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Ask an Expert
James D. Kelly, M.D.
SPMF San Francisco HMO Network
I’m having extreme pain in my shoulder near my shoulder blade down to my fingers, with tingling in my hand and fingers. What is causing this and what should I do?
Those symptoms are most commonly associated with a pinched nerve in the neck, a condition called a "cervical radiculopathy." The specific treatment you might need depends upon several factors such as how long y... continue reading about I’m having extreme pain in my shoulder near my shoulder blade down to my fingers, with tingling in my hand and fingers. What is causing this and what should I do?
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
I am 79 years old and fairly fit, but I have some problems with balance and a lot of pain in my knees. An orthopedist said I had "bone-on-bone" issues. Do you have any advice for me that could help me make a decision about knee replacements?
This is an extremely common question, and I'm glad you brought it up. Osteoarthritis of the knee is a "wear and tear" phenomenon that affects the majority of the population during their later years. It is not a... continue reading about I am 79 years old and fairly fit, but I have some problems with balance and a lot of pain in my knees. An orthopedist said I had "bone-on-bone" issues. Do you have any advice for me that could help me make a decision about knee replacements?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I just read information about sun protection, noting the ingredients necessary for a good sun screen. I checked the sunscreens I use and see NONE of those ingredients. Can you recommend a product with the best ingredients?
One does not need to look at the specific ingredients of a sunscreen to determine if it is effective or not. The main issues in choosing a sunscreen are evaluating its sun protection factor (SPF) and whether it... continue reading about I just read information about sun protection, noting the ingredients necessary for a good sun screen. I checked the sunscreens I use and see NONE of those ingredients. Can you recommend a product with the best ingredients?
Richard H. Hongo, M.D., FACC
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
My heart has been skipping and I'm feeling dizzy. I went in for testing and was diagnosed with second degree heart block. The doctor said that if it goes to third degree, he might suggest a pacemaker. What can I do to avoid moving to third degree?
When the heart beat starts to slow down, or when the conduction starts to block every so often, sometimes it is because a medication is stressing the heart's electrical system. If there are no medications to ac... continue reading about My heart has been skipping and I'm feeling dizzy. I went in for testing and was diagnosed with second degree heart block. The doctor said that if it goes to third degree, he might suggest a pacemaker. What can I do to avoid moving to third degree?
Astrin Damayanti, R.D.
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
I'm interested in purchasing a blood glucose monitor, and I'm having difficulty finding information regarding which glucose monitor is the most accurate. Is there an independent study that shows accuracy data of all the meters?
FDA reviews all glucose meters and test strips before they can be sold to the public. The manufacturers need to demonstrate to the FDA that their meters provide acceptable accuracy and consistency of readings.I... continue reading about I'm interested in purchasing a blood glucose monitor, and I'm having difficulty finding information regarding which glucose monitor is the most accurate. Is there an independent study that shows accuracy data of all the meters?
Joyce Giammattei, DrPH,RD, CDE
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
With all this talk about carbs being the enemy, is a low-carb diet appropriate for children?
Growing children should be encouraged to follow a healthy diet that includes all the food groups: lean protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. Low-carb diets are restrictive in many of the nutrients ch... continue reading about With all this talk about carbs being the enemy, is a low-carb diet appropriate for children?
Richard H. Hongo, M.D., FACC
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
Are heart palpitations a serious symptoms for someone 62 years old and in good physical shape? My PCP did an ECG and a Holter monitor exam, and suggested I see a cardiologist. Do I need to?
In general, heart palpitations are not a serious problem as long as the heart is healthy. Being in good physical shape and staying active are good signs that the heart is indeed healthy. There are times, howeve... continue reading about Are heart palpitations a serious symptoms for someone 62 years old and in good physical shape? My PCP did an ECG and a Holter monitor exam, and suggested I see a cardiologist. Do I need to?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What causes dark hyperpigmentation in the skin on the knees? And what can be done for this?
Dark brown coloring of the knees is often also associated with some thickening of the skin. In most patients, it would be due to a condition called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation due to friction from cloth... continue reading about What causes dark hyperpigmentation in the skin on the knees? And what can be done for this?
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
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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