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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
Lumbar disc herniation X-ray manifestations
For auxiliary examination of lumbar disc herniation, it is recommended to perform CT or MRI of the lumbar spine. Currently, X-ray films are only suitable for examining fractures or abnormal bone structures. Lumbar disc herniation is currently diagnosed based on lumbar spine CT or MRI, which can provide a clearer understanding of the extent of the lesion and its relative position to surrounding tissues. Therefore, lumbar disc herniation should not be examined or diagnosed using X-rays, so do not use X-ray films for the relevant examinations.
How long does the pain from a rib fracture last?
Taking a single rib fracture as an example, the pain generally lasts for one to two weeks. Then, over two to four weeks, the pain at the site of the rib fracture gradually eases and stabilizes. In the later stages, as the fracture healing progressively strengthens, the pain will gradually lessen until there is no significant pain. This period is generally about one to three months after the fracture, meaning that the most significant pain from a rib fracture usually lasts from one to two weeks, and then, as the fracture heals, the pain gradually decreases and improves.
How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?
The diagnosis of plantar fasciitis relies on the doctor's physical examination, the patient's symptoms, and imaging tests which serve as auxiliary examinations. These tests help to rule out other conditions such as bone spurs or osteoarthritis, as well as other abnormal lesions. Once these possibilities are excluded, a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis can be made. Typically, there are specific tender points on the foot, which could be singular or multiple. Improvements can often be achieved through appropriate measures such as heat application, physical therapy, rest, and, if necessary, electrical stimulation or pain point injection treatment. However, excessive weight-bearing activities could potentially lead to a recurrence of the symptoms in the later stages.
Can osteosarcoma be seen on an X-ray?
Osteosarcoma can be detected through characteristic changes in X-ray imaging, such as the Codman's triangle, which usually occurs around the joints at the metaphyseal ends of the long tubular bones in the limbs. This leads to the destruction of the trabeculae and increased density of the tumor tissue, which can break through the cortical bone. The tumor can lift the periosteum to form the characteristic Codman's triangle. Therefore, orthopedic doctors can preliminarily diagnose it as a bone tumor or osteosarcoma based on the appearance in this X-ray. Additionally, diagnosis should be correlated with clinical symptoms such as the presence of a noticeable mass, pain, tenderness in the localized area, and general symptoms of cachexia, such as weight loss, anemia, fever, and malaise.
Can bone hyperplasia cause numbness in the feet?
Osteophyte formation in the lumbar vertebrae can lead to herniated discs, or direct compression of the corresponding nerve roots, particularly at the L5-S1 position, causing numbness and soreness in the sole of the foot. Thus, for specific areas of osteophyte formation, compression of the nerve roots can result in numbness in the foot. Additionally, osteophyte formation in or around the sole of the foot, compressing corresponding blood vessels or nerves, can also lead to localized numbness in the foot or a decrease in skin temperature, further inducing sensations of numbness or tingling in the foot. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the specific cause of foot numbness based on the location of the osteophyte formation and the corresponding mechanisms.
Plantar fasciitis pain lasts for how many days?
The duration of pain associated with plantar fasciitis varies from person to person. During the acute phase, severe pain may last for one to two weeks. If physical therapy and oral medication are promptly applied, the intensity of the pain can be significantly reduced, generally seeing improvement and relief after about 3 to 7 days. If the pain does not show significant improvement after more than three days of the above treatment, local trigger point injections can be considered, typically once a week for a total of 2 to 4 sessions, which can also yield good pain relief results. However, it is still advisable to avoid excessive weight-bearing activities afterwards to prevent recurrence.
What should I do if a herniated lumbar disc is compressing a nerve?
Lumbar disc herniation compressing the nerve initially requires bed rest, preferably on a hard bed, and avoiding exposure to cold. In cases where the herniation compresses nerves in one or both legs, lumbar traction can be considered. This traction therapy should primarily be guided by a doctor, based on the severity and characteristics shown on imaging studies, as part of further conservative treatment. For some cases of lumbar disc herniation that compress nerves, minimally invasive surgery may be appropriate depending on the stage of the condition. If the condition is multi-stage and the patient is older, and the compression of the nerve by the herniated disc prevents them from getting up and moving on their own, corresponding surgical treatment can be given.
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.