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Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
About me
Master's graduate, attending physician. Has been working in the field of orthopedic clinical practice since graduation.
Proficient in diseases
Diagnosis and treatment of common orthopedic diseases such as cervical and lumbar spondylosis, osteoarthritis, tenosynovitis stenosis, limb fractures, femoral head necrosis, chronic musculoskeletal diseases, etc.
Voices
How long does it take for sciatica to improve with rest?
Recovery of the sciatic nerve requires a long time, and also depends on the severity of the damage to broadly judge the prognosis. If it is merely a contusion, it may take one to three months for most symptoms to gradually improve, such as sensory abnormalities like numbness and soreness. If the sciatic nerve has been chronically compressed, resulting in nerve degeneration, or if it has sustained severe traumatic injury, recovery will typically require at least six months to a year, and the process will be slow. Furthermore, if a violent injury has caused a tear or rupture, surgical treatment is necessary, and the post-operative recovery remains a lengthy process, often leaving significant residual symptoms.
Can I run with a strained lumbar muscle?
Generally, it is not recommended. For lumbar muscle strain, it is first advised to rest in bed. After the pain eases, one can take gentle walks and do some lumbar physiotherapy and heat applications. Exercises such as the 'little swallow flight' and other aerobic activities, as well as swimming, can be done. Jogging is also acceptable, but it is advised not to engage in fast, high-intensity, or prolonged running to avoid significant injury and fatigue to the lumbar muscles.
Diagnosis methods for tenosynovitis
Diagnosis relies on the doctor's physical examination, as well as the patient having localized pain and restricted movement, with definite tender points. Moreover, if local symptoms are atypical, an X-ray can be performed to rule out other conditions such as osteoarthritis, or bone hyperplasia, allowing for a localized diagnosis. In addition, localized symptomatic treatment can be administered, and if there is improvement, it can indirectly confirm the diagnosis of tendinitis. Typically, when there is localized pain with significant movement restriction, and apparent pain and hyperplasia at the tendon's central axis, a clear diagnosis can be made.
Will tendinitis gradually heal by itself?
The answer is negative. Even minor injuries, if not properly addressed and managed, can gradually develop into more severe and chronic diseases. This later affects normal daily life. Tendonitis, for example, is mostly caused by repetitive stretching, severe tearing, or corresponding work-related strain. Therefore, the first step is rest. Additionally, local applications of topical plasters or physical therapies like thermotherapy, acupuncture, and appropriate spectrum treatments can alleviate localized pain and swelling. However, at least two to four weeks of rest is required. After recovery, it is also necessary to avoid repetitive stretching and excessive physical strain to prevent recurrence.
How to reduce swelling from tendon sheath inflammation.
Suggest local physical treatments, often involving electrical therapy and physiotherapy, along with the use of non-steroidal gels applied topically, all of which can effectively reduce local swelling. It is advised to apply for 10-20 minutes per session, two to three times per day, typically improving swelling and pain effectively within one to two weeks. For recurrent, stubborn tenosynovitis, local injection treatments are recommended when necessary, and if there is no significant improvement, local surgical treatment may be considered. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)
Plantar fasciitis complications
It is possible that local scar healing occurs, which means that after a period of rest and treatment, the local inflammation in plantar fasciitis may heal with scarring. Therefore, continuing to walk and bear weight on the foot may initially result in some restricted movement or still be accompanied by local pain. It is advised to reduce unnecessary weight-bearing on the foot and continue local daily heat therapy. After a period of recuperation, the degree of restricted local movement will gradually improve. Other complications may still occur, including local pain, restricted movement, and swelling. These are mainly due to excessive local weight-bearing or wearing shoes that are too tight.
Can patients with osteosarcoma have children?
Whether osteosarcoma patients can have children requires comprehensive consideration. One factor is that the patient's age should not be too old. Additionally, one must consider the individual's response after surgery and subsequent performance after treatment. Besides, regular check-ups should be conducted, and attempts to conceive can be made if there is no obvious abnormality or other pathological changes in the body. However, it is essential to conduct regular follow-ups and be mentally prepared. The possibility of various problems during pregnancy should not be ruled out, such as a decrease in immune response, which could trigger a recurrence of the bone tumor or other conditions, potentially leading to health issues for the child or the mother. Thus, a comprehensive and thorough evaluation is necessary.
What to eat for calcium supplementation for osteophyte growth
It is advisable to use calcium carbonate or calcium lactate containing vitamin D, as vitamin D can promote the absorption of calcium in the body. Additionally, it is appropriate to sunbathe moderately and engage in regular exercise, maintain a balanced diet, and consume foods rich in calcium such as fish, shrimp, eggs, and milk, all of which help supplement calcium and enhance its absorption. If bone hyperplasia is severe, even sufficient calcium supplementation cannot reverse the localized excess bone growth. If bone hyperplasia severely affects mobility, surgical treatment may be necessary.
Tendon sheath inflammation X-ray manifestations
Tendon sheath inflammation typically shows no noticeable abnormalities in the early stages on X-rays. However, in cases of recurrent constrictive tendon sheath inflammation, it may lead to abnormal changes in the local ligaments and joints, such as ectopic ossification, calcification, and bone proliferation. Generally, an X-ray examination of tendon sheath inflammation shows no significant local abnormalities. In stubborn cases, which relapse after multiple treatments, X-rays may reveal changes such as bony proliferation or ectopic ossification with high-density shadows.
Can lumbar muscle strain be massaged?
Appropriate massage is acceptable, but avoid excessive force to prevent the possibility of further damage to the soft tissues of the back. It is recommended to combine it with local physical therapies, including electrotherapy, acupuncture, and proper kneading, which can aid in the recovery of lumbar muscle strain and improve local blood circulation. Furthermore, for recurring lumbar muscle strain, patients are advised to take oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and blood-activating drugs, and avoid repeated bending and heavy lifting activities, as well as prolonged sitting and standing. (The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)