Help for Hip Pain
Many people develop hip pain as they get older. Here’s what you can do about it.
Keeping Muscles Strong
Strong muscles are an important component of moving well and avoiding injuries. Learn more.
Keep Your Knees Healthy
Don’t let a knee injury keep you on the couch. Learn what you can do to protect these vital joints.
Bones, Joints and Muscles Topics
Ask an Expert
James D. Kelly, M.D.
SPMF San Francisco HMO Network
I sit hunched up at a computer all day, and my shoulders and elbows are really starting to ache. Is there anything I can do, other than just taking a break, to help prevent this pain?
This type of pain is usually caused by repetitive use, so called repetitive stress. We don't have a physiologic explanation for it. The location of pain is usually normal on imaging studies. The pain is related... continue reading about I sit hunched up at a computer all day, and my shoulders and elbows are really starting to ache. Is there anything I can do, other than just taking a break, to help prevent this pain?
James D. Kelly, M.D.
SPMF San Francisco HMO Network
I've been diagnosed with impingement in both of my shoulders. I don't want surgery, but I need a workout routine that does not rely on shoulders/pushups, as I can't support my body weight that way without having significant pain. Any suggestions?
I suggest you get treatment for your impingement. Impingement is a fairly simple thing to treat, and most patients recover well and are able to resume activities like push-ups. If you have had treatment but did... continue reading about I've been diagnosed with impingement in both of my shoulders. I don't want surgery, but I need a workout routine that does not rely on shoulders/pushups, as I can't support my body weight that way without having significant pain. Any suggestions?
Arfan Din, D.O.
Sutter Medical Foundation
I wake up with my right hand numb. My thumb and middle finger seem the worst. It takes awhile for the numbness to wear off. I work in a grocery store, so I'm always on my feet and on the register. What should I do?
Numbness in the hand could be due to a number of factors. Typically we describe this as a "neuropathy" which means the nerve is not working normally. We have nerves that travel throughout our body and when they... continue reading about I wake up with my right hand numb. My thumb and middle finger seem the worst. It takes awhile for the numbness to wear off. I work in a grocery store, so I'm always on my feet and on the register. What should I do?
Noah Weiss, M.D.
Surgery Center Division
My left arm at the shoulder hurts all the time (including lifting things and even when I'm sleeping and turn on that side). I don't recall hurting it in any way. It started hurting several months ago. What could it be and how can I make it stop?
Often injuries to the rotator cuff muscles in the shoulder will refer pain to the upper arm, or even down the arm. If your shoulder and upper arm pain is aggravated by lifting, reaching overhead, and sleeping, ... continue reading about My left arm at the shoulder hurts all the time (including lifting things and even when I'm sleeping and turn on that side). I don't recall hurting it in any way. It started hurting several months ago. What could it be and how can I make it stop?
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
I have fractured my ankle multiple times. Do you have any suggestions for exercises that would strengthen this area?
I am so sorry to hear that you have experienced multiple ankle fractures. Even one is more than enough! Proper rehabilitation of the soft tissues of the ankle after a sprain can help recovery and decrease ... continue reading about I have fractured my ankle multiple times. Do you have any suggestions for exercises that would strengthen this area?
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
I recently heard about a new knee procedure that uses medical separators rather than total knee replacement to relieve pain from osteoarthritis degeneration. Can you tell me about this and where to find out about getting it done?
Thanks for the great question. Osteoarthritis is a common cause of knee pain - it is the "wear and tear" degeneration of the knee's cartilage layer that occurs over time. In basic terms, it is like the brake pa... continue reading about I recently heard about a new knee procedure that uses medical separators rather than total knee replacement to relieve pain from osteoarthritis degeneration. Can you tell me about this and where to find out about getting it done?
Sue Hazeghazam, R.D.
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
I am a vegetarian and have recent concerns about lack of calcium and risk of osteoporosis. What can I eat that is high in calcium besides dairy?
Calcium is important for your bones and teeth, but also plays a part in nerve impulses and muscle contractions. Calcium needs vary with age, and it is important to consume enough calcium every day. Besides dair... continue reading about I am a vegetarian and have recent concerns about lack of calcium and risk of osteoporosis. What can I eat that is high in calcium besides dairy?
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
What's the fastest way to recover from Achilles tendonitis? I have a case of insertional tendonitis, and it's been six weeks since I've been able to run. I'd like to get back to my activities.
Thanks for the question - this is one that we get frequently! Achilles tendon issues are quite common and can vary in severity from annoying to debilitating. Mild tendonitis, or inflammation of the tendon, can ... continue reading about What's the fastest way to recover from Achilles tendonitis? I have a case of insertional tendonitis, and it's been six weeks since I've been able to run. I'd like to get back to my activities.
Arfan Din, D.O.
Sutter Medical Foundation
I have arthritis in my knees. What are some alternative forms of treatment instead of surgery? I've had cortisone shots, but they are ineffective now.
Good question. This is a common problem for many people. The non-operative treatments for the arthritis of the knees can include the following:Losing weight - If there is less pressure on the knee, there is les... continue reading about I have arthritis in my knees. What are some alternative forms of treatment instead of surgery? I've had cortisone shots, but they are ineffective now.
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