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?
Managing Chronic Knee Pain: Rehabilitation Options and Steroid Injections
Knee swelling and pain? Hello, doctor! A few years ago, my mother fell while standing on a chair to clean the windows, as the chair was unstable. She is unwilling to undergo surgery and has been seeking treatment from a chiropractor for inflammation and pain relief, as well as sp...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your question and provide the following suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, it is advisable to first conduct X-rays and joint ultrasound examinations to check for any unnoticed small fractures or ligament tears. 2. I...[Read More] Managing Chronic Knee Pain: Rehabilitation Options and Steroid Injections
Managing Mild Arthritis: Tips to Prevent Knee Deterioration
Arthritis Hello, doctor! I have mild arthritis in my knee. What can I do to prevent it from worsening? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Increase your intake of calcium (such as milk, small dried fish, and calcium supplements) and collagen (such as beef tendons and glucosamine supplements). 2. Engage in rehabilitation, focusing on d...[Read More] Managing Mild Arthritis: Tips to Prevent Knee Deterioration
How to Help Your Parent Manage Knee Pain Without Surgery
Knee pain My father has been experiencing knee pain for over two years, and every orthopedic surgeon has recommended joint replacement surgery. The older generation believes that undergoing surgery will deplete one's vital energy. What can helpless children do to assist him?...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your questions and provide the following recommendations: 1. If there is significant joint degeneration or wear, and you experience severe pain while walking, surgical intervention should be the primary approach. ...[Read More] How to Help Your Parent Manage Knee Pain Without Surgery
Understanding Knee Pain: Is Joint Replacement Necessary for Recovery?
Knee pain The elderly mother is experiencing significant knee pain in both legs, making it very difficult for her to walk. The orthopedic doctor has suggested a joint replacement. Is it absolutely necessary to undergo the surgery? Will rehabilitation not help? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. If the pain is severe, to the point where walking is painful, or if X-rays show that the cartilage space is absent (indicating severe degeneration), then surgical intervention should be considered ...[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain: Is Joint Replacement Necessary for Recovery?
Relief for Swollen Feet and Muscle Pain During Long Train Rides
Swollen feet and muscle pain? Hello, Dr. Chen! My grandfather and mother often take long train rides and frequently mention experiencing pain in the left side of their lower back, sometimes on the right side as well. They have poor blood circulation, which leads to swelling in th...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Elderly individuals often experience muscle shortening and poor circulation. Certain movements, such as "bringing the knees to the chest" and "raising the arms while gently twisting ...[Read More] Relief for Swollen Feet and Muscle Pain During Long Train Rides
Understanding Knee Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Young Adults
Knee pain Hello, doctor: Since elementary and middle school, I have been experiencing unexplained knee soreness. As I get older, this situation has become more frequent. However, I don't recall any injuries, and it's not due to walking or exercising that causes leg sore...
Dr. Zheng Shunping Reply:
In response to your question: Based on your symptom description, it is possible that you have patellofemoral pain syndrome, which often causes discomfort in the knee when bending, especially when going down stairs. Typically, gout rarely presents initially in the knee. I recommen...[Read More] Understanding Knee Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Young Adults
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
Improving Sleep Quality: Can Rehabilitation Help with Insomnia?
About Sleep Hello, Director Su! My sleep quality is very poor, and I have been suffering from long-term insomnia. I can fall asleep with medication, but I experience continuous vivid dreams. Can rehabilitation help improve this? Thank you!
Dr. Su Hongci Reply:
Poor sleep quality can lead to a lack of energy throughout the day and difficulty concentrating. When experiencing insomnia, it is essential to consider whether it is a symptom of another underlying condition; addressing the root cause is necessary rather than treating all insomn...[Read More] Improving Sleep Quality: Can Rehabilitation Help with Insomnia?
Understanding Leg Length Discrepancy vs. Scoliosis: Expert Insights
Leg length discrepancy Dear Director Chen: It seems that I have a leg length discrepancy. Two days ago, I experienced lower back pain and visited a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for spinal manipulation. The practitioner mentioned that my legs are of unequal length. Ho...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are the responses to your questions and some recommendations: 1. To determine if the lengths of both legs are equal, measure from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) while lying flat, extending through the center of the knee to ...[Read More] Understanding Leg Length Discrepancy vs. Scoliosis: Expert Insights
Managing Swelling and Pain After Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee redness and swelling? Hello, Director Su! The elderly lady had a knee arthroplasty two months ago, and her knee is still red and swollen. Can she apply ice to the swollen area around the artificial joint? Will this affect her walking in the future? Is rehabilitation possible...
Dr. Su Hongci Reply:
Degenerative arthritis is currently the most common reason for performing total joint replacement surgery. Knee osteoarthritis is a slowly progressive joint disease associated with aging, joint injuries, genetics, individual constitution, obesity, and overuse, typically occurring...[Read More] Managing Swelling and Pain After Knee Replacement Surgery
Understanding Morning Back Pain After Leg Stretching Exercises
Leg hugging exercise Hello Dr. Chen! Before getting out of bed in the morning, I perform a flexibility exercise by hugging my legs to my chest, first one leg at a time and then both legs together. It feels quite good while doing it, but after getting up, I experience soreness in ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. As age increases or if the lumbar muscles lack flexibility, it can lead to excessive lumbar lordosis, resulting in lower back pain. Additionally, insufficient mattress support can exacerbate these s...[Read More] Understanding Morning Back Pain After Leg Stretching Exercises
Managing Swelling After Knee Replacement: Ice Therapy and Rehab Tips
Artificial joint Hello Doctor: My grandmother had a joint replacement surgery at the beginning of June, and it has been almost two months, but her knee is still red and swollen. During her follow-up visit, the surgeon said it was fine, but since it's not his leg, of course, ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello: First, in response to your question, here are some suggestions: 1. After surgery, if the knee remains red and swollen, you can apply ice for about ten minutes; do not use heat for as long as twenty minutes, as it may cause reflex vasodilation, which can be counterproductiv...[Read More] Managing Swelling After Knee Replacement: Ice Therapy and Rehab Tips
Understanding Sudden Leg Weakness: Causes and Care Tips
Weak legs Hello, doctor! While walking on the street, I suddenly experience weakness in my legs. At first, I didn't think much of it, but now this phenomenon has become quite frequent. Could you please advise me on what might be causing this leg weakness and how I should tak...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello: Thank you for your question. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. It is possible that there may have been a previous injury to the knee or ankle. I recommend visiting a rehabilitation or orthopedic department at a medical center for a joint ultrasound examination to c...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Leg Weakness: Causes and Care Tips
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
Benefits of Leg Hug Exercises for Seniors: Addressing Flexibility Concerns
Leg Hug Exercise Hello, doctor! My mother, who is 55 years old, does leg-hugging exercises in the morning before getting up, but she is unable to touch her chest with her legs, whether doing it with one leg or both. She would like to know if her age is too old for this exercise. ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. The flexibility exercise of pulling the legs to the chest is intended to stretch the muscles of the lower back. This muscle group can become shortened and painful due to aging, strains, or prolonged po...[Read More] Benefits of Leg Hug Exercises for Seniors: Addressing Flexibility Concerns
Understanding Flat Feet in Toddlers: When to Seek Rehabilitation
Flatfoot Hello Director Chen: My nephew is one and a half years old, and when he walks, he waddles like a duck with flat feet. Is this flatfoot? Should he undergo physical therapy?
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. For a one-and-a-half-year-old child, walking with legs slightly apart and flat feet is a phenomenon indicating that balance has not yet been fully established. This is acceptable within the fi...[Read More] Understanding Flat Feet in Toddlers: When to Seek Rehabilitation
Managing Ankle Injuries After a Fall: Expert Advice for Recovery
Trip or stumble? Hello, Dr. Chen! This morning, while walking with my mother, she tripped over a sidewalk tile and quickly fell to her knees. At over 60 years old, she was unable to get back up. I was hesitant to pull her up, and afterward, she told me her knee hurt a lot and had...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. Kneeling and tripping can potentially strain the ligaments and tendons in the front of the ankle, including the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus. 2. ...[Read More] Managing Ankle Injuries After a Fall: Expert Advice for Recovery
Managing Knee Pain: Tips for Supporting Your Active Parent
Knee swelling and pain? Hello, doctor! My mother is 66 years old. A few years ago, she experienced swelling and pain in both knees. After several months of rehabilitation, the doctor recommended taking glucosamine, which she has been taking for a long time. Her condition improved...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my suggestions in response to your question: 1. Regarding medications, in addition to Fuzhengmei, you may consider supplementation with Glucosamine and Chondroitin. 2. Start with stretching exercises for the legs, using a forward lung...[Read More] Managing Knee Pain: Tips for Supporting Your Active Parent