Can tendinitis be treated with moxibustion?

Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
Updated on December 28, 2024
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Tendonitis occurs commonly due to two reasons: overuse, which means excessive local activity, and trauma. Both causes lead to local aseptic inflammation of the tendon, resulting in edema, exudation, swelling, and pain. Moxibustion can be effective in this situation because it helps in activating blood circulation, reducing stasis, relieving swelling, and alleviating pain. The specific locations for applying moxibustion include the painful tendon area, and since the tendon is an extension of the muscle, not only the painful tendon area should be treated with moxibustion, but the entire muscle bundle can also be treated to help relieve overall muscle and tendon spasms and reduce pain.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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How to treat the symptoms of tendinitis

The symptoms of tendinitis firstly include pain, which develops from mild to severe and can be alleviated by rest. However, the pain reoccurs or escalates with physical activity or increased intensity of movement. Additionally, the greater the activity, the shorter the relief period. The second symptom is restricted movement primarily due to pain. Pain causes limitations when moving the limb in certain ways or directions, increasing the pain and thereby causing movement restrictions. Typically, tendinitis presents a fixed tender point usually located at the site of injury, with possible radiating pain around the tender point. Swelling is generally not prominent; the primary characteristic of tendinitis is severe pain, with no significant changes in the skin and minimal or very light swelling. As for treatment, conservative approaches are commonly chosen, such as standard treatments involving immobilization, rest, and protecting the affected area. Oral non-steroidal drugs might be used along with localized treatments, or physical therapies like microwave and shockwave therapies, which are quite effective. If symptoms do not improve or worsen despite rigorous conservative treatment, surgical intervention may be necessary. The specific surgical techniques vary and are determined by the surgeon.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Treatment of Tendonitis

The causes of tendinitis usually fall into the following three categories: The first is acute injury, commonly referred to as tendon strain. The initial step is to stop any activity, followed by immobilization of the affected tendon area. Immobilization typically involves allowing the part to be completely relaxed, under no pressure, and is usually for a period of three weeks. The second cause is chronic overuse, which is the most common reason for tendinitis. It frequently occurs at sites of bony protrusions or where there is a tunnel, and this can easily lead to constrictive tendinitis. Treatment might start with rest, followed by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs if rest is ineffective. Then, injection treatments are considered, typically around three times; symptoms or pain from tendinitis will significantly reduce or even disappear. If there is no improvement after three injections, a fourth should not be attempted, and surgical treatment to release the tendon and alleviate the constriction may be considered. The last cause is due to a purulent infection. This condition requires symptomatic treatment, initially with antibiotics, followed by cultures and sensitivity tests of the effusion. If the infection occurs adjacent to the tendon or in the tendon sheath, surgery might be necessary to perform drainage again. In summary, the treatment of tendinitis largely depends on the specific cause and involves different approaches.

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Written by Lv Yao
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What should be paid attention to with tendinitis?

When tendonitis occurs, the first thing to do is to rest and avoid excessive bending and extending of the tendon. Tendonitis is a sterile, chronic inflammation of the tendon due to overuse, which can lead to pain and impaired movement. It is important to avoid excessive bending and loading activities, and some physical therapy, hot compresses, and the topical application of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used for symptomatic treatment.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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Which location to massage for tendinitis

Since a tendon is a bundle that extends from the muscle belly and is elongated, during massage, one should not only focus on the painful area but should consider the entire muscle and tendon. Massaging only the painful area is similar to the notion of treating just the head for a headache or just the foot for foot pain. Therefore, when massaging, it is necessary to cover the entire muscle from its origin to its insertion, reaching the painful parts of the tendon. Also, one should avoid rough massage techniques; instead, gentle manipulations are encouraged. Otherwise, it could lead to counterproductive effects and not be beneficial. Gentle massage or heat application are both acceptable methods.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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How to relieve tendonitis pain?

Tendonitis pain can usually be alleviated through the following methods: First, during the acute strain period, the RICE principle can be applied, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation of the affected limb. Second, you can take some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers. Third, you can consider undergoing injection therapy. Fourth, treatment with traditional Chinese medicine can also be considered, as it is very effective in treating tendonitis. Fifth, some physical therapies can also be considered, such as heat therapy, microwave therapy, and transdermal drug delivery. It is worth mentioning shockwave therapy, which has been extensively verified clinically and is very effective in treating tendonitis. Therefore, tendonitis pain is not to be feared, as the above methods can be tried for treatment.