Traditional Chinese Medicine for Easily Relieving Tenosynovitis

Introduction

With the fast-paced lifestyle and work patterns in modern society, tenosynovitis has gradually become a common problem. Repeated hand movements, overuse, or poor posture often lead to damage and inflammation of the tendon sheath, causing tenosynovitis. This condition not only brings significant pain and discomfort but can also severely affect daily life and work efficiency. Fortunately, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as a natural treatment, offers a range of effective methods to help alleviate the symptoms of tenosynovitis and restore health. In this article, we will explore the definition of tenosynovitis, who is prone to it, and how TCM can provide comprehensive solutions for treatment.

What is Tenosynovitis?

Tenosynovitis is a common inflammation of the tendon sheath, a thin membrane that wraps around the tendons to reduce friction as they move. When the tendon sheath becomes inflamed due to overuse, trauma, or other factors, tenosynovitis occurs. Patients typically experience pain, swelling, and limited movement, and in severe cases, it can affect daily activities and work. Tenosynovitis commonly occurs in areas such as the wrist, fingers, and knees, and can greatly reduce one’s quality of life.

Who is Prone to Tenosynovitis?

Tenosynovitis is closely related to work habits, lifestyle, and physical condition. The following groups of people are more susceptible to tenosynovitis:

People with repetitive work: Office workers, assembly line workers, and others whose hands are engaged in repetitive actions are at a higher risk of developing tenosynovitis.

Athletes: Athletes, particularly those who frequently use their wrists (e.g., tennis or badminton players), are more prone to tenosynovitis.

Elderly individuals: As we age, our tendons and bones gradually deteriorate, making the elderly more susceptible to tenosynovitis due to reduced tendon elasticity.

Pregnant women: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the tendon sheath, increasing the risk of tenosynovitis.

People with poor posture: Those who maintain poor posture for extended periods, such as bending over or using electronic devices for long hours, are also at risk.

TCM’s Perspective on Tenosynovitis

In TCM, tenosynovitis is believed to be caused by factors such as “wind, cold, and dampness” invasion, qi and blood stagnation, and blood stasis. TCM theory attributes tenosynovitis to several aspects:

Wind, cold, and dampness invasion: External pathogens such as wind, cold, and dampness invade the body, leading to inflammation of the tendon sheath.

Qi and blood stagnation: Overuse or chronic strain causes poor circulation of qi and blood, resulting in stasis and inflammation.

Weak spleen and stomach: A weakened spleen and stomach can lead to insufficient qi and blood production, aggravating the symptoms of tenosynovitis.

Liver and kidney deficiency: Insufficient nourishment of the tendons due to liver and kidney deficiency makes one more prone to tenosynovitis.

TCM emphasizes holistic regulation in treating tenosynovitis by improving qi and blood circulation, unblocking meridians, and dispelling wind, cold, and dampness.

How to Treat Tenosynovitis

TCM offers several methods for treating tenosynovitis, including Tui Na (Chinese massage), moxibustion, and acupuncture, each with unique effects.

Tui Na

Tui Na is a therapeutic method that involves manual manipulation to regulate qi and blood and relax the meridians. It is effective in alleviating pain, promoting blood circulation, and relieving muscle tension in tenosynovitis patients. Common Tui Na techniques include:

Kneading: Using fingers to knead the affected area, helping to unblock the meridians and relieve tension.

Pressing: Applying pressure to the affected area to stimulate local blood circulation and reduce pain.

Pinching the spine: Squeezing the muscles on both sides of the spine from the waist up to promote overall qi and blood circulation and restore hand function.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion involves the use of burning moxa sticks to warm specific acupuncture points and areas. For tenosynovitis, moxibustion helps to dispel wind, cold, and dampness, warm the meridians, and relieve inflammation. Common methods include:

Local moxibustion: Applying moxibustion to the affected area to soothe pain and discomfort.

Meridian moxibustion: Stimulating meridian points with moxa to help restore the body’s overall balance.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific acupuncture points to stimulate meridians and improve qi and blood flow. In treating tenosynovitis, acupuncture primarily focuses on pain relief and promoting healing. Common acupuncture points include:

Hegu: Located between the first and second metacarpal bones on the back of the hand, this point helps alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

Jianjing: Found at the highest point of the shoulder, this point relieves tension and pain in the shoulder and hand.

Weizhong: Located behind the knee, this point helps relieve pain in the lower limbs.

Daily Care

Daily care is crucial for preventing and recovering from tenosynovitis. Here are some important measures:

Wash hands with warm water: After working, develop the habit of washing hands with warm water to avoid using cold water. Move your hands regularly and massage them to help relieve muscle tension.

Rotate wrists: Wrist rotation is a simple exercise that can be done for about two minutes, helping to exercise all the wrist muscles, restore circulation, and relieve bent wrist posture.

Raise arms: Lift your arms above your head and rotate your arms and wrists simultaneously. This helps to adjust the shoulders, neck, and upper back.

Elevate hands: When resting, avoid keeping your hands lower than your shoulders. Use a table to support your elbows or rest them on the armrests of a chair, keeping your hands raised.

Fist exercise: Gently clench your fists, then open them and straighten your fingers. Repeating this exercise can help alleviate tingling sensations.

How to Prevent Tenosynovitis

Prevention of tenosynovitis involves reducing excessive hand use and avoiding external stimuli:

Reasonably arrange work time: Avoid repeating the same movements for extended periods. Take breaks and adjust your work methods.

Use ergonomic tools: Choose ergonomically designed equipment to reduce the burden on your hands.

Perform appropriate hand exercises: Regularly perform hand and wrist stretching exercises to improve muscle and joint flexibility.

Protect your hands: Keep your hands warm in cold weather to prevent wind, cold, and dampness from affecting the tendons.

Conclusion

Although tenosynovitis is common, it can be effectively relieved and treated through a combination of TCM methods. Tui Na, moxibustion, and acupuncture work to regulate qi and blood, relieve pain, and restore hand function. Additionally, daily care and preventative measures such as proper hand usage, adequate rest, and healthy habits are key to maintaining hand health. Through TCM’s holistic approach and modern health practices, you can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce the occurrence of tenosynovitis. By integrating the wisdom of TCM with modern preventive care, you can keep your hands healthy and free from tenosynovitis.

Common Queries about Tendonitis