Tenosynovitisaccording to TCM
*redirected from De quervain's tenosynovitis
Symptom family: Wrist Symptoms
What is Tenosynovitis?
Tenosynovitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the sheath surrounding a tendon, most commonly affecting the wrist. This inflammation can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected joint. Typically, tenosynovitis is caused by repetitive motions or overuse, which leads to irritation and inflammation. In some cases, it can also be associated with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or infections.
How does TCM view tenosynovitis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches tenosynovitis from a holistic perspective, focusing on the underlying patterns of disharmony in the body rather than just the symptoms. According to TCM, tenosynovitis can arise from various imbalances, and it is essential to identify the specific pattern before determining the appropriate treatment. This contrasts with Western medicine's more symptomatic approach, emphasizing the importance of a tailored treatment plan in TCM.
Root Causes of Tenosynovitis in TCM
In TCM, tenosynovitis is often attributed to the pattern of Painful Obstruction Syndrome, which is characterized by symptoms such as joint stiffness, pain, and swelling. This syndrome is often due to an invasion of Wind, Cold, and Dampness, which obstruct the flow of Qi and Blood in the meridians.
Another potential cause is Blood Stasis, where stagnant Blood impedes the normal flow of Qi, leading to pain and inflammation.
Explore below more details about what might cause Tenosynovitis according to TCM.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Tenosynovitis
The treatment of tenosynovitis in TCM involves using specific herbal formulas tailored to the patient's pattern of disharmony. For Painful Obstruction Syndrome, Wu Tou Tang is often recommended. This formula warms the meridians and disperses Cold, with Prepared Sichuan aconite as a key herb to dispel Wind and Dampness.
Another effective formula is Da Fang Feng Tang, which dispels Wind-Dampness and includes Saposhnikovia Roots to release the Exterior. The choice of formula and herbs depends on the individual’s specific pattern, highlighting the personalized approach of TCM in treating tenosynovitis.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address tenosynovitis, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that warm the meridians and disperse cold
- Formulas that dispel wind-Damp
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
Formulas that warm the Meridians and disperse Cold
These formulas are suitable for some tenosynovitis-causing patterns like Painful Obstruction.
One such formula is Wu Tou Tang, with prepared sichuan aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that dispel Wind-Damp
These formulas are suitable for some tenosynovitis-causing patterns like Painful Obstruction.
One such formula is Da Fang Feng Tang, with saposhnikovia root as a key herb.
Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind
These formulas are suitable for some tenosynovitis-causing patterns like Painful Obstruction.
One such formula is Xiao Huo Luo Dan, with prepared kusnezoffii aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Tenosynovitis can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang, with notopterygium root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Tenosynovitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address tenosynovitis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Tenosynovitis can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Ephedra (Ma Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tenosynovitis, like Wu Tou Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for tenosynovitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ephedra (Ma Huang) | Wu Tou Tang |
| Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng) | Da Fang Feng Tang |
| Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo) | Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang |
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Tenosynovitis can be treated by these herbs when it is due to the invasion or accumulation of wind and dampness, which often affects the muscles and joints.
One such herb is Prepared Sichuan Aconite (Zhi Chuan Wu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tenosynovitis, like Wu Tou Tang.
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Tenosynovitis can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Kusnezoffii Aconite (Zhi Cao Wu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tenosynovitis, like Xiao Huo Luo Dan.