative arthritis Can elderly individuals with osteoarthritis swim? How should they maintain their health on a daily basis? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. Osteoarthritis, aside from age factors, is often caused by long-term overuse or excessive stress on the joints. 2. Therefore, swimming is an ideal exercise, as it reduces weight-bearing in water...[Read More] Can Seniors with Osteoarthritis Swim? Tips for Joint Care and Maintenance
Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis: Relief Strategies for Seniors
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello, doctor! My 60-year-old mother is suffering from rheumatoid arthritis with joint swelling, pain, and stiffness. What can be done to alleviate her symptoms? Is this type of arthritis curable? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are the responses to your questions and some recommendations: 1. Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition caused by a malfunctioning immune system, leading to a series of inflammatory and complement responses that result in joint damage. 2. ...[Read More] Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis: Relief Strategies for Seniors
Understanding Sudden Upper Arm Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Pain in the upper arm? Hello Doctor: My left upper arm suddenly cannot wring out a towel; it becomes very sore with just a little effort. It has been like this for two days and hasn't improved. Could this be due to overuse or improper use? What would be the best way to handl...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions regarding your issue: 1. It may be due to tennis elbow (tendinitis) that has not healed, exacerbated by repetitive overuse. 2. When wringing out a towel, you can place the towel over the faucet and use yo...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Upper Arm Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Rehabilitation Options for Relief
Finger joint pain Hello, doctor! My finger joints often hurt to the point that I can't straighten them, and both hands are affected. I'm not sure if it's gout or trigger finger. Can I undergo rehabilitation? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. Gout typically causes "redness, swelling, heat, and pain," and there will be an elevated uric acid level in the blood. During an acute phase, it is advisable to apply ice, rest, and take ...[Read More] Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Rehabilitation Options for Relief
Effective Rehabilitation for Shoulder Pain: Quick Relief Strategies
Shoulder pain Hello, doctor! I am a businessman and often lift heavy objects, which frequently causes soreness in my shoulders and arms. A few days ago, I tried cupping therapy with a friend, but this traditional remedy did not show significant results. Can physical therapy help ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your questions and provide the following suggestions: 1. The most important treatment is **rest**. Repeated injuries can lead to chronic damage, which is difficult to treat due to poor local circulation and pot...[Read More] Effective Rehabilitation for Shoulder Pain: Quick Relief Strategies
Managing Gout: Can Rehabilitation Help Relieve Joint Pain?
Gout Hello Director Chen: I read on a website explaining gout that the uric acid (UA) level for women should not exceed 6. My UA level from last week's health check was 6.2, with the reference range being 2.6-7.6 mg/dL. I'm unsure if I'm overreacting, as I sometime...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Before menopause, female hormones help in the excretion of uric acid, which is why women generally experience gout less frequently. By paying attention to diet, uric acid levels in urine can be reduced....[Read More] Managing Gout: Can Rehabilitation Help Relieve Joint Pain?
Understanding Right Side Lower Back Pain: Causes and Prevention Tips
Right flank pain? Hello, Director Chen! I have been experiencing pain in the lower right back, just above the pelvis, and in the muscles around the right rib cage for the past couple of days. The pain is so severe that I cannot sit or lie on my right side. Could this pain be rela...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses to your questions along with some suggestions: 1. Typing for extended periods or maintaining an incorrect posture can lead to back pain and tension. Your symptoms are likely due to overuse of the lumbar muscles. 2. ...[Read More] Understanding Right Side Lower Back Pain: Causes and Prevention Tips
Understanding Ankle and Knee Pain in Seniors: When to Seek Help
Ankle and knee pain? Hello Dr. Chen: My mother goes for a walk up the mountain every morning. She knows that she can climb stairs going up, and takes a longer route going down to protect her knees. Recently, she has been experiencing sudden pain near her right ankle, and also pai...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions regarding your question: 1. Elderly individuals often experience muscle weakness (slight atrophy). Climbing mountains requires significantly more effort from the muscles compared to walking on flat ground. ...[Read More] Understanding Ankle and Knee Pain in Seniors: When to Seek Help
Understanding Sudden Pain and Swelling in the Middle Finger Joint
Swelling and pain in the middle finger joint? Hello, doctor! A few days ago, the first joint of my right middle finger suddenly became painful and swollen. I haven't lifted anything heavy, nor have I twisted it or sustained any other injury; it just started hurting for no ap...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. It is possible that the joints have been overused, leading to a chronic condition. Sudden use can result in pain. 2. Painful arthritis can be evaluated by checking for elevated levels of uric acid a...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Pain and Swelling in the Middle Finger Joint
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
Effective Treatment Options for Chronic Buttock Pain: Is Radiofrequency Ablation the Answer?
Hip pain Hello Dr. Su, I have been experiencing pain in my buttocks for over a year. The pain occurs only when sitting and is absent when I am not sitting. I have been diagnosed with Myofascial Pain and have undergone all forms of physical therapy, including heat therapy, tractio...
Dr. Su Hongci Reply:
Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is simply defined as the phenomenon of muscle pain in the skeletal muscles due to "overuse," along with various accompanying clinical symptoms. However, this condition is not an inflammatory response of the muscle itself; rather, it is cau...[Read More] Effective Treatment Options for Chronic Buttock Pain: Is Radiofrequency Ablation the Answer?
Effective Strategies to Alleviate Calf Pain During Rehabilitation
Calf pain? Hello, Director Chen! My outer calf muscles hurt after standing for an hour, and I experience soreness when walking at a slower pace. The pain intensifies significantly after walking more than 4 or 5 kilometers. I have been undergoing rehabilitation for three weeks, an...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen: Here are my suggestions for you: 1. At home, in addition to applying heat and ointments, you can perform acupressure on the Yanglingquan point located about one inch below the head of the fibula on the outer side of the calf, as well as on the fourth and fifth met...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Alleviate Calf Pain During Rehabilitation
Managing Left Knee Pain: Rehabilitation Options for Active Seniors
Left knee pain? Hello Director Chen: My mother is 60 years old, very healthy, and loves to exercise. She takes a bone health supplement made in Italy every day. Recently, she has experienced issues with her left knee, as if there is no synovial fluid between the bones, causing th...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. Knee joint degeneration primarily focuses on rehabilitation. In addition to deep heat therapy and electrical therapy, strength training should also be included. Women should train to bear a weight of 3.5 kg to protect the joints and slow down degeneration. 2. OsteoCare shoul...[Read More] Managing Left Knee Pain: Rehabilitation Options for Active Seniors
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
Understanding Gout: How Irregular Sleep Affects Your Condition
The last time? I would like to learn more about my mild gout. Recently, my sleep schedule has been irregular. Could this be affecting my condition? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Zheng Shunping Reply:
In general, gout commonly affects the toe joints or other joints in the limbs, and it is very rare for it to occur in peripheral areas such as the armpits.[Read More] Understanding Gout: How Irregular Sleep Affects Your Condition
Understanding Cervical Spondylosis: Treatment Options for Vertebral Artery Type
Cervical spondylosis Doctor, it seems that cervical spine disorders have many types, and among them, the vertebral artery type is treated differently in rehabilitation medicine. Given my age, it might be caused by a small facet joint dislocation due to a history of trauma, right?...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. You can be referred to our Rehabilitation Department for an MRI. 2. X-rays of the facet joints should be able to reveal the condition. 3. For cervical spine disorders, the same treatment includes heat therapy and electrical stimulation. Whether traction and manual therapy ...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Spondylosis: Treatment Options for Vertebral Artery Type