Your Hips Might Hurt
In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle and remain mobile, keeping your hip joints in good shape is fundamentally important. After all, the hips are crucial in ensuring support and stability when walking and running. Over your lifetime, however, the cart
Labral Tears and Hip Impingement
Young and middle-aged athletes who enjoy running and playing sports such as football, rugby and martial arts may experience sharp groin pains that can cause hip stiffness and sometimes a catching or locking sensation. This may be caused by a tear in the lining of the hip joint called the labrum. The condition is often associated with a growth of bone (known as a cam lesion) at the top of the thigh bone which rubs against the hip socket, causing friction and pain. Rest, physiotherapy and medication usually cure this problem but sometimes patients require surgery to repair the tear and remove the excess bone.
Hip Osteoarthritis
Hip osteoarthritis results when the smooth cartilage lining of the hip joint degenerates, causing groin pain, stiffness and difficulty walking and climbing stairs. While it usually takes many years for this to happen, it’s also present in younger patients who may have problems involving blood supply to the hip joint. This can be caused by injury, medications or autoimmune diseases that can accelerate the degenerative process. While non-surgical methods are often effective initially, if the osteoarthritis worsens, a hip replacement may be the most effective way of managing the condition.
Trochanteric Bursitis
If you’re experiencing pain on the outside of your hip, this may be due to trochanteric bursitis. The condition is caused by the thick band of tissue on the side of your legs rubbing against the bony part of your thigh bone, causing pain and inflammation. This tends to occur in runners and cyclists due to the repetitive leg movements required in the sports. IOC offers a variety of non-surgical solutions to this problem such as physiotherapy, extra-corporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and ultrasound guided injections.
Referred Spinal Pain
If you experience a shooting pain at the back of your hip going down your leg, then you might have sciatica, which is pain more closely related to spinal problems such as a bulging or slipped disc. Lower back problems are extremely common, particularly among those with sedentary jobs. While not technically a hip problem, spine problems can cause pain around the hip. This is because the large sciatic nerve passing behind the hip joint is connected to the spine and may transmit pain signals known as referred pain. Spine problems may also cause numbness and weakness of the leg. For cases like this, it’s important that your specialist can think laterally to identify it as a spine issue.
If you’re experiencing hip pain, it’s important to seek medical help as there is a possibility that it may progress to becoming a chronic issue that requires surgery. IOC’s experienced British- and Hip Fellowship-trained Orthopaedic Consultants are available to discuss issues related to joint health and offer effective surgical and non-surgical solutions so you can get back to the sports and the activities you love.
International Orthopaedic Clinic is at #05-24 Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, 38 Irrawaddy Road.
6253 7111 | enquiry@ioc-ortho.com ioc-ortho.com
Chronic pelvic pain
Symptoms “Men suffering chronic pelvic pain describe feeling spontaneous pain or tightness in the lower abdomen, perineal area, scrotal and/or anal region,” explains Wan Hui. These symptoms can also be felt during urination, with erection, or after ejaculation. Some men also complain of difficult or frequent urination and experience erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.
Cause
“A common cause of persistent pelvic pain is tension within the pelvic floor and muscles in the surrounding area,” says Wan Hui, adding that this can be aggravated by new exercises, stress or a bout of prostatitis.
Treatment
“First, I check for tightness within the pelvic floor, hip and back muscles that may be contributing to the symptoms felt,” explains Wan Hui. If present, she prescribes breathing, stretching and manual release to target these areas. Examination for sensitivity of nerves from persistent pain will also be done. “Electrical therapy can be very effective in calming the nervous system to reduce symptoms quickly,” says Wan Hui. The expected outcome is reduced pain, lack of recurrence and improved function.
Recovery after prostate removal surgery
Symptoms
Prostate removal is a lifesaving surgery for men with prostate cancer. But, due to changes in bladder position and nerve function after this procedure, they can experience incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
Treatment
“If possible, start strengthening pelvic floor muscles before surgery as the nerves are still healthy and there’s no pain associated with the procedure yet,” says Wan Hui. Early training can reduce longevity of symptoms after surgery. Post procedure, Wan Hui continues pelvic floor strengthening and works on improving blood flow to the penis to prevent penile shrinkage and improve urinary control and erectile function. She advises that men can be guided to a safe return to activities like golf or other sports without compromising recovery.
Urinary incontinence
Symptoms
Men can experience frequent need to urinate with or without actual loss of urine before reaching the toilet. Another common symptom is dribbling after leaving the toilet.
Cause
“Incontinence can be caused by tight pelvic floor muscles or an overactive bladder,” says Wan Hui. It can be aggravated by being in a colder environment or by drinking caffeine or alcohol, she explains.
Treatment
Pelvic health physios assess the pelvic floor function and drinking and toileting habits to identify contributing factors. “Lifestyle modification such as altering drinking and toileting habits can reduce symptoms quickly,” says Wan Hui. Pelvic floor exercises to reduce tightness and bladder training will be prescribed to improve bladder control. Post treatment, men can expect to regain confidence with bladder control.
Erectile dysfunction
Symptoms
This involves difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection affecting sexual satisfaction for the individual.
Cause
Contributing factors include smoking, ageing, stress, obesity and underlying conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Tight pelvic floor muscles and chronic pelvic pain or pain in the hips and back can contribute as well.
Treatment
“Once doctors rule out vascular and other medical causes, I check to see if tight or weak pelvic floor, hip and/or back muscles are contributing factors to declining function,” says Wan Hui. If so, she prescribes breathing, stretching and manual release to target these areas. Strengthening exercises specific to improving function will also be given. Therapy can complement medication to speed up recovery and prevent reliance.
Wan Hui is a senior physiotherapist at City Osteopathy & Physiotherapy, which has clinics at Novena, the CBD, Bukit Timah, Woodleigh and the East Coast. cityosteophysio.com
Tell us about your journey and the vision for your new clinic.
I opened Petite Practice in 2023 after working for years in hospital paediatric and allergy units. I found there was a sizeable niche of children in Singapore’s East who continued to require subspecialty outpatient care, yet the clinics were located centrally.
While I continue to provide inpatient hospital care, I really like working with parents to manage childhood illnesses within the comfort of home. I’ve observed that very few of these patients end up needing hospital care. My goal is to impress upon parents that most symptoms are manageable – few symptoms are true emergencies. My desire to create a more calming and welcoming environment for both children and parents led to the birth of Petite Practice!
One of your specialties is dust mite allergies in children. What are the symptoms?
Respiratory symptoms include frequent itchy noses and eyes, sneezing, runny nose, teary or watery eyes, blocked noses with snoring, or heavy mouth breathing. In some children with extremely blocked noses, allergies can cause chronic bedtime coughs due to post-nasal drip of mucous. Severe allergies can also trigger the airways and cause frequent wheezing.
These symptoms are very common and persistent in Singapore as we have an all-year-round high dust mite load. Babies aren’t born with respiratory allergies. Sensitisation to respiratory allergens occurs over time and commonly develops in late toddlerhood to early primary years.
As a first step, I work with families to identify and remove sources of high dust mite load within the home. Traditional medications include non-drowsy syrup antihistamines to reduce mucous, sneezing and itching symptoms. Nasal saline rinses can also help clear up the constantly produced mucous. In moderate to severe symptoms, nasal steroid sprays need to be prescribed to control the nasal inflammation caused by the respiratory allergens. For allergic conjunctivitis or eye symptoms, antihistamine eye drops are suitable. And inhaled steroid medications are given to children who develop frequent wheezing.
Medications don’t cure dust mite allergies; they ease more severe symptoms to allow better quality sleep, breathing, focus and attention.
You also use immunotherapy. How does it work?
It involves exposing the immune system to a consistent prescribed dose of the allergen for a period of time. This results in changes within the immune system which reduce the cellular level allergic responses. The body will then react with greatly reduced symptoms when encountering the allergen in the environment.
As dust allergies often persist into adulthood and complete environmental avoidance of these allergens isn’t possible, dust mite immunotherapy is the only treatment that modifies the course of the illness for long-term resolution of symptoms.
What are the side effects of immunotherapy?
Traditionally, subcutaneous immunotherapy for respiratory allergies was given as fortnightly-to-monthly injections. However, over time, sublingual immunotherapy liquid sprays or tablets have been found to be as effective – and with less severe side effects. They also allow for home dosing. Note that in the first few weeks, some kids experience mouth, lip or throat itching or mild swelling.
Usually within the six-to-twelve-month mark. Immunotherapy needs to be continued for at least three years to allow for a sustained long-term response and an allergy-free life!
Petite Practice is at 467C Joo Chiat Road. 6233 2191 | petitepractice.com
Why teeth go yellow over time
If you diligently brush and floss your teeth twice a day, but still can’t budge them from dull yellow to dazzling white, you’re not alone! In fact, yellow teeth are a natural result of staining due to consumption of certain foods with artificial flavourings and drinks such as coffee, tea and red wine. (Guilty!)
However, it’s good to know that you don’t have to live with it – you can restore your teeth to their original sparkly selves. If, like me, you’ve tried the over-the-counter treatments like the often-advertised purple teeth gel, you’ll have learnt the hard way that they simply don’t work. Worse yet, some whitening toothpastes, strips and homemade bleaching agents can be unsafe and damage the enamel on your teeth.
Thankfully, a whitening treatment performed by a professional dentist is completely safe. It’s the best way to get results quickly and affordably that can last for up to three years. A good tip is to have your teeth professionally cleaned of plaque and tartar first, as clean teeth whiten better!
How to make them whiter
Aesthete Smilestudio is a Raffles Place-based dental clinic that offers both in-office teeth whitening and athome whitening for patients looking to lighten their natural teeth by a few shades. While the clinic’s in-office Aesthete Spa Whitening System treatment can deliver highly effective results within just one visit, the at-home treatment can give you the same results, only over a longer period of time. The at-home method involves wearing customised whitening trays, and a lower concentration of whitening gel that makes it safe for self-administration.
According to DR ARIEL GUO, both whitening solutions are safe and non-invasive, and effective when administered correctly by a trained dental professional.
While she says it’s common for some patients to experience slight sensitivity during or after the whitening treatment, it’s usually temporary and can be reduced with the use of desensitisers.
While teeth-whitening treatments are very effective, especially for yellow surface stains, she says it’s important to keep in mind that treatment is not a permanent fix. Teeth are still susceptible to discolouration over time. To maintain long-lasting results, she suggests identifying, then avoiding, what caused the discolouration in the first place.
“The longevity of the whitening effect depends largely on how well the patient takes care of their teeth and any lifestyle habits that may be attributed to the staining of teeth. Making small changes such as avoiding dark coloured foods and drinks, using a straw when drinking coffee or tea, and quitting smoking can help prevent the discolouration of teeth,” says Dr Guo. “More importantly, practice good oral hygiene habits and maintain a healthy oral environment!”
Aesthete Smilestudio is at #03-01A Singapore Land Tower, 50 Raffles Place. You can get in touch about a teeth-whitening consultation at 6438 3811 or dental@aesthetesmilestudio.com, or visit aesthetesmilestudio.com for more info.
Pre-diabetes is a preventable health condition characterised by blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not at the threshold to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. It’s a critical stage where individuals are more likely to develop full-blown diabetes, which is a major risk factor for serious problems like stroke, heart attacks, blindness, gangrene resulting in limb amputations and kidney failure.
Insulin hormones are released in response to a meal high in carbohydrates in order to stabilise the sugar level in one’s blood. Over time, insulin resistance develops, where the effects of insulin become blunted, resulting in higher and higher blood sugar levels. This eventually leads to pre-diabetes and diabetes.
Besides leading a wholesome lifestyle, routine blood sugar monitoring and check-ups with a healthcare provider are crucial as well.
Several factors increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, including a family history of the condition, obesity, gestational diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary choices. Advancing age is also a factor, particularly after 40 years old.
Individuals with risk factors and those over age 40 are advised to undergo regular screening for diabetes even if they feel healthy.
Primarily through coaching on lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise. However, in some instances where lifestyle modifications alone are insufficient, doctors may prescribe medications to help manage blood sugar levels. Common medicines for pre-diabetes include metformin, which assists in improving insulin sensitivity and glucose regulation.
If you wish to do a routine diabetes check or health screening, or require help managing your pre-diabetic condition, you can visit Assure Family Clinic.
About the doctor
Dr Au is a registered Family Physician in Singapore and the Medical
Director at Assure Family Clinic. As a holistic doctor with 10 years of clinical experience, she pairs conventional medicine with lifestyle interventions such as nutrition, exercise and stress management, to promote optimal wellbeing.
With holiday season around the corner, many in Singapore will be eagerly planning a getaway. Unfortunately, there’s a simple ailment that can sully the experience of going abroad for quite a few people. Travel constipation – characterised by infrequent bowel movements while on a trip – is a more common ailment than you might expect. Here, DR BENJAMIN YIP, an expert in gastrointestinal health, tells us how to minimise its impact so you can make the most of your vacation!
The change in routine that comes with travel can often disrupt the body’s natural bowel habits. Your digestive system is accustomed to a particular routine; changes such as eating meals at different times or unfamiliar foods can slow down the digestive process.
Additionally, physical inactivity and dehydration during lengthy plane flights can further exacerbate constipation. These factors can lead to constipation in the early stages of your journey.
Constipation while travelling is typically not a serious medical concern. It can, however, lead to abdominal discomfort, bloating and fatigue, which prevents you from making the most out of your trip.
If you’re prone to travel constipation, here are some practices to adopt a few days prior to your trip and during your vacation. The following five tips will help to pre-emptively avoid or quickly recover from travel constipation.
Incorporate high-fibre foods into your diet, such as whole grains, fruits and legumes, as they can help regulate your bowel movements. Pack fibre-rich snacks like nuts and granola bars for your flight.
Add probiotic-rich foods, namely yoghurt or kefir, to your diet or take probiotic supplements to promote a healthy gut microbiome.
Minimise the consumption of red meat and processed foods as they are more challenging to digest and low in fibre.
Stay properly hydrated by consuming about eight glasses of fluid (roughly two litres) per day – this also includes the fluid from food like porridge and fruit.
Stay physically active by going to the gym in your hotel as well as performing simple leg exercises in your seat to boost blood circulation and aid digestion.
If lifestyle interventions don’t provide relief, and you have been constipated for more than a few weeks, do schedule a screening with a gastroenterologist. Gastroenterologists are medical specialists who have expertise in digestive disorders. They can assess whether your chronic constipation is due to more serious underlying conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) or Colorectal Cancer.
About the doctor
Dr Benjamin Yip is an experienced Consultant Gastroenterologist and Alpha Digestive & Liver Centre’s Medical Director. He excels in advanced endoscopy (such as ERCP and EUS) and sees patients with gastroenterology as well as hepatology problems. alphagastro.sg
Doctors at Zest Clinic have been serving patients in Singapore with a wide range of health services and screenings for many years. DR SANKEERTH REDDY, GP and founder of the clinic, runs through some common health issues they help with.
ED is a common issue among men, but it doesn’t need to be a life sentence. There are a variety of treatments available to help improve sexual health and overall quality of life. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive procedure that uses low-intensity shock waves to improve blood flow to the penis, promoting natural healing and improved erectile function. PE is also a source of stress for many men, and thankfully there are effective treatments to help regain control.
Zest Clinic offers a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating sleep disorders, helping patients achieve restful, rejuvenating sleep. According to Dr Reddy, “the non-invasive and non-surgical laser-based treatment has successfully helped men with mild to moderate snoring issues to regain restful sleep.”
Androgen deficiency can lead to a range of symptoms, including decreased libido, fatigue, difficulty losing fat, sluggishness and mood changes. Specialised treatments can help balance hormone levels and boost overall energy and vitality.
Dr Reddy believes in proactive health management. “We offer comprehensive health screenings for chronic diseases, hormonal imbalances, sexually transmitted infections (STI), gut health issues, inflammation and more to detect potential health issues before they become serious problems,” he explains.
Personalised weight management programmes combine the latest in science and integrative wellness. A combination of medications to assist in weight loss, bespoke nutrition plans, exercise prescriptions and a data driven approach yield definitive and sustainable results. The team works with nutritionists, metabolic health experts, trainers and health coaches to provide optimum and longlasting transformational results to help you achieve and maintain your ideal weight. “We’re committed to being your partner in helping you achieve optimal health and wellness,” says Dr Reddy.
#01-11B Precious Medical Centre, Parkway Parade, 80 Marine Parade Road
9176 9378 | info@zest.clinic | zest.clinic
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among males worldwide. However, if caught early, it is curable, explains DR DEX KHOR, Head of Department at International Medical Clinic, Katong.
The prostate gland is a small doughnut-shaped gland that sits at the base of the bladder in men, surrounding the urethra or urine passage as it emerges from the bladder. The gland produces seminal fluid, the main component of semen. It can become enlarged with age and even turn cancerous.
It becomes more prevalent after the age of 50, and the unfortunate reality is that it can be effectively treated in its early stages. Yet, many men are hesitant to undergo any form of screening.
Your doctor will speak to you about your past medical history and any urinary problems, such as poor urine stream and difficulty emptying the bladder. They will also ask about any family history of cancer, especially of prostate cancer. An examination will include a digital rectal examination, to check the size of the prostate, and a blood test. It does sound uncomfortable, but this screen is quick, safe and can save your life!
The Prostate Specific Antigen or PSA blood test result is reviewed. This number can be raised in early prostate cancer, but it can also be raised in infection or inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis), recent ejaculation and even excessive bicycle riding! Any raised PSA result needs to be followed up by your doctor. They may also make a referral to a urologist for further checks.
There are studies suggesting smoking and obesity are lifestyle risk factors. However, the main risk factors for prostate cancer are still age, family history of prostate cancer and Afro-Caribbean ethnicity. Screening remains the best protection against prostate cancer!
IMC Camden, IMC Children’s, IMC Jelita, IMC Katong 3174 5056 | imc-healthcare.com
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65 percent of men say they avoid seeking medical attention for as long as possible, citing reasons such as being too busy, believing ailments will heal by themselves, and feelings of weakness.
Men are three times as likely to commit suicide than women, with the highest suicide rates in men aged 40 to 49.
40 percent of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health.
The biggest cause of mental health issues in men’s lives are work (32 percent), finances (31 percent) and health (23 percent). Statistics: Cleveland Clinic, Mental Health Foundation UK and The Priory UK
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According to DR NEIL FORREST of Osler Health International, “In recent years, the importance of men’s mental health has gained recognition, bringing much-needed attention to a topic that has long been overlooked.”
Men face unique challenges and societal pressures that can impact their mental wellbeing. Traditional notions of masculinity often discourage emotional expression, leading many men to suppress their feelings and suffer in silence. “Whenever a patient consults me for the first time, I start by thinking about any lifestyle changes that would help,” says Dr Forrest. Here’s a list of changes he recommends to improve mental health:
Regular physical exercise is not only beneficial for physical health but also has positive effects on mental wellbeing.
In addition to exercise, proper nutrition is crucial for mental regeneration. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provides essential nutrients that support brain function and mood regulation.
Sleep is the cornerstone of mental and physical wellness. As well as reducing alcohol intake, optimising nutrition and exercising regularly, a consistent bed time and pre-sleep routine will also help.
Lastly, fostering healthy relationships and social connections is vital for men’s mental health. Engaging in meaningful conversations and seeking social connection helps combat feelings of isolation and promotes a sense of belonging.
Men’s mental health is a topic that requires attention, understanding and action, according to Dr Forrest. “I see many men for mental wellness – please seek support and don’t be afraid to come and talk about it.”
#02-27/02-34 Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North
Bridge Road | 6332 2727
#B1-27 The Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green | 6339 2727 osler-health.com
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally. They affect the heart or blood vessels and are usually associated with a build-up of fatty deposits inside the arteries and an increased risk of blood clots.
The five most common CVDs are heart attack, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmia and heart valve complications. More than four out of five CVD deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes, and one third of these deaths occur prematurely in people under 70 years of age.
Early CVD has no symptoms – it takes time to progress. Significant CVD causes chest tightness, chest pain, shortness of breath and decreased exercise tolerance. It’s also one of the main causes of sudden death.
Everyone might be at risk. The most important behavioural risk factors of heart disease and stroke are unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol. Other risk factors include family history, age, raised blood pressure, blood glucose and blood lipids, and/or being overweight or obese. These can be measured to give you an indication of your risk.
“It’s important to visit a doctor whenever you feel unwell and have regular check-ups,” recommends DR FIONA CHANG from Complete Healthcare International. Many do not understand the importance of an annual health screening, she explains. It could potentially detect underlying medical conditions even without symptoms, allowing diseases to be treated before complications and risks arise. Dr Chang adds: “Health screening not only means checking your cholesterol, but also using other indicators and scans to assess your cardiovascular health better.”
#08-00 Shaw House, 350 Orchard Road 6776 2288 | enquiries@chi-health.com.sg chi-health.com.sg