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Sorting Out Knee Pain
When do you need help for your sudden or ongoing knee pain? Our expert sorts through the possible scenarios.

Help for Hip Pain
Pain in the hip is all too common. Learn about some common causes and how to prevent or treat it.

Simple Ways to Build Strong Bones
Osteoporosis can mean fractures and disability. Three steps you can take right now to strengthen your bones.
Ask an Expert
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What is the recovery time from a hysterectomy?
Recovery from hysterectomy is a highly personal and unique experience that is both physical and emotional. For many women, the absolute finality of childbearing can be very saddening. The amount of postoperativ... continue reading about What is the recovery time from a hysterectomy?
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
I'm 53 and take Mimvey for hot flashes and sleeplessness. I've tried to stop but the symptoms return. Is there a "hump" to get over before they stop? How long is HRT recommended? Also, are my electrical and heart problems due to hormones? Can HRT help?
About 15-20 percent of women continue to have menopausal symptoms long after menopause, although they should diminish in intensity with time. There have been many research studies on non-estrogen treatments for... continue reading about I'm 53 and take Mimvey for hot flashes and sleeplessness. I've tried to stop but the symptoms return. Is there a "hump" to get over before they stop? How long is HRT recommended? Also, are my electrical and heart problems due to hormones? Can HRT help?
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
What causes corns on feet, and is surgery always required to remove them?
Corns are areas of hard, thick skin and are caused by pressure. The pressure is usually from our shoes, but can also be caused by the toes pressing on each other. There is often an underlying prominence such as... continue reading about What causes corns on feet, and is surgery always required to remove them?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I am 51 years old and weigh 256 lbs. I have several medical problems, including knee pain. I also sit all day in my job and my long commute. I want to lose weight - where do I start?
Losing weight and becoming more active are fantastic goals! If you are mostly sedentary and knee pain is an issue for you, then I would start exercising with simple walking. Research shows that just 30 minutes ... continue reading about I am 51 years old and weigh 256 lbs. I have several medical problems, including knee pain. I also sit all day in my job and my long commute. I want to lose weight - where do I start?
Steven Machtinger, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Group
I seem to be reacting to something in my house lately (itchy eyes, sore throat and sneezing). It only seems to happen in the house, not outside. It feels like allergies, but what could be causing it indoors?
Itchy eyes and sneezing certainly do sound like an allergic reaction to something. Significant sources of indoor allergens that could be triggering your symptoms include house dust mites, pets, and molds. If sy... continue reading about I seem to be reacting to something in my house lately (itchy eyes, sore throat and sneezing). It only seems to happen in the house, not outside. It feels like allergies, but what could be causing it indoors?
Karen Handy, M.P.H.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I have successfully lost weight this year (almost 60 pounds), but now the scale won't move anymore. It is like my metabolism has acclimated to the diet. what can I do?
First of all, congratulations on your weight loss! I have no doubt there was a lot of hard work that contributed to your success, and it is extremely frustrating when all the effort that's gotten the scale to m... continue reading about I have successfully lost weight this year (almost 60 pounds), but now the scale won't move anymore. It is like my metabolism has acclimated to the diet. what can I do?
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
I've been having problems with my knee hurting when I bend it or straighten it out. What can I do to help the pain, and should I see a doctor?
Thanks for the question! From what you're describing, it seems that your knee hurts with full straightening (extension) and also full bending (flexion). This symptom of pain at the extremes of knee motion can b... continue reading about I've been having problems with my knee hurting when I bend it or straighten it out. What can I do to help the pain, and should I see a doctor?
Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
I am 37 years old and experiencing longer periods - two to three weeks long. I also have some bleeding after orgasm. What could be causing this? Do I need to see a doctor?
Yes, you should definitely consult with your gynecologist and have an exam and pelvic ultrasound. There may be a structural problem in your uterus, such as a polyp or fibroid (benign muscle mass) that can cause... continue reading about I am 37 years old and experiencing longer periods - two to three weeks long. I also have some bleeding after orgasm. What could be causing this? Do I need to see a doctor?
Heidi Wittenberg, M.D., M.S., FPMRS
California Pacific Medical Center
I had a partial hysterectomy 18 years ago (my ovaries were not removed). Lately I've been having pain and cramping, so recently had x-rays and an ultrasound. The doctor could not find my ovaries. Can ovaries just disappear on their own?
If ovaries are not removed surgically, they are still present. After menopause, our ovaries do shrink. Pre-menopause ovaries are 3-4cm, but after menopause they can be 0.5cm-1.0cm. The older we get, the smaller... continue reading about I had a partial hysterectomy 18 years ago (my ovaries were not removed). Lately I've been having pain and cramping, so recently had x-rays and an ultrasound. The doctor could not find my ovaries. Can ovaries just disappear on their own?