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Quick Answer: Obesity is one of the biggest drivers of high blood pressure. Excess body fat, especially visceral fat around the waist, makes your heart pump harder, triggers hormones that hold on to salt and water, and keeps your nervous system on alert. Research estimates that excess weight accounts for about 65% to 75% of […]...

Quick Answer: Obesity can increase the likelihood of erectile dysfunction by contributing to blood vessel problems, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, lower testosterone levels and other conditions that affect erections. Psychological factors, medications and lifestyle habits may also play a role. Losing excess weight and improving metabolic health may improve erectile function for some […]...

Quick Answer: A GLP-1 weight loss injection uses a class of prescription medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which may support weight loss by helping regulate appetite and slow digestion. In Singapore, they are available only through a doctor’s prescription after clinical assessment confirms they are appropriate, and they are generally used alongside lifestyle changes such […]...

Quick Answer: Haze can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and airways. Common symptoms include dry cough, sore throat, blocked or runny nose, eye irritation and breathing discomfort. People with asthma, chronic lung disease or heart conditions may experience worsening symptoms. Most mild irritation improves after exposure is reduced. Consult a doctor if your symptoms persist, […]...

Quick Answer: Pain after shingles that lingers once the rash has healed is usually a condition called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). It happens when the shingles virus damages nerve fibres during the outbreak, causing them to send abnormal, exaggerated pain signals even after the skin has recovered. PHN can cause burning, stabbing, or aching pain lasting […]...

Quick Answer: Yes, obesity is a well-established contributor to knee pain. Extra body weight multiplies the mechanical load on the knee joint with every step, wearing down cartilage faster than it can repair itself, while fat tissue also releases inflammatory chemicals that intensify joint pain and stiffness. In Singapore, obesity prevalence rose from 10.5% to […]...

Quick Answer: A pimple sits close to the skin’s surface, usually has a visible white or red head, and clears within days to a week as part of normal acne. A skin cyst forms deeper under the skin as a closed sac, occasionally with an overlying punctum or black dot in its centre, feels firmer […]...

Quick Answer: There’s no single fixed timeline. In Singapore, without lifestyle changes, about one in three people with prediabetes develop type 2 diabetes within eight years, according to the Ministry of Health. Some people progress faster. Others stay in the prediabetes range for years, or reverse it entirely. Weight loss, exercise, and dietary changes can […]...

Quick Answer: Shoulder pain in office workers is most often caused by rotator cuff tendinitis, myofascial tightness, or shoulder impingement brought on by prolonged sitting, forward head posture, and repetitive keyboard or mouse use. It typically begins as a dull ache during typing or overhead reaching and can progress to stiffness or night pain if […]...

Quick Answer: Shoulder pain becomes more common with age mainly because the rotator cuff tendons gradually wear down over decades of use, a process that can lead to inflammation, thickening, or tearing even without any injury. Frozen shoulder, arthritis, and referred pain from the neck also become more frequent in older adults. In Singapore, shoulder […]...

Quick Answer: No, durian contains zero cholesterol. As a fruit, cholesterol only comes from animal products like meat, seafood, dairy, and eggs. Durian’s fat is mostly monounsaturated, a heart-healthier type that may help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. The bigger things to watch are its high calories and sugar, especially for diabetes or gout. Durian season […]...

Quick Answer: Burning pain in the shoulder usually points to nerve irritation or inflammation rather than simple muscle strain. Common causes include rotator cuff tendinitis, shoulder bursitis, cervical nerve compression, suprascapular nerve entrapment, and the rarer brachial neuritis. Pain that radiates past the elbow with tingling or numbness suggests a nerve source, while pain confined […]...

  Quick Answer: Shoulder pain after a workout is often simply delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which develops 24 to 72 hours after exercise and settles on its own within a few days. However, sharp pain during specific movements, weakness when lifting the arm, or pain that lingers beyond two weeks may point to rotator […]...

Quick Answer: Yes, diabetes can cause shoulder pain. People living with diabetes are significantly more likely to develop frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), a condition that causes progressive stiffness and aching pain in the shoulder joint. Elevated blood sugar over time may affect the collagen in joint tissue, making the shoulder capsule tight and inflamed. If […]...

Quick Answer: Quick Answer: Shoulder pain while running is usually caused by poor running posture, an inefficient arm swing or fatigue in the upper back and rotator cuff muscles rather than a structural injury. Hunched shoulders, a forward head position and rapidly increasing training volume are common triggers. In some cases, the discomfort reflects an […]...

  Quick Answer: Skin tags itch primarily because of friction against clothing, jewellery, or surrounding skin. In Singapore’s warm and humid climate, sweat trapped in skin folds worsens this irritation. A skin tag that is persistently itchy, changing in appearance, or bleeding without an obvious cause should be assessed by a doctor, who can confirm […]...

Quick Answer: Yes, a GP doctor in Singapore can help with shoulder pain, and for many patients, a GP is the right first step. At DR+ Medical & Paincare, our GPs are trained under the Painostic® methodology, a structured pain assessment framework developed by Senior Consultant Pain Specialist Dr. Bernard Lee Mun Kam. This means […]...

Quick Answer: An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. In mild cases, warm water soaks and careful nail care may relieve early discomfort. However, once the nail is infected, repeatedly recurring, or causing significant pain, professional ingrown nail removal is […]...

Quick Answer: For mild to moderate shoulder pain, over-the-counter options such as paracetamol and low-dose ibuprofen are the appropriate first step. When inflammation is more severe, structural damage is present, or nerve pain is involved, prescription-only medications assessed by a doctor may be needed. Critically, no painkiller treats the underlying cause of shoulder pain. When […]...

Quick Answer: For people with asthma, influenza is not just a common illness. The flu virus triggers airway inflammation that can worsen asthma symptoms, lead to severe attacks, and increase the risk of pneumonia and hospitalisation. Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) includes people with chronic pulmonary conditions, including asthma, among the priority groups recommended for […]...

Quick Answer: Persistent shoulder pain lasting more than two weeks, pain that wakes you at night, or shoulder stiffness that limits daily movement are all signs you should see a doctor. In Singapore, shoulder problems affect a significant number of adults, particularly those over 40. Common causes include rotator cuff tendinitis, frozen shoulder, and joint […]...

Quick Answer: Singapore is seeing a fresh wave of COVID-19 infections. If you have been hearing more about COVID-19 lately, you are not alone — and you are right to pay attention. Here is everything you need to know, based on the latest official data from Singapore’s Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA). What Is Happening With […]...

Quick Answer: For most Singaporeans, the current risk is low. There are no direct flights from the affected regions to Singapore, and Singapore’s Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) has enhanced border surveillance as a precaution. However, if you have recently travelled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, or surrounding regions and develop symptoms […]...

 Quick Answer: Yes, a GP doctor can help with a twisted knee — and is often the right first step. A pain-trained GP can examine the knee, grade the injury, arrange imaging if needed, prescribe pain relief, and provide targeted injection therapy for persistent cases. You do not need to see an orthopaedic specialist first […]...

🔔 Current Situation (May 2026) Singapore’s Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) confirmed that two Singapore residents who were onboard the affected cruise ship MV Hondius have tested negative for hantavirus. The risk to the general public in Singapore remains low. Both individuals continue to be monitored as a precaution. There is no evidence of community transmission in Singapore. […]...

⚡ Quick Answer Yes, kidney disease can cause erectile dysfunction. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) disrupts erections through at least four pathways: it lowers testosterone by allowing uremic toxins to impair testicular function; it accelerates arterial narrowing that reduces blood flow to the penis; it damages the nerve signals that initiate erections; and it causes anaemia […]...

⚡ Quick Answer Erectile dysfunction (ED) is diagnosed when a man consistently struggles to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity, and this difficulty has persisted for at least three months. Occasional erection problems, such as those triggered by stress or fatigue, are not considered ED. The key difference lies in frequency […]...

Hair loss in men is one of the most common concerns seen in clinic. It often starts subtly, with a slightly receding hairline, thinning at the crown, or more hair shedding during washing or styling. While these changes are common, many men find themselves wondering the same questions: Is this normal? Will it get worse? […]...

Always tired despite enough sleep? Iron deficiency is a common, overlooked cause of fatigue in Singapore. Learn the signs and how to treat it....

Cycling is often seen as a low-impact way to stay active. But for some people, it can come with an unexpected issue—back pain after a ride. You might notice stiffness in your lower back after cycling, a dull ache that builds during longer rides, or discomfort when getting off the bike. While occasional soreness can […]...

Knee pain is something many people experience at some point in their lives. It may start after a long day on your feet, during exercise, or sometimes without a clear reason at all. For some, it feels like a dull ache. For others, it may be sharp, stiff, or uncomfortable when moving. What often causes […]...

Chronic pain can be caused by various factors, such as age-related wear and tear, sports injuries, or repetitive stress. If painkillers and conservative therapies haven’t provided relief, and your pain has been ongoing for over 3 months, it’s time to seek medical help to relieve your pain and help you get back on your feet. […]...

Before deciding whether you should continue training, it helps to understand why lower back pain develops in the first place. The lower back, also known as the lumbar spine, supports much of your body weight during movement. It absorbs force during lifting, bending, twisting, and impact activities. When the load placed on these tissues exceeds […]...

Knee pain after squats is one of the most common complaints among gym goers and athletes. If your knee hurts after squats, especially at the front of the knee or below the kneecap, it usually points to irritation from overload, muscle imbalance, or poor tracking. Most cases are manageable. Most cases are not serious and […]...

Quick Answer: Doctor-supervised weight loss in Singapore begins with an assessment of your weight history, lifestyle, existing health conditions and possible factors making weight loss difficult. Depending on your health profile, your plan may include nutrition and activity guidance, behavioural support, monitoring and prescription weight management treatment where clinically appropriate. Medication or weight loss injections […]...

Waking up with shoulder pain can feel confusing, especially when there was no fall or obvious injury the day before. If your shoulder feels stiff, sore or difficult to move in the morning but improves within 30 to 60 minutes, this is a common pattern. In most cases, shoulder pain after waking up is linked […]...

A stiff shoulder refers to reduced shoulder movement, often with tightness, restriction, or difficulty lifting or rotating the arm. Some people experience stiffness without much pain. Others feel both pain and limited motion. In many cases, shoulder stiffness improves with early movement and treatment. In some individuals, however, it can progress into frozen shoulder if […]...

63岁的吴先生在巴刹当小贩已有三十多年。 近两年来，他开始觉得膝盖隐隐作痛，尤其上下楼梯、久坐后站起......

You wake up and notice your knee feels sore. Within hours, the pain becomes intense. The joint looks swollen, feels warm, and even resting is uncomfortable. Walking is difficult, and bending the knee feels almost impossible. Many people assume they have injured their knee or that arthritis is getting worse. When the pain appears suddenly—often […]...

Knee inflammation is a common reason people experience swelling, stiffness, or aching around the knee. It may develop after increased physical activity, prolonged standing, or a minor injury, but it can also come on gradually without an obvious trigger. For some people, symptoms settle with rest and simple care. For others, knee discomfort keeps returning […]...

The HPV vaccine is often first introduced during school years, sometimes with little explanation beyond consent forms and schedules. Years later, many people find themselves searching for information again — as parents, as adults who missed earlier vaccination, or after reading about cervical cancer and HPV-related diseases. At that point, the questions tend to be […]...

Tech neck is a common cause of neck pain and stiffness linked to prolonged screen use. It affects people of all ages in Singapore, especially those who spend long hours on computers, mobile phones, or tablets for work, study, or commuting. While symptoms often start mildly, tech neck can become persistent if not addressed early. […]...

You notice your knee looking swollen, almost as if it’s holding extra fluid. Walking feels stiff, bending is uncomfortable, and even climbing stairs seems harder. You may be asking yourself: Why is my knee swollen? Do I need treatment, or will it go away on its own?  The good news is that not all cases […]...

You climb the stairs, and your knee feels stiff. Walking for long distances brings on an aching pain. If this sounds familiar, you may be dealing with osteoarthritis of the knee – a common condition among older adults.  But if you’ve seen your medical report or doctor’s notes, you may notice a strange code: M17. […]...

You take a step, and—ouch. That sudden, sharp pain in your knee stops you in your tracks. Maybe it came after a long walk, climbing stairs, or even just standing up from a chair. It might be new, or it could be a flare-up of an old ache.  Either way, you’re probably wondering: Is it […]...

You climb the stairs or bend down — click, pop, crack. Your knee makes a sound that you can’t ignore. Sometimes it’s painless, sometimes it comes with discomfort. Naturally, you may be wondering: Is knee clicking normal? Do I need treatment? Will it get worse?  The good news: in most cases, knee clicking is not […]...

Most of us are familiar with the flu – a few days of fever, chills, cough, and fatigue before recovering. But in some cases, influenza isn’t just a passing illness. It can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, which can be life-threatening if not treated early. In this article, we explore the connection between influenza […]...

It’s normal to cough once in a while – especially after a cold or respiratory infection. But what if your cough just won’t go away? If you’ve been asking yourself, “Why am I still coughing weeks later?” — you may be dealing with a prolonged cough. In this article, we’ll explore what counts as a […]...

Have you or someone you love been struck by an itchy, painful rash in a band on one side of the body? If so, you might be dealing with shingles – a common condition in adults, especially over the age of 50. In this article, we break down the shingles duration, shingles stages, and what […]...

Have you ever felt an unexpected ache in your lower back and wondered if it could be related to your digestion? You’re not alone. Many people experience constipation and lower back pain at the same time, but don’t realise the two could be connected. In this article, we’ll explore how constipation can cause pain in […]...

<Managing Back Pain> 𝐃𝐫. 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐡 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐩 𝐘𝐨𝐧𝐠 from DR+ Medical & Paincare Ang Mo Kio recently shared tips on managing back pain with seniors at Lions Befrienders Active Aging Centre @ Ang Mo Kio Blk 318. He spoke about common causes, early warning signs, and why it’s important to seek timely care. Dr Seah also […]...

52岁的李女士近三个月饱受肩膀僵硬之苦。肩膀一动就痛，连抬手、梳头都变得吃力。她无奈地说：“穿衣举手......

膝盖疼痛是中老年人常见的问题，许多人将它视为衰老的自然现象，认为“人老了，膝盖痛是正常的”而忍痛。但......

58岁的陈先生在家附近的一间食阁档口帮忙收银和服务客人。 “我在这间档口做了十多年了，每天长时间站立......

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common health concern worldwide. According to the National Population Health Survey 2022, more than one in three adults in Singapore has hypertension, with a notable increase among those aged 50 and above. This condition, which occurs when the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently […]...

Diabetes mellitus, a chronic condition characterised by elevated blood glucose levels, affects a significant portion of the global population, with a prevalence of 8.5% in Singapore.  Managing blood glucose levels is central to controlling the disease, and understanding how various foods impact these levels is critical. Among the various sweeteners, honey often emerges as a […]...

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition caused by pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the wrist. This can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness, often linked to repetitive wrist movements, obesity, or pregnancy. CTS can significantly impact daily activities. As a result, acupuncture has emerged as one of the options […]...

Back pain, particularly in the lower back, has become increasingly prevalent. When left untreated, this common pain condition can interrupt your daily routine and affect your quality of life.   Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese therapy, has gained popularity as a well-researched method for managing this type of pain. By using thin needles to stimulate specific points […]...

Nosebleeds, or epistaxis, can be alarming for both toddlers and their parents. However, they are typically not serious health concerns. The front part of the nose contains fragile blood vessels that can easily rupture. Common triggers include nose picking and dry air. It’s important for parents to know that a toddler’s nosebleed often resolves at […]...

Coughing is a natural response to irritation in our airways. But, it can sometimes cause headaches. This article looks into the connection between persistent coughing and headache development, particularly in the context of living in Singapore. Understanding this relationship is vital for effective treatment and prevention. Key Takeaways Coughing can be a significant precursor to […]...

Dengue fever is known as breakbone fever or 7-day fever. It’s a mosquito-borne viral infection growing worldwide. Over 100 million people catch it each year, leading to 20,000 to 25,000 deaths. This disease is widespread in warm areas, like Singapore, where Aedes mosquitoes are common. Knowing how long dengue lasts and its phases is key […]...

Headaches and vomiting often occur together, causing significant discomfort. This issue is becoming increasingly common in Singapore, with approximately 80% of migraine sufferers also experiencing nausea. Understanding the connection between headaches and vomiting can lead to more effective treatment strategies. By addressing these symptoms, individuals can enhance their quality of life and overall well-being. Key […]...

关于李国耀医生 家庭医生 全嘉诊所(高文)   — 李国耀医生目前担任 DR+ 医疗疼痛......

About Dr James Lee Kok Yew 李国耀医生  Family Physician......

Headache and migraines are common pain conditions that most people experience at some point in their life. Headaches can be caused by various factors including stress, allergies and illness. Often, people use “headache” and “migraine” interchangeably to describe their pain, but both do not always refer to the same problem. In this comprehensive guide, we […]...

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has enjoyed increased interest and exposure over the last decade. A quick, non-invasive investigation modality is always a welcome tool in a clinic. Also, because ultrasound allows one to actually see in real-time what we can only infer through history, palpation and/or auscultation, it is an exceptional feedback tool of the clinical […]...

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be transmitted through various sexual activities – oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse. Anyone who is sexually active is potentially at risk of getting STD.     It is a common misconception that not having symptoms means that one does not have any STD. In fact, most STDs can be completely asymptomatic […]...

What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and how common is it in Singapore?    Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is the inability to get or sustain an erection long enough for penetration. It is the most common sex problem that men report to their doctor. Based on a study by Singapore Medical Journal, 51.3% of Singaporean men […]...

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) belongs to a family of virus known as retrovirus, that attacks the body’s immune system. They use RNA instead of DNA to produce more copies of nucleic acid, thus giving rise to the term retro or “backward”. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunideficiency Syndrome).    […]...

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are a growing concern amongst women of any age in Singapore. When left untreated, it may lead to a variety of complications as they can affect the reproductive health of women. Therefore, it is important to recognize STD symptoms and the need for early medical review and treatment.  Causes & Symptoms […]...

What is Andropause – is it real?    In recent years, there is an increasing awareness amongst males about andropause. To be more accurate, there is no such condition called andropause which was coined initially to reflect that the hormonal changes specifically testosterone and its associated symptoms in males as their age is somewhat similar […]...

 您是否一直承受肩颈疼痛的困扰？除了疼痛之外，您是否还感到肩颈僵硬紧绷？特别是在工作时，需要长时间注......

  您是否在数月后再次经历带状疱疹（俗称‘生蛇’）引起的疼痛，如针刺般的感觉？这些疼痛可能是由带状疱......

黄女士是一位售卖熟食的小贩，最近她发现早上或长时间不活动后，手指会卡在弯曲的状态，必须用另一只手来扳......

许先生，一位退休的工程师，近几年一直受到膝盖僵硬和疼痛的折磨，他难以正常行走，无法弯曲膝盖，甚至不能......

林先生每天早上醒来都面临着一场痛苦的挑战，只要他的脚一着地，右脚跟就会传来剧烈的刺痛，让他难以正常行......

Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, which is the lower part of the womb that connects to the vagina. It is the 4th most common cancer in women globally. In 2020, there were >600 000 new cases and >300 000 deaths from it. In Singapore, current estimates indicate that 309 women are diagnosed with […]...

Diabetes is a chronic medical disease that causes high blood sugar. It is common and millions worldwide has been affected by this condition. In 2014, there are 440 000 Singaporeans with diabetes, and this figure is estimated to reach 1 million by 2050. This accounts for 10% of disease burden locally. Poorly controlled diabetes also […]...

Embarking on a fitness journey is an exhilarating pursuit, and for many, spin classes have become a cornerstone of their workout routine. However, the pulsating beats and intense cadence of these sessions may occasionally leave enthusiasts grappling with injuries and post-workout discomfort. Let’s explore common spin class injuries, and in particular, rhabdomyolysis.    Why a […]...

In Part 1, we delved into the significance of Advanced Medical Directive (AMD) and Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and Advanced Care Planning (ACP). ...

Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), Advanced Medical Directive (AMD) and the Advanced Care Planning (ACP). What in the world are those terms? They certainly didn’t teach them in medical school back then! ...

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought attention to the significance of vaccinations and their associated risks and benefits. ...

A visit to the Family Physician/ Occupational Physician for musculoskeletal pain can be largely unsatisfying because of the persistent nature of the problem juxtaposed against routine analgesics that one gets from the doctor after the consult....

Stress is the reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed upon them. If we do not tackle stress correctly, it leads to anxiety and depression....

In our daily pursuits at work or at play, it is easy to lose track of our health when everything else seems to demand more of our attention....