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
Alexander M. Reyzelman, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
What does it mean when I keep getting cramps in my toes and occasionally my calves? I have a heart condition and was wondering if the cramps could have something to do with poor circulation?
Typically muscle cramps that are associated with poor circulation occur only during walking. Classical symptoms of poor circulation are the calves feeling heavy and fatigued, and the person needing to stop and ... continue reading about What does it mean when I keep getting cramps in my toes and occasionally my calves? I have a heart condition and was wondering if the cramps could have something to do with poor circulation?
Joshua C. Richards, M.D.
Eden Medical Center
I notice that my hip joint pops a lot more than it used to. Should I be concerned?
A feeling of painless joint "popping" is not terribly worrisome and can be normal for the individual. In major joints like the hip, knee or shoulder, an increase in popping can be a sign of weakness in the surr... continue reading about I notice that my hip joint pops a lot more than it used to. Should I be concerned?
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
My doctor diagnosed an irritated nerve in my foot and told me to take anti-inflammatory medication and stay out of my high heels. I'm doing both, but I'm still in a lot of pain. Will anything else help?
I am sorry to hear about your foot pain. If you have an irritated nerve in your foot (neuroma), then it was excellent advice to change out of your high heels and take an anti-inflammatory, as it is important to... continue reading about My doctor diagnosed an irritated nerve in my foot and told me to take anti-inflammatory medication and stay out of my high heels. I'm doing both, but I'm still in a lot of pain. Will anything else help?
Suzanne E. Pertsch, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I get a lot of muscle cramps. What's wrong, and what can be done?
Muscle cramps are a common symptom and occur both in men and women.Cramping is caused by an electrical impulse from a nerve to a muscle. The impulse is triggered spontaneously and can be very forceful and painf... continue reading about I get a lot of muscle cramps. What's wrong, and what can be done?
Alison J. Cook, DPM, M.S.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
I have a 1-inch ganglion cyst on my right foot. I've had an X-ray, attempted needle aspiration, and an MRI. It causes periodic burning pain in my foot/ankle. I'm hesitant to have surgery. Any harm in just letting it be?
Theoretically, if your pain is intermittent, the aspiration pathology report was negative, your MRI showed that no important structures are being impinged, and you are being seen for frequent follow-ups, I thin... continue reading about I have a 1-inch ganglion cyst on my right foot. I've had an X-ray, attempted needle aspiration, and an MRI. It causes periodic burning pain in my foot/ankle. I'm hesitant to have surgery. Any harm in just letting it be?
Arfan Din, D.O.
Sutter Medical Foundation
What kinds of treatment options are there for shoulder stiffness?
Generally, shoulder stiffness is a condition medically known as adhesive capsulitis. Shoulder movement is stiff, painful or limited. This is considered a chronic condition. Usually it starts with some injury or... continue reading about What kinds of treatment options are there for shoulder stiffness?
Karen Pantazis, M.D.
Sutter Amador Hospital
What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?
Acute pain is a pain that has a limited time frame. It usually, though not always, starts suddenly, has an identifiable cause, can be treated, and once treated, the pain subsides. In that sense, since the cause... continue reading about What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?
Arfan Din, D.O.
Sutter Medical Foundation
I'm 56 and play racquetball two times a week, speed walk 6+ miles at a time, and play volleyball. My knees ache after I play. I ice after activities and have been taking Cellaplex for two months. How do I know if I am damaging my knees?
It is excellent that you are active. In fact, a New England Journal study showed that people who are active actually do better in terms of their arthritis versus people who are not active. This is counter to wh... continue reading about I'm 56 and play racquetball two times a week, speed walk 6+ miles at a time, and play volleyball. My knees ache after I play. I ice after activities and have been taking Cellaplex for two months. How do I know if I am damaging my knees?
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
Are there certain exercises I can do after knee replacement to strengthen my knees to allow for climbing stairs easily?
Immediately after surgery you will learn to climb stairs safely using crutches. As recovery continues and you work on flexion and extension of the new knee, you will be able to climb without crutches. With the ... continue reading about Are there certain exercises I can do after knee replacement to strengthen my knees to allow for climbing stairs easily?
More Resources

Healthwise Medical Library
Look up helpful health information.

Patient Information
Practical info for Sutter patients.

Tools and Quizzes
Online tools to help you make decisions about your health.