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
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
Eden Medical Center
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.
Memorial Medical Center Modesto
I fell two weeks ago on the sidewalk and hurt the side and top of my knee. It really swelled and was painful to the touch. Now it's much better but it is still sensitive when I kneel on it. Should I continue to give it some time?
Thanks for the great question. It sounds like your fall led to an injury to the front part of the knee around the knee cap. This is common when the fall happens on a flexed knee - lots of pain, but it generally... continue reading about I fell two weeks ago on the sidewalk and hurt the side and top of my knee. It really swelled and was painful to the touch. Now it's much better but it is still sensitive when I kneel on it. Should I continue to give it some time?
Alexander M. Reyzelman, DPM
Eden Medical Center
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?
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Memorial Medical Center Modesto
I had an X-ray and MRI on my right knee for severe pain. The radiologist said there was an ACL tear, but my doctor attributed it to arthritis. I don't have swelling and the pain is intermittent. If it were arthritis, wouldn't I have other symptoms?
This is a complicated question, so I'll try to break it down into two issues.First, let's talk about the ACL tear diagnosis. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the four main stabilizers of the knee.... continue reading about I had an X-ray and MRI on my right knee for severe pain. The radiologist said there was an ACL tear, but my doctor attributed it to arthritis. I don't have swelling and the pain is intermittent. If it were arthritis, wouldn't I have other symptoms?
Joshua C. Richards, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Summit Campus
I have had a lump on my left wrist for over a year. It was bigger at one time and now is small. Sometimes in protrudes through the skin. Should I be worried about this? It doesn't hurt.
It is most likely a ganglion cyst, which is a benign, fluid-filled sac that extends from the wrist joint. They tend to wax and wane in size and if it is large enough, they can be drained. Back in the wild west ... continue reading about I have had a lump on my left wrist for over a year. It was bigger at one time and now is small. Sometimes in protrudes through the skin. Should I be worried about this? It doesn't hurt.
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Memorial Medical Center Modesto
What is the RICE method of knee pain treatment?
The "R.I.C.E." method of treating mild sprains and strains in the lower extremities is a common and quite useful way to get back to normal activities.When a knee (or any other joint) becomes injured, there is o... continue reading about What is the RICE method of knee pain treatment?
Alexander M. Reyzelman, DPM
Eden Medical Center
I sprained my foot/ankle about three weeks ago. The X-rays showed that there were no breaks. The swelling has gone down but it’s still there, and my ankle is somewhat painful at times. Is swelling for this long normal?
Ankle sprains can take a long time to heal. Three weeks is very early in the process, and being careful with your ankle for up to six weeks is realistic. Avoid running and jumping activities for the next three ... continue reading about I sprained my foot/ankle about three weeks ago. The X-rays showed that there were no breaks. The swelling has gone down but it’s still there, and my ankle is somewhat painful at times. Is swelling for this long normal?
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter West Bay Medical Group
How does menopause affect the joints and muscles in your body?
Many women experience joint and muscle pain and stiffness around the time of menopause that they hadn't experienced before. Because there are estrogen receptors all over the body, including the joints, declinin... continue reading about How does menopause affect the joints and muscles in your body?
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Memorial Medical Center Modesto
My knee popped out of place two weeks ago. I popped it right back, and the swelling and pain have gone away. Is this normal, or does it indicate a problem?
A cracking noise heard with kneeling that is not painful and not associated with swelling can be secondary to soft tissue folds moving over the edges of the knee joint. Most people have experienced this sensati... continue reading about My knee popped out of place two weeks ago. I popped it right back, and the swelling and pain have gone away. Is this normal, or does it indicate a problem?
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