Other Orthopedic Symptoms

Knee pain, heel pain, Achilles tendon stiffness, deformed big toe—
Orthopedic symptoms are diverse, and many people probably worry about "where to go."
At our clinic, we address 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, physical examinations, and X-ray imaging
• Treatment tailored to symptoms, including pain relievers, patches, immobilization, and injections
• If necessary, prepare referral letters to specialized orthopedic hospitals or for MRI examinations
• No appointment needed, 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.

Consultation booking / Doctor consultation Visit without an appointment

Main Orthopedic Symptoms We Treat at Our Clinic

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

Knee Pain (Osteoarthritis of the Knee, Meniscus Injury)

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 condition occurs when the cartilage in the knee wears down due to aging, obesity, or muscle weakness, leading to inflammation and pain when bones rub against each other. It is common among middle-aged and older individuals, women, and those with bowlegs, with typical symptoms including "pain when climbing or descending stairs," "inability to sit in seiza," and "swelling or fluid accumulation in the knee." Symptoms can be managed with weight control, strengthening of the quadriceps, hyaluronic acid injections, and pain relievers.

Meniscus Injury

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 movements, and degeneration due to aging. Characteristic symptoms include a catching sensation in the knee, severe pain during specific movements, and locking (the knee suddenly becomes unable to move). An MRI is necessary for detailed examination, so if suspected, we will prepare a referral letter to a specialized hospital.

Symptoms indicating a need for a medical visit

• Knee pain when going up or down stairs or slopes
• Knee is swollen or feels hot
• Sensation of fluid accumulating in the knee
• Knee suddenly gives way or gets stuck
• Unable to sit in seiza or squat

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. It is characteristic to experience severe pain when taking the first step after waking up in the morning, and the pain may ease slightly with continued walking.

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

Symptoms indicating a need for a medical visit

• Severe heel pain with the first step after waking up in the morning
• Heel to sole pain after standing for a long time
• Pain when pressing on the heel
• Foot pain after running

Achilles Tendinitis / Achilles Tendon Rupture

Achilles Tendinitis

This is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel. It often occurs with repetitive running or jumping motions, or when exercise intensity is suddenly increased, causing pain and swelling around the Achilles tendon, and pain during exercise. Treatment involves rest, icing, stretching, insoles, and pain relievers.

Achilles Tendon Rupture

This is a complete or partial tear of the Achilles tendon. It causes sudden, severe pain with a "pop" sensation, making it impossible to walk. It is common among sports enthusiasts aged 30-50 and often occurs when someone who doesn't usually exercise suddenly engages in sports. A complete rupture requires surgery or long-term conservative treatment, so we will prepare a referral letter to a specialized hospital.

Symptoms indicating a need for a medical visit

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

Bunion (Hallux Valgus)

This is a condition where the big toe (hallux) bends towards the second toe, and the joint at its base protrudes outwards. It is associated with long-term use of narrow-toed shoes or high heels, foot arch problems, and genetic factors. It is more common in women, causing symptoms such as pain where the protruding part rubs against shoes, pain during walking, and calluses.

Mild to moderate cases can be managed by switching to wider shoes, using insoles, splints, and stretching. If the deformity is severe and significantly impacts daily life, surgery may be considered.

Symptoms indicating a need for a medical visit

• Base of the big toe hurts and is red and swollen from rubbing against shoes
• Big toe has started to bend towards the index toe
• Pain in the sole of the foot or the base of the toes when walking
• Finding it difficult to find 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 sometimes 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. There are degenerative tears due to aging and traumatic tears 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. A detailed MRI examination is necessary, so if suspected, we will refer you to a specialized hospital.

Symptoms indicating a need for a medical visit

• Unable to lift the arm sideways, or it drops suddenly
• Grinding or creaking sound when moving the shoulder
• Waking up at night due to shoulder pain
• Have been treated for "frozen shoulder" but can't lift the arm

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

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

This is an inflammation of the tendons attached to the bone on the outside of the elbow (lateral epicondyle). It is characterized by pain on the outside of the elbow during actions such as tennis backhands, wringing a towel, turning a doorknob, or using a computer mouse. It also frequently occurs in people who do not play tennis.

Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

This is an inflammation of the tendons on the inside of the elbow. Pain on the inside of the elbow occurs during golf swings, throwing motions, or lifting heavy objects.

Both often improve with rest, patches, pain relievers, and steroid injections. If it recurs, extracorporeal shockwave therapy or surgery may be considered.

Symptoms indicating a need for a medical visit

• Pain on the outside or inside of the elbow when gripping or wringing objects
• Severe pain when pressing on a specific part of the elbow
• Elbow pain when extending the arm and bending the wrist back
• Weakened grip strength or tendency to drop objects

Tenosynovitis / De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Tenosynovitis

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

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis (Stenosing Tenosynovitis)

This is an inflammation of the tendon sheath at the base of the thumb and extending to the wrist. Causes include holding a baby during childcare, prolonged smartphone use, and overworking the wrist with household chores. It is characterized by severe pain when you tuck your thumb into your palm 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 a medical visit

• Pain and swelling from the base of the thumb to the wrist
• Fingers catch or are difficult to bend and straighten when moving them
• Fingers feel stiff and difficult to move upon waking in the morning
• Wrist pain after childcare, housework, or smartphone use

Osteoporosis

This is a disease where bone density decreases, making bones fragile and prone to fractures. It often progresses with almost no symptoms, earning it the nickname "the silent disease." Risk factors include postmenopausal women, elderly individuals, calcium and vitamin D deficiency, lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.

As osteoporosis progresses, even minor falls, sneezes, or lifting heavy objects can lead to vertebral compression fractures or femoral neck fractures (fracture at the top of the thigh bone). Femoral neck fractures can be a cause of being bedridden, so early detection and treatment are crucial.

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

Symptoms/situations indicating a need for a medical visit

• Postmenopausal women or individuals over 70 years old
• Been told in a health check-up that bone density is low
• Back has become rounded or feel shorter in height
• Have fractured a bone from a minor impact
• Parents have a history of osteoporosis or fractures
• Taking steroids long-term

Sciatica

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, extending from the lower back to the foot. When this nerve is compressed or irritated by the lumbar spine, piriformis muscle, or other causes, it results in numbness, pain, and a burning sensation running 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, with piriformis syndrome, tumors, and infections also being possible causes. Treatment needs to be tailored to the cause, so accurate diagnosis of the cause is crucial first.

Symptoms indicating a need for a medical visit

• Pain or numbness running from the buttocks to the thigh and calf
• Foot numbness after sitting for a long time
• Foot numbness 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

One common cause of knee pain in growing children is Osgood-Schlatter disease. This condition involves the bone below the kneecap (tibial tuberosity) being pulled, causing it to protrude and become painful. It is common in boys aged 10-15 who play a lot of sports, and is characterized by pain in the lower knee during or after exercise, or pain when pressed. It often improves with growth, but adjusting sports activity and appropriate care are necessary.

Contusions / Dislocations

Contusion

This is an injury to the subcutaneous tissues and muscles due to direct impact from bumping or falling. Swelling, bruising, and pain are the main symptoms. Most cases recover spontaneously with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE treatment), but X-ray examination is performed if differentiation from a fracture is necessary.

Dislocation

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, unable to move, and causes severe pain. Early reduction (returning to the original position) is crucial, and self-reduction can be dangerous as it may injure blood vessels or nerves, so always seek medical attention. After reduction, immobilization and rehabilitation are necessary.

Swelling / Varicose Veins

Leg swelling can be caused by many factors, including prolonged standing or sitting work, 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 expand into a bulging shape. Symptoms include swelling, heavy and tired legs, leg cramps, and skin pigmentation. These are subjects for internal medicine or surgical treatment, so please consult us if you are concerned.

About Medical Care at Our Clinic

Item	Content
Available Examinations	Interview, physical examination, neurological examination, X-ray imaging, blood tests, urine tests
Available Treatments	Pain relievers, patches, muscle relaxants, joint injections, immobilization, taping, lifestyle guidance
Referral to Specialized Hospitals	For cases requiring surgery, MRI/ultrasound examinations, or advanced rehabilitation, we prepare referral letters to specialized orthopedic hospitals
Unavailable at Our Clinic	MRI examinations, ultrasound (echo) examinations, 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 where you might think "it's not serious enough for an orthopedic clinic" or "I don't know which department to consult," please talk to us first. We will perform the necessary examinations and treatments, and if specialized care is required, we will provide a referral letter to the appropriate medical institution.

Jujo Ekiharu Internal Medicine & 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, and are conveniently located for patients from Akabane, Higashi-Jujo, Oji, and Itabashi areas. You can visit without an appointment, but patients with web reservations are given priority.

Consultation Hours / Access

Item	Content
Clinic Name	Jujo Ekiharu Internal Medicine & Dermatology Clinic
Consultation Hours	Monday - Sunday 9:00 - 21:00
Closed Days	None (irregular holidays)
Location	1F J&MALL, 2-27-1 Kami-Jujo, Kita-ku, Tokyo 114-0034
By Train / On Foot	Approximately 1-2 minutes walk from "Jujo Station" on the JR Saikyo Line, 1st floor of J&MALL
By Bus	Right in front of the Kokusai Kogyo Bus "Jujo Station" bus stop
By Car	Please use nearby coin parking facilities
Contact Us	TEL: 03-6698-2509 / Official LINE: https://lin.ee/DRxcelo

Official LINE Call Us Priority for Reservations