Should You Wear Knee Braces During Rehabilitation? Expert Insights
Knee brace issues? Hello Dr. Pan: I previously purchased two knee braces. My condition is that I have undergone reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament and lateral collateral ligament in my right knee, and the surgery is complete. I am now preparing to start some muscle...
Dr. Pan Yingda Reply:
Your considerations are correct. How long has it been since your surgery? Generally, after more than three months, the strength of the surgically repaired tissue should be adequate. Braces are designed to protect our injured or vulnerable tissues and provide support to muscles th...[Read More] Should You Wear Knee Braces During Rehabilitation? Expert Insights
Understanding Numbness Along the Spine: Causes and Treatment Options
The entire muscle on the right side of the spine is "numb." The following areas have been experiencing numbness for the past 1-2 months: 1. The muscle on the right side of the spine - starting from the shoulder and extending down to the right hip, including the outer si...
Dr. Xu Zhenrong Reply:
Hello Athena readers, peripheral nerve compression can lead to symptoms such as pain, tingling, or burning sensations, and may sometimes be accompanied by muscle atrophy and the absence of tendon reflexes. The sensations of pain and tingling are subjective experiences that can va...[Read More] Understanding Numbness Along the Spine: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Abnormal Reflexes and Related Symptoms in Rehabilitation
Abnormality Hello, Director Pan. Continuing from the previous question, the reflexes in my upper and lower limbs are different in strength. The doctor said my hand reflexes are fine, but my knee reflexes are quite pronounced. Is this considered normal? However, he mentioned that ...
Dr. Pan Yingda Reply:
How did you come to think of prostatitis? It's not common in young people! Is the "abnormal" condition you described only occurring after an injury? The evidence you mentioned seems rather weak. If the bones are fine, the chances of injuring the spinal cord are low...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Reflexes and Related Symptoms in Rehabilitation
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
Effective Solutions for Sudden Left Lower Back Pain
Left flank pain? Hello, Dr. Chen! I suddenly experienced pain in my left lower back while standing, and it still hurts when I sit down or lie down. I tried applying heat and using a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, but the relief lasts only about 30 minutes before th...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. It may be due to lumbar disc herniation and overuse of the lumbar muscles. 2. You can visit the rehabilitation department for heat therapy and lumbar traction, and obtain educational pamphlets to learn how to perform exercises and stretches for the lumbar and back muscles. 3. ...[Read More] Effective Solutions for Sudden Left Lower Back Pain
Managing Medial Tendonitis: Rehabilitation Strategies for Hikers
Medial tendonitis of the knee Hello Director Chen! I have been hiking for over 20 years, and recently I've been experiencing difficulty going downhill. When descending, the muscles on the inner thigh must contract to help control the downward momentum, which often leads to m...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. This is an inflammation of the palmaris longus tendon, which can be treated with heat therapy during the chronic phase. 2. Refer to the rehabilitation department for ultrasound, shortwave therapy, and electrical stimulation.[Read More] Managing Medial Tendonitis: Rehabilitation Strategies for Hikers
Can Rehabilitation Improve Knee Cartilage Degeneration and Muscle Atrophy?
Knee joint cartilage degeneration? Hello, Director Chen. After reviewing the orthopedic evaluation, the physician mentioned that there is cartilage degeneration in the knee joint, which has led to muscle atrophy in the thigh. Can rehabilitation improve this condition? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. You can go to the rehabilitation department for shortwave and ultrasound therapy. 2. It is necessary to strengthen thigh muscle exercises to prevent atrophy, and electrical stimulation should be performed. 3. You may take medications such as glucosamine to slow down the de...[Read More] Can Rehabilitation Improve Knee Cartilage Degeneration and Muscle Atrophy?
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 William's Exercises for Taekwondo Injury Prevention
Taekwondo Sports Injuries Hello Director Chen! Thank you for your response! 【It is advisable to perform Williams exercises and strength training before exercising.】 May I ask: what are Williams exercises? Thank you! Rosey
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. Williams exercises are strengthening exercises for the lumbar muscles and stretching exercises for the back muscles. 2. (1) For example, lying down and hugging the knees to the chest (hold for ten seconds), alternating knee hugs, and simultaneously hugging both knees. (2) Pe...[Read More] Understanding William's Exercises for Taekwondo Injury Prevention
Understanding Jumper's Knee: Rehabilitation Tips for Young Athletes
Jumper's knee Hello Doctor: My 15-year-old son loves sports, including running, playing ball, and skating. He may have overexerted himself, as he has recently experienced tenderness, especially with jumping or running, and has a sharp pain below the knee. The doctor mentione...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. Jumper's Knee is one of the most common chronic sports injuries. 2. At home, apply heat therapy, and wear a knee brace when going out. 3. Rehabilitation should include shortwave diathermy, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation, along with strengthening exercises for the ...[Read More] Understanding Jumper's Knee: Rehabilitation Tips for Young Athletes
Effective Treatments for Taekwondo-Related Injuries: Focus on Ankles and Back
Sports injuries Hello, Director Chen! I have been practicing Taekwondo for 10 years without any major issues. I understand that Taekwondo involves a lot of kicking, which can lead to sports injuries, particularly in the ankles, knees, or lower back. After all, even a normal perso...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. In the acute phase, apply ice and rest. 2. In the subacute phase, heat therapy, electrical stimulation, and shortwave or laser treatments can be initiated. 3. It is advisable to perform Williams exercises and strength training before engaging in physical activity.[Read More] Effective Treatments for Taekwondo-Related Injuries: Focus on Ankles and Back
Choosing the Best Knee Brace for Osteoarthritis Relief and Support
The use of knee braces? Hello, Director Chen! I have osteoarthritis. Which type of knee brace is best to use? I would like to walk with less pain and to avoid increasing the pressure on my knee joints. Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. For general osteoarthritis, a standard knee sleeve with some elasticity and support is sufficient. 2. If there is insufficient thigh muscle strength, in addition to strengthening exercises, a knee sleeve with a knee cap may be used. 3. If there is damage to ligaments or ca...[Read More] Choosing the Best Knee Brace for Osteoarthritis Relief and Support
Managing Knee Pain: When to Stop Running and Seek Rehab
Knee pain Hello Dr. Chen: I experience pain at the lower end of my kneecap when jogging. After consulting medical literature, the symptoms seem to indicate inflammation of the knee ligaments. Following the book's instructions, I applied ice packs first, then used anti-inflam...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. Knee pain may be caused by patellar tendonitis, chondromalacia, ligament sprains, etc. It is advisable to stop running and weight training. 2. Rehabilitation may include deep heat therapy and electrical stimulation to promote improvement. 3. If ineffective, further evaluation ...[Read More] Managing Knee Pain: When to Stop Running and Seek Rehab
Pre-Surgery Exercise: Is It Safe Before Hip Replacement?
Preoperative Exercise Hello, Dr. Chen: I am scheduled to undergo hip replacement surgery in two weeks. Some doctors believe that exercising before the surgery is not advisable, while others think swimming is acceptable since water exercises place less strain on the joints. Could ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. Swimming or non-weight-bearing exercises can be performed. 2. After surgery, a consultation with an orthopedic physician and a rehabilitation specialist can be requested three days post-operation to initiate phototherapy (laser treatment) and isometric exercises. Avoid allowin...[Read More] Pre-Surgery Exercise: Is It Safe Before Hip Replacement?
Rehabilitation Options for Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear? Hello Doctor: I have a torn posterior cruciate ligament. The swelling has subsided, but I still have difficulty lifting my foot. Can surgery to reconstruct the posterior cruciate ligament really restore ligament stability? Or would rehabili...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. Young patients with a torn posterior cruciate ligament should consider surgical treatment followed by rehabilitation. 2. It is advisable to first go to a medical center for isokinetic testing and training to prevent injuries and ensure high accuracy. 3. After surgery, a br...[Read More] Rehabilitation Options for Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: Can Rehab Therapy Help?
Patellofemoral pain syndrome Hello, Director Chen! I have been jogging and playing badminton for a long time. For the past six months, whenever I sit for extended periods or go downhill or down stairs, I experience a dull pain in my knee joint, and occasionally my legs feel weak....
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. Rehabilitation can be initiated to enhance deep heat therapy and electrical stimulation, while also increasing thigh muscle strength. 2. Supplementation with glucosamine and chondroitin, commonly known as "joint support," can be beneficial. 3. When descending hil...[Read More] Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: Can Rehab Therapy Help?
Effective Treatments for Knee Swelling from Basketball Injuries
Basketball-related injuries Hello Director Chen! Playing basketball often subjects the knees to intense stress, and even with knee braces, it's difficult to avoid knee joint swelling. What treatments can help alleviate this? Will I be able to play basketball in the future? T...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
(1) Alternating hot and cold baths can be used for relief. The method is as follows: soak in cold water (approximately 10-14 degrees Celsius) for one minute, then soak in warm water (40-42 degrees Celsius) for five minutes. Repeat this cycle of cold water for one minute and warm ...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Knee Swelling from Basketball Injuries
Can Rehabilitation Heal Knee Cartilage and Joint Injuries?
Knee cartilage and joint injuries? Dear Dr. Chen, I injured my knee in a motorcycle accident over a decade ago, and it has been relatively fine since then. However, recently I have started experiencing pain again. Sometimes, the pain is so severe when I first get out of bed that...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. You can first go to a medical center for an ultrasound or MRI to determine the location and extent of the injury, without hastily opting for arthroscopy. 2. Rehabilitation can include shortwave therapy and ultrasound, which will help reduce pain; however, if the damage is seve...[Read More] Can Rehabilitation Heal Knee Cartilage and Joint Injuries?
Understanding Patellar Tendon Pain at the Tibial Tuberosity
Patellar tendonitis at the tibial tuberosity? Hello Director Chen, I have redness and swelling at the attachment point of the patellar tendon on my tibial tuberosity, and the pain varies depending on my activity level. It is especially painful after running, jumping, or climbing ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. It may be hip ligament inflammation (patellar tendinitis). During the acute phase, ice therapy can be applied; after the acute phase, heat therapy or warm baths can be used. 2. Rehabilitation treatments such as interferential current therapy or ultrasound can be beneficial. ...[Read More] Understanding Patellar Tendon Pain at the Tibial Tuberosity
Is It Too Late for Rehab? Healing Hamstring Strains After Running
Hamstring strain Hello, Doctor! I have strained the hamstring muscles while jogging. I've been resting in a bent-knee position and applying ice for five to fifteen minutes to reduce inflammation. However, after two weeks of rest, the issue still hasn't resolved. Is it t...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. Ice packs should not be applied for more than ten minutes; otherwise, reflex vasodilation may occur, reducing the analgesic effect. 2. Physical therapy is necessary, including deep heat therapy, to improve circulation and address the issue. 3. Within the pain-free range, stret...[Read More] Is It Too Late for Rehab? Healing Hamstring Strains After Running