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
Joshua C. Richards, M.D.
Eden Medical Center
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.
Alexander M. Reyzelman, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
My 7-year-old daughter was diagnosed with flat feet by our regular doctor. She sometimes complains of pain in her legs. Our doctor said that she will probably outgrow it. If not, what are her treatment options? Is there anything I can do for her now?
The only treatment option for flat feet for a 7-year-old is to consider foot orthotics. Orthotics are a type of a shoe insert that is made from taking an impression cast of the foot. The idea behind using ortho... continue reading about My 7-year-old daughter was diagnosed with flat feet by our regular doctor. She sometimes complains of pain in her legs. Our doctor said that she will probably outgrow it. If not, what are her treatment options? Is there anything I can do for her now?
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?
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
I have a bunion on my large toe that becomes painful and swollen, especially when I wear high heels. What caused this, and how can I fix it?
Bunions are often described as a bump on the side of the big toe, but they are more than that. The visible bump is actually the result of the gradual drifting of the bones of the great toe. Bunions are most oft... continue reading about I have a bunion on my large toe that becomes painful and swollen, especially when I wear high heels. What caused this, and how can I fix it?
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?
Arfan Din, D.O.
Sutter Medical Foundation
I've started running to get back into shape and lose some extra pounds, but now I've got shin splints. What causes this, how can I get rid of them, and also how do I prevent them from coming back?
Shin splints are very common, especially when someone has just started a new exercise program or has increased their overall workout. Shin splints are actually best thought of as stress injuries (microscopic) o... continue reading about I've started running to get back into shape and lose some extra pounds, but now I've got shin splints. What causes this, how can I get rid of them, and also how do I prevent them from coming back?
Mark Saleh, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I have neuropathy in both feet and legs. They feel heavy and at night they sometimes burn. My feet feel like I have a second skin, which makes it difficult to wiggle my toes and arch my feet.
Pain from neuropathy can be quite problematic. It is often described as a burning or a "pins and needles" sensation. This pain is often more noticeable at bedtime and can therefore disrupt sleep. The first step... continue reading about I have neuropathy in both feet and legs. They feel heavy and at night they sometimes burn. My feet feel like I have a second skin, which makes it difficult to wiggle my toes and arch my feet.
Alexander M. Reyzelman, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
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?
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
I have pain across the ball of my right foot, making it tender to walk on. I've been doing a new type of activity - dancing Zumba in new shoes - but this pain showed up five days after the last class. Could it be related? If not, what are likely causes?
Zumba is fun, but this new activity can certainly be the cause of your foot pain. You are right to be concerned because foot pain is not normal. There are a number of common foot problems that can cause pain in... continue reading about I have pain across the ball of my right foot, making it tender to walk on. I've been doing a new type of activity - dancing Zumba in new shoes - but this pain showed up five days after the last class. Could it be related? If not, what are likely causes?