It is unlikely for SLE to be caused by the breast cancer chemotherapy. There are cases of drug-induced lupus, but this is usually when you are on the drug treatment and unlikely to occur a year after treatment. Furthermore, breast cancer chemotherapy is not a common cause of it. As for the rash following a nerve, I agree that shingles or herpes zoster needs to considered. The zoster rash is usually associated with pain. It starts off with a red rash and blisters subsequently appear.

Thank you for your email. I agree with what Dr Chung or Dr Dinesh have said. It is an extremely common problem seen in people, whether young or old. First line of treatment is always medication and physiotherapy to strengthen the core and paraspinal muscles. If that does not work, and the pain is persistent, and if MRI does show a disc bulge and/ or annular tear, another option that you may want to consider is a nucleoplasty, annuloplasty and facet block of the affected levels. It works very well, and may patients do find symptomatic relief.

No because you may suffer dry eyes as a result of LASIK. The preferred surgery of choice is Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) for Sjogren's sufferers as ICL will not cause permanent dryness. I will need to know your age and whether you are a contact lens wearer or not. I take the opportunity to provide you with some information on ICL for future consideration.

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease under the CDMP ( Chronic Disease Management Programme) and is thus Medisave claimable. The total amount of Medisave that can be used for outpatient purposes including chronic disease management is $500. For persons above 60, you can also use the Flexi-Medisave $200, so that makes it a total of $700 for outpatient usage. You need to make a co-payment of 15% for this. You can also use your Merdeka or PG card for the treatment of osteoporosis.

The benefits of glucosamine for arthritis are controversial. While many studies conclude that glucosamine has no benefits for osteoarthritis, others indicate that it may relieve joint pain and other symptoms over time. It is however still worth a try to see if it helps you.

Dr Henry has already provided an excellent summary to the different types of arthritis that can occur. Just wanted to add that the cyst could be a simple ganglion from your computer use. Sometimes with excessive pressure, these can develop and the easiest way to manage them is simply to modify your activities. You can certainly see a surgical colleague, but an alternative might be to see a primary care physician for a general assessment, including blood tests etc. , before seeing a rheumatologist or MSK/Sports physician.

Simply put, YOU MUST BE ASSESSED - URGENTLY! If you are having pain in the back that radiates to your legs AND you have altered walking - please get seen as soon as possible! This is something that should not wait for an outpatient assessment, particularly if you have altered sensation or change in bladder of bowel control.

Thanks for your question! Dr Seah had provided an excellent answer already and other options for who can see you boyfriend include 1. A rheumatologist 2. An MSK/Sports physician Just out of interest, has the diagnosis of gout been confirmed? If so, it might be worth visiting the diagnosing clinician for further treatment or onward referral. I hope this helps.

The common cause of low back pain at the tail bone area is coccydynia, which can be due to trauma or unknown reasons. Treatment is usually medications and the use of ring cushion.

Thanks for your question and certainly interesting. There are a couple of ways that joint pains can be investigated, including blood tests, ultrasound examinations and X-rays. Often, this is preceded by a thorough clinical assessment including history and physical examination. unfortunately, in some patients with conditions such as RA, blood tests can be negative at first presentation and hence the clinical assessment is really important. If you are concerned about arthritis, I would suggest seeing a GP, MSK physician. They can perform investigations and refer onwards if necessary.

Myalgia or muscle pain is a common complaint. Unusually excessive exertion, trauma, and viral infections are among the most common causes. While many causes are benign and self-limiting, myalgia can also be associated with significant morbidity. A thorough review by the doctor of the patient's history and complete physical examination will narrow the list of potential causes of myalgia to a manageable one. For persistent or severe myalgia, selected investigations may be necessary to identify the diagnosis and direct treatment.

I assume that you are referring specifically to the replacement of the 1st carpometacarpal joint. After such a replacement is done, you can expect a better quality of life. Pain should be eliminated almost immediately, and joint motion will improve with the presence of the new joint. Certainly, the pinch strength of the thumb after replacement will not match that of a completely normal thumb, although it will be stronger than what it is before surgery. The ability to play musical instruments, using the computer and mobile devices will post-surgery.

Yes, frequent squatting can accelerate the wear and tear of the knees as the bodyweight is multiplied 5 times over the knees [1]. That is why, in Asia, many people have knee problems as compared to the West. And if there is a family history of knee arthritis and knee injuries, the risk of getting knee arthritis is higher. However, this can be prevented with good supplements for the cartilage and joints such as: collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid. References: 1. D’Lima DD, Fregly BJ, Patil S, Steklov N, Colwell CW.

After a joint injury, there is a high likelihood of the development of secondary osteoarthritis at the affected joint. Some measures to prevent that includes: Reduce the load and strain on the affected joint This may involve a change in habits and lifestyle, depending on the affected joint. Appropriate exercises must be performed daily to improve the strength and condition of the muscles surrounding the affected joint. These exercises should be guided by a qualified physiotherapist or occupational therapist.

Elbow pain is quite a common problem. Common things occur commonly. The most frequent cause is that of elbow tendon inflammation due to overuse and strain. Other causes include rheumatoid arthritis, more common in ladies.