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Orthopedics

Expert answers from Orthopedics physicians on health concerns and treatment options

Questions & Answers

459 articles

Q

Is there a permanent cure for sciatica?

Sciatica can be managed with treatments like surgery and injections, but a permanent cure is not guaranteed.

Q

What are the possible causes of lower kneecap pain?

Lower kneecap pain can be caused by injuries to the cartilage, tendon, or the way the kneecap moves on the knee joint. Common causes include chondromalacia patella, patellofemoral syndrome, and jumper's knee.

Q

What are the symptoms in the advanced stages of sciatica?

In the last stages of sciatica, symptoms can include severe pain, numbness, or muscle weakness in the leg. These symptoms may be due to spinal issues like spinal stenosis.

Q

What causes knee pain to be intermittent?

Intermittent knee pain often occurs when the joint is stressed by activities or when inflammation comes and goes, such as in osteoarthritis. This type of pain can be linked to changes in the joint structure and varying levels of activity throughout the day.

Q

What could cause left arm pain without any chest pain?

Left arm pain without chest pain can be caused by musculoskeletal or nerve-related issues, such as thoracic outlet syndrome, cervical radiculopathy, or nerve entrapment, rather than heart problems. However heart problems can also present with left arm pain without chest pain.

Q

What could cause sharp pain in the kneecap?

Sharp pain in the kneecap can come from injury or overuse that affects the bones, cartilage, or tendons around the knee. It might be due to conditions like patellofemoral pain syndrome, chondromalacia patella, or jumper’s knee.

Q

What might cause pain behind the knee when walking down stairs?

Pain behind the knee when walking down stairs can sometimes be caused by patellofemoral pain syndrome, a condition where the kneecap and its surrounding tissues are strained, especially during activities like descending stairs.

Q

What supportive therapies exist for managing sciatica?

Supportive therapies for sciatica include physical therapy and heat or cold treatments. These methods can help relieve pain and improve mobility.

Q

When should I be concerned about knee pain?

If your knee pain is very severe, does not get better over time, or comes with swelling, redness, or trouble moving, it is a sign to get it checked by a doctor.

Q

Why might running every day lead to knee pain?

Running every day can stress the knee joint, which sometimes leads to knee pain. This happens because the repeated stress and little rest may cause issues like runner’s knee.

Q

Can lifestyle factors cause sciatica?

Lifestyle factors like poor posture, lack of exercise, and obesity can contribute to sciatica, but they are not direct causes.

Q

Can massage therapy help alleviate nerve pain in the leg?

Massage therapy can help with nerve pain in the leg by improving movement and reducing pain in some cases.

Q

Can sciatica lead to nerve pain in the foot?

Yes, sciatica can cause nerve pain in the foot because it involves irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which affects the leg and foot.

Q

Can shoulder pain impact the movement of your arm?

Yes, shoulder pain can make it hard to move your arm.

Q

How are fatigue, depression, and anxiety interconnected, and how might low testosterone be involved?

Fatigue, depression, and anxiety can be connected by overlapping changes in brain chemistry and stress responses, and low testosterone may worsen these symptoms. Low testosterone might affect the mood, energy, and stress-regulation systems in the body, which in turn can increase fatigue, depression, and anxiety.

Q

How can I tell if my chest pain is due to muscle strain?

If your chest pain worsens when you move, press on the area, or take a deep breath—and it started after heavy exercise or an injury—it might be caused by a muscle strain.

Q

How can muscle pain from the buttocks to the calf be treated?

Muscle pain from the buttocks to the calf may be treated with medications like gabapentin, especially if related to sciatica.

Q

How can physical exercise help alleviate sciatica symptoms?

Physical exercise can help reduce sciatica pain by keeping the body active and improving function.

Q

How does sciatic nerve pain differ from other types of pain?

Sciatic nerve pain is a specific type of pain that travels from the lower back down through the leg, often caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Q

How is hip pain that radiates down the leg typically treated?

Hip pain that goes down the leg can be treated with rest, physical therapy, and medications like pain relievers. Sometimes, injections or other treatments might be needed depending on the cause.

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