Understanding Foot Numbness: Causes and Treatment Options for Athletes
The area of the left foot from the middle toe to the little toe is experiencing numbness? Doctor, I play basketball, and after some exercise, I notice that the area on the left foot from the middle toe to the little toe starts to feel numb. It improves after I take off my shoes a...
Dr. Zheng Shunping Reply:
Interdigital neuroma, also known as Morton’s neuroma, is a condition that affects the nerves between the toes, typically between the third and fourth toes. It is characterized by pain, tingling, or a burning sensation in the ball of the foot, which can be exacerbated by wearing t...[Read More] Understanding Foot Numbness: Causes and Treatment Options for Athletes
Understanding Kidney Root Inflammation vs. Sciatica: Causes and Treatments
Kidney root inflammation? I often experience back pain. When I consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, they said it was inflammation of the kidney roots. However, when I saw a Western medicine doctor, they diagnosed it as sciatica. What exactly is the condition, an...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. Generally speaking, kidney inflammation may show an increase in white blood cells in blood tests, and urinalysis may also show abnormalities. Sciatica, on the other hand, is caused by compress...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Root Inflammation vs. Sciatica: Causes and Treatments
Is It Muscle Atrophy? Understanding Hand Muscle Changes in Teens
Is it muscular dystrophy? Two days ago, I took my niece to see a traditional Chinese medicine doctor due to irregular menstruation. During the pulse diagnosis, the doctor noticed some muscle atrophy in the area between her index finger and thumb (the thenar eminence). In a normal...
Dr. Xu Zhenrong Reply:
Hello, Ms. Phoebe. The peripheral nervous system typically consists of both motor and sensory components. When nerves are damaged, symptoms may include muscle atrophy (motor component) and sensory deficits such as numbness or tingling (sensory component). Your niece's thenar...[Read More] Is It Muscle Atrophy? Understanding Hand Muscle Changes in Teens
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?
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 Lower Back Pain and Leg Numbness: Rehabilitation Options
Lower back pain with leg numbness? Hello Doctor: My mother often experiences pain below her waist and frequently has numbness in her legs. A friend suggested she try acupuncture with traditional Chinese medicine, but she is concerned about potential issues with needles. Can physi...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here is my response to your question along with some recommendations: 1. The numbness in your lower limbs may be caused by lumbar degenerative arthritis or intervertebral disc herniation, which compresses the lumbar nerve roots. 2. The rehabi...[Read More] Managing Lower Back Pain and Leg Numbness: Rehabilitation Options
Understanding Chronic Back Pain: Why Sleep Over 4 Hours Hurts
Sleeping for more than four hours causes discomfort in the lower back? Hello, Vice Dean Zheng: My husband has been experiencing severe back pain since early November last year. Whenever he sleeps for more than four hours, he wakes up with intense pain, as if a nerve is being comp...
Dr. Zheng Shunping Reply:
In response to your question: Since your symptom description is quite rare, generally speaking, if the pain occurs only when lying flat or at night, it is important to pay special attention to the possibility of an autoimmune disease or other less common conditions. I recommend t...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Back Pain: Why Sleep Over 4 Hours Hurts
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
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
Facial Spasms: Can Rehabilitation Help After Failed Treatments?
Facial spasms Director Chen: Three weeks ago, the patient experienced facial spasms several times a day. Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture have not been effective. Is it possible to proceed with rehabilitation?
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
(1) Facial twitching should first be evaluated by a rehabilitation specialist with an electromyography (EMG) test at a regional hospital to determine if it is due to a central or peripheral nerve disorder. (2) If it is a peripheral nerve disorder, the physician may administer bot...[Read More] Facial Spasms: Can Rehabilitation Help After Failed Treatments?
Persistent Inner Thigh Pain: Exploring Treatment Options Beyond Traditional Methods
Numbness and pain in the inner thigh? If you have been experiencing numbness and pain on the inner thigh for over six months despite treatment from both Western and traditional Chinese medicine, it may indicate an underlying issue that has not been addressed. Possible causes coul...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. An electromyography (EMG) of the lower extremities and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine should be performed first to determine if there are any lesions, including intervertebral disc herniation, sciatica, or spinal tumors. 2. If there is frequent hiking o...[Read More] Persistent Inner Thigh Pain: Exploring Treatment Options Beyond Traditional Methods
Can Rehabilitation Help Relieve Chronic Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain Hello, Dr. Chen! I often play basketball, and one time I experienced severe pain in my lower back that made it impossible to stand. A friend took me for several sessions of massage therapy, and after applying some medicated patches for a few days, it seemed to imp...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
(1) Causes of lower back pain include muscle strains and lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. (2) Massage therapy can relax muscles and reduce pain, but it only has localized effects. (3) A thorough examination (such as X-rays, CT scans, or electromyography) should be conducted...[Read More] Can Rehabilitation Help Relieve Chronic Lower Back Pain?
Effective Rehabilitation Strategies for Managing Lower Back Pain
Low back pain Hello Director Chen, after experiencing lower back pain, the traditional Chinese medicine practitioner recommended acupuncture treatment and advised to avoid excessive pressure on the lumbar spine and surrounding areas, maintain good posture, and reduce carrying hea...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. If there is lower back pain without sciatica symptoms, you can apply heat therapy at home, and rehabilitation may include thermotherapy and electrotherapy. 2. If sciatica is present and radiates to the lower limbs, lumbar traction should be added. 3. Reduce heavy lifting a...[Read More] Effective Rehabilitation Strategies for Managing Lower Back Pain
Managing Wrist Tendonitis: Effective Rehab Strategies for Quick Recovery
Wrist tendonitis Hello, Director! I cannot be away from the computer for even a second at work, which has resulted in severe pain in the thumb area of my right wrist. An orthopedic diagnosis indicated tendonitis, and I was prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and ointment, alo...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. It may be "De Quervain's tenosynovitis," which involves inflammation of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons at the wrist. 2. During the acute phase, apply ice therapy. 3. After the acute phase, you can visit a rehabilitation dep...[Read More] Managing Wrist Tendonitis: Effective Rehab Strategies for Quick Recovery
Understanding Left Neck and Shoulder Blade Pain: Causes and Treatments
Pain in the left side of the neck and scapula? Hello Director Chen: Recently, I have been experiencing soreness and pain around the left side of my neck and left scapula. Sometimes when I wake up, my left arm feels numb. A traditional Chinese medicine practitioner suggested that ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. A CT scan or MRI can be performed to assess the condition. 2. Generally, treatments such as thermotherapy, electrical stimulation, and neck strength training can be utilized. 3. If necessary, cervical traction may be performed.[Read More] Understanding Left Neck and Shoulder Blade Pain: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Foot Tendon Inflammation: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns
Achilles tendonitis The patient is a 35-year-old male who experiences foot pain severe enough to prevent walking. This pain typically occurs a few days after consuming beer. He consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who diagnosed him with tendonitis in the foot, bu...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. It may be gouty arthritis (not a stroke); a blood test to check uric acid levels can confirm this. Gout attacks can cause swelling and make it difficult to walk. 2. Limit alcohol consumption, as it is detrimental to uric acid excretion. 3. If the diagnosis is confirmed, ur...[Read More] Understanding Foot Tendon Inflammation: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns
Managing Lateral Foot Pain After Ankle Injury: Rehabilitation Insights
Pain on the outer side of the foot? Hello, Director Chen! Sorry to bother you! Three months ago, I sprained my ankle while running, and on the same day, I inexplicably felt pain in the sole of my left foot while walking home. I consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitione...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
(1) Apply heat therapy at home frequently, and gently stretch the hamstrings (including the Achilles tendon and the medial and lateral aspects of the ankle) when there is no pain. (2) You may visit a rehabilitation department for deep heat therapy (shortwave, ultrasound) and stre...[Read More] Managing Lateral Foot Pain After Ankle Injury: Rehabilitation Insights
Understanding Stress Fractures: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Stress fracture Hello, Director! I have been running 6 kilometers every day for over a decade, usually in the early morning or evening. Recently, I have been experiencing severe foot pain that makes it difficult to stand, and it is very sore. I consulted a traditional Chinese med...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. A stress fracture, also known as a marching fracture, is a hairline fracture of the metatarsal bones caused by overuse, such as walking, marching, or exercising. 2. Treatment options include visiting a rehabilitation specialist for splint protection, heat therapy, and ultras...[Read More] Understanding Stress Fractures: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Why Is My Neck Rehab Taking So Long? Understanding Chronic Pain and Recovery
Neck rehabilitation has not improved for a long time? Hello, Doctor. Last year, I experienced numbness in my hands and feet. After seeing a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and getting an X-ray, I was told that bone spurs were pressing on my nerves. I underwent physical ...
Dr. Li Weiqiang Reply:
Hello! Last year, I experienced numbness in my hands and feet. After seeing a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and getting an X-ray, I was told that bone spurs were compressing my nerves. I underwent rehabilitation for three months and improved, but it seems to have recu...[Read More] Why Is My Neck Rehab Taking So Long? Understanding Chronic Pain and Recovery
Effective Rehabilitation Strategies for Ankle Sprains: Expert Insights
Ankle sprain Dr. Li: Hello! I sprained my ankle on July 11 while using an escalator. Initially, the orthopedic doctor diagnosed me with periosteal bleeding. I started with ice therapy, and now I soak my foot in hot water every night and elevate my leg while sleeping. I feel bette...
Dr. Li Weiqiang Reply:
Hello: It has been 2 months since your injury. Generally, soft tissue injuries require 4-6 weeks for recovery, and it seems that the injured area has not yet fully healed. I recommend seeking evaluation from a specialist (such as a rehabilitation physician or orthopedic surgeon) ...[Read More] Effective Rehabilitation Strategies for Ankle Sprains: Expert Insights