unable to stand

Six weeks back, I fell down from a height of 10 feet, after which I developed an acute back pain and diminished sensation in my lower limbs. X-ray revealed a D12-type fracture. Even after treatment, I suffer from pain and weakness, due which I cannot even stand.

You seem to have fractured your spinal cord. The injury may have caused spinal cord compression, which has led to incomplete paraplegia. You need to get an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) done to know the exact nature of the compression, which can be followed by operative decompression. Physiotherapy of the lower limb is fruitful. Consult an orthopaedic at the earliest.

Arthritis

I am 18 years old. I suffered from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 11. Despite treatment, the disease recurs frequently. After seeing a recent MRI report, doctors have suggested hip joint replacement. Is there an alternative way to reduce the pain?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease for which continuous and prolonged treatment is needed. Intermittent treatment may lead to deformity. Medication and physiotherapy help in the initial stage; hip replacement is the treatment for an advanced stage. No alternative treatment may be of help at this stage.

osteoporosis

I am a 47-year-old woman suffering from post-menopausal osteoporosis. Please advise.

Post-menopausal osteoporosis is the loss of bone matrix and calcium due to hormonal imbalance. You need to lead an active life and take vitamin D3, calcium and risadronate sodium regularly. Hormonal therapy may be helpful. Consult an orthopaedic.

oisy joints

I have movement noise in the joints. Also, I cannot walk barefoot even indoors because my toes hurt. Please advise.

You are probably suffering from osteoarthritis. Movement noise is produced when the quantity of synovial fluid cushioning the joints reduces. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative process where the bone surface is ebarnated with osteophyte formation. You need to go through certain investigations like X-ray of the effected area and blood tests. Physiotherapy with surgical shoes may ease the toe problem in the initial stages. But in an advanced stage, operation is generally suggested.

pain in the arm

My 10-year-old son says that he suffers a sudden pain in his entire left arm accompanied with nausea and vertigo. What can be the reason behind this?

It may be due to some defect in the cervical spine. It could also be a neurological or cardiac problem. Certain investigations like blood tests, X-ray of the spine, CT scan of the brain and ECG are needed for proper diagnosis. Consult an orthopaedist, neurologist and cardiologist, in that order.

shoulder pain

I am 43 years old and have been suffering from neck or shoulder pain and vertigo (on movement) since January 2005. The doctor has diagnosed it as a case of cervical spondylosis with osteophyte formation in C4 to C6. I underwent traction for a month but it did not benefit much. Please suggest a remedy.

You are suffering from cervical spondylosis along with diminished blood circulation to the brain. This is what is causing vertigo. You need postural care and static neck exercise. A hard cervical collar and low pillow should be used. Medicines like cinarizine are needed to increase blood circulation to the brain. Stop cervical traction immediately; you will be much benefited, as the vertigo will disappear.