Other Orthopedic Symptoms

Knee pain, heel pain, tight Achilles tendon, deformed big toe—
Orthopedic symptoms are varied, and many people are probably wondering, "Where should I go?"
Our clinic handles a wide range of orthopedic symptoms related to bones, joints, muscles, and nerves, including those introduced on this page.
If you have any concerning symptoms, please feel free to consult us first.

• Thoroughly identify the cause of symptoms through interviews, palpation, and X-ray examinations
• Treatment tailored to symptoms, such as painkillers, patches, splints, and injections
• Referral letters to specialized orthopedic hospitals and for MRI examinations created as needed
• No appointment necessary, same-day visits OK | Open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM

👉 Same-day visits without an appointment are also possible. Please feel free to consult us first.

Main orthopedic symptoms treated at our clinic

All the following symptoms can be diagnosed, examined, and receive initial treatment at our clinic. If specialized surgery, MRI examination, or advanced rehabilitation is required, we will provide a referral letter to a collaborating specialized orthopedic hospital.

Knee Pain (Osteoarthritis of the Knee, Meniscus Tear)

Knee pain is one of the most common complaints in orthopedics. Accurate diagnosis is crucial because treatment methods vary completely depending on the cause.

Osteoarthritis of the Knee

This is a condition where the knee cartilage wears down due to aging, obesity, muscle weakness, etc., and the bones come into contact, causing inflammation and pain. It is common in middle-aged and older individuals, women, and those with bowed legs. Typical symptoms include "pain when going up and down stairs," "unable to sit in seiza position," and "knee swelling/fluid accumulation." Symptoms can be controlled with weight management, strengthening the quadriceps, hyaluronic acid injections, and painkillers.

Meniscus Tear

This is a condition where the meniscus, a cushion within the knee joint, is damaged. Causes include sudden changes in direction during sports, deep squatting, and age-related degeneration. Characteristic symptoms include a feeling of catching in the knee, sharp pain during specific movements, and locking (the knee suddenly becoming unable to move). An MRI is necessary for detailed examination, so if suspected, a referral letter to a specialized hospital will be provided.

Symptoms indicating a need for consultation

• Knee pain on stairs or slopes
• Knee is swollen or hot to the touch
• Feeling of fluid accumulation in the knee
• Knee suddenly gives way or locks up
• Unable to sit in seiza position or squat down

Plantar Fasciitis (Heel and Sole Pain)

The plantar fascia is a thick ligamentous tissue that supports the arch of the foot. When this tissue is overloaded and inflamed, pain occurs from the heel to the sole of the foot. A characteristic symptom is sharp pain when taking the first step after waking up in the morning, which may ease slightly as you continue to walk.

Common causes include prolonged standing, running, weight gain, foot arch problems (flat feet, high arches), and shoes with poor cushioning. Treatment includes rest, stretching, insoles (orthotics), painkillers, and steroid injections.

Symptoms indicating a need for consultation

• Sharp heel pain with the first step in the morning
• Heel-to-sole pain after standing for a long time
• Pain when pressing the heel
• Sole pain after running

Achilles Tendinitis / Achilles Tendon Rupture

Achilles Tendinitis

This is a condition where the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel, becomes inflamed. It often occurs with repeated running or jumping movements, or when increasing exercise intensity too quickly. Symptoms include pain and swelling around the Achilles tendon, and pain during exercise. Treatment involves rest, icing, stretching, insoles, and painkillers.

Achilles Tendon Rupture

This is a condition where the Achilles tendon is completely or partially torn. It is characterized by a sudden sharp pain with a "pop" sensation, making it impossible to walk. It is common among sports enthusiasts aged 30-50, often occurring when individuals who don't usually exercise suddenly engage in sports. Complete rupture requires surgery or long-term conservative treatment, so a referral letter to a specialized hospital will be provided.

Symptoms indicating a need for consultation

• Swelling and pain around the Achilles tendon, painful to the touch
• Achilles tendon feels tight in the morning, pain when starting to walk
• Sudden sharp pain in the heel with a "pop" sound or sensation
• Unable to stand on tiptoes or walk

Bunions (Hallux Valgus)

This is a condition where the big toe (hallux) bends towards the index toe, and the joint at the base protrudes outwards. Factors include prolonged use of narrow-toed shoes, high heels, foot arch problems, and genetic predisposition. It is common in women, with symptoms such as pain where the protruding part rubs against shoes, pain during walking, and callus formation.

For mild to moderate cases, symptoms can be controlled by changing to wider shoes, using insoles, splints, and stretching. If the deformity is severe and significantly interferes with daily life, surgery may be necessary.

Symptoms indicating a need for consultation

• Pain and redness/swelling at the base of the big toe where it rubs against shoes
• Big toe has started to bend towards the index toe
• Pain in the sole or at the base of the toes when walking
• Difficulty finding shoes that fit

Rotator Cuff Tear

This is a condition where the tendons (rotator cuff) that move the shoulder are torn. Symptoms are similar to frozen shoulder (fifties shoulder) and can be difficult to distinguish. Characteristic symptoms include inability to lift the arm sideways, loss of strength at certain angles, and pain when moving the shoulder. Tears can be degenerative due to aging, or traumatic due to falls or sports injuries.

Partial tears may improve with conservative treatment (rest, rehabilitation, injections), but surgery may be considered for complete tears or tears in younger individuals. An MRI is necessary for detailed examination, so if suspected, we will refer you to a specialized hospital.

Symptoms indicating a need for consultation

• Inability to lift the arm sideways, or the arm suddenly drops
• Grinding or creaking sound when moving the shoulder
• Waking up at night due to shoulder pain
• Being treated for frozen shoulder but still unable to lift the arm

Tennis Elbow / Golfer's Elbow (Lateral / Medial Epicondylitis)

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

This is a condition where the tendons attached to the bone on the outside of the elbow (lateral epicondyle) become inflamed. It is characterized by pain on the outside of the elbow during actions such as a tennis backhand, wringing a towel, turning a doorknob, or using a computer mouse. It can also occur in people who do not play tennis.

Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

This is a condition where the tendons on the inside of the elbow become inflamed. Pain occurs on the inside of the elbow during actions such as a golf swing, throwing, or lifting heavy objects.

Both conditions often improve with rest, patches, painkillers, and steroid injections. If they recur, extracorporeal shockwave therapy or surgery may be considered.

Symptoms indicating a need for consultation

• Pain on the outside or inside of the elbow when grasping or wringing objects
• Strong pain when pressing a specific area of the elbow
• Elbow pain when extending the arm and flexing the wrist backwards
• Weakened grip strength or tendency to drop objects

Tendonitis / De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Tendonitis

This is a general term for inflammation of the tendon sheath that surrounds a tendon. It occurs from overuse of the hand and fingers, with symptoms such as catching or pain when bending and straightening a finger (trigger finger), and swelling at the base of the finger.

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis (Stenosing Tenosynovitis)

This is a condition where the tendon sheath from the base of the thumb to the wrist becomes inflamed. Causes include holding a baby during childcare, prolonged smartphone use, and overuse of the wrist during household chores. It is characterized by severe pain when you enclose your thumb with your fingers and bend your wrist towards your little finger (positive Finkelstein test).

Most cases improve with rest, patches, splinting, and steroid injections.

Symptoms indicating a need for consultation

• Pain and swelling from the base of the thumb to the wrist
• Catching sensation or difficulty bending and straightening a finger when moving it
• Fingers feel stiff and difficult to move upon waking in the morning
• Wrist pain after childcare, household chores, or smartphone use

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by reduced bone density, making bones fragile and prone to fractures. It is often called a "silent disease" because it progresses with few subjective symptoms. Risk factors include postmenopausal women, elderly individuals, calcium and vitamin D deficiency, lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.

As osteoporosis progresses, vertebral compression fractures and femoral neck fractures (fractures at the top of the thigh bone) become more likely from minor falls, sneezes, or lifting heavy objects. Femoral neck fractures can be a trigger for becoming bedridden, so early detection and treatment are crucial.

Diagnosis is made through bone density tests (DXA method) and blood tests. Treatment involves medication (bisphosphonates, SERMs, denosumab, vitamin D supplements, etc.), calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and exercise therapy.

Symptoms/situations indicating a need for consultation

• Postmenopausal women, individuals over 70 years old
• Noticed low bone density during a health check-up
• Back has become rounded, feeling shorter
• Experienced a fracture from minor impact
• Parents have a history of osteoporosis or fractures
• Long-term use of steroid medication

Sciatica

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, extending from the lower back to the feet. When this nerve is compressed or irritated due to lumbar spine, piriformis muscle, or other causes, numbness, pain, or burning sensation occurs from the buttocks to the back of the thigh, calf, and foot. This is called sciatica.

Sciatica is a symptom, not a disease itself. The most common causes are lumbar disc herniation and lumbar spinal stenosis, but piriformis syndrome, tumors, and infections can also be causes. Treatment tailored to the cause is necessary, so accurate diagnosis of the cause is crucial first.

Symptoms indicating a need for consultation

• Pain or numbness radiating from the buttocks to the thigh and calf
• Feet become numb after sitting for a long time
• Feet become numb when walking, making it impossible to continue walking (intermittent claudication)
• Symptoms worsen or improve with certain postures

Scoliosis

This is a condition where the spine curves sideways. It often develops during adolescence and is more common in girls. Mild cases may only require observation, but if it progresses, a brace or surgery may be necessary. Signs include "uneven back height," "asymmetrical shoulder height," and "uneven waistline."

Growing Pains / Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common cause of knee pain in growing children. It is a condition where the bone below the kneecap (tibial tuberosity) is pulled and protrudes, causing pain. It is common in boys aged 10-15 who are active in sports, characterized by pain below the knee during or after exercise, and pain when pressed. It often improves with growth, but adjusting the amount of sports activity and appropriate care are necessary.

Contusions / Dislocations

Contusions

This is a condition where subcutaneous tissue and muscles are damaged by direct impact such as bumping or falling. Swelling, bruising, and pain are the main symptoms. Most cases recover naturally with rest, icing, compression, and elevation (RICE treatment), but X-ray examination is performed if differentiation from a fracture is necessary.

Dislocations

This is a condition where the bones forming a joint are displaced from their normal position. It often occurs in the shoulder, fingers, and patella (kneecap). The joint becomes deformed, immovable, and causes severe pain. Early reduction (returning to the original position) is important. Self-reduction can damage blood vessels and nerves, so always seek medical attention. After reduction, splinting and rehabilitation are necessary.

Swelling / Varicose Veins

Leg swelling can be caused by many factors, including prolonged standing or sitting, and heart, kidney, or lymphatic diseases. Varicose veins are a condition where the valves in the leg veins malfunction, causing blood to flow backward and the veins to become dilated and lumpy. Symptoms include swelling, heaviness in the legs, leg cramps, and skin pigmentation. These are subjects for internal medicine or surgical treatment, so please consult us if you have concerns.

About Medical Consultations at Our Clinic

Item	Content
Available examinations	Interview, palpation, neurological examination, X-ray examination, blood tests, urine tests
Available treatments	Painkillers, patches, muscle relaxants, joint injections, splinting, taping, lifestyle guidance
Referrals to specialized hospitals	Referral letters to specialized orthopedic hospitals are provided for cases requiring surgery, MRI/ultrasound examinations, or advanced rehabilitation.
Unavailable services	MRI examination, ultrasound (echo) examination, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, surgery (all referred to partner hospitals)

Even for symptoms where you "don't know where to go," it's okay.

Even for symptoms like "I don't think it's serious enough for an orthopedic visit" or "I don't know which department to consult," please start by consulting our clinic. We will conduct necessary examinations and treatments, and if specialized care is required, we will provide a referral to an appropriate medical institution.

Jujo Station Haru Internal Medicine and Dermatology Clinic is located on the 1st floor of J&MALL, approximately 1-2 minutes walk from Jujo Station on the JR Saikyo Line. We are open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM, including weekends and holidays, making us easily accessible from the Akabane, Higashi-Jujo, Oji, and Itabashi areas. While walk-ins are welcome, we prioritize patients with WEB reservations.

Clinic Hours / Access

Item	Content
Clinic name	Jujo Station Haru Internal Medicine and Dermatology Clinic
Consultation hours	Monday - Sunday　9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Closed	None (irregular holidays)
Location	J&MALL 1F, 2-27-1 Kami-Jujo, Kita-ku, Tokyo 114-0034
By train/on foot	Approximately 1-2 minutes walk from JR Saikyo Line "Jujo Station," J&MALL 1F
By bus	Immediately in front of the Kokusai Kogyo Bus "Jujo Station" bus stop
By car	Please use nearby coin parking
Contact us	TEL: 03-6698-2509　／　Official LINE: https://lin.ee/DRxcelo

Official LINE　 Phone　 Priority guidance for reservations