Understanding Tenosynovitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Ayurvedic Treatment
Abstract
Tenosynovitis is the term that describes the inflammation and swelling of the tendons of the upper limbs. It mostly affects the wrists and hands. It is an upper-limb musculoskeletal disorder that is the most common source of pain and dysfunction in all age groups. This is also the result of overuse and injuries from many physical activities. This article enlightens the full topic with its causes, symptoms, and management.
Introduction
The term used to describe the inflammation of tendons is tenosynovitis. A protective tendon sheath surrounds the tendons that receive a lot of use. Tenosynovitis is the medical term for an irritated tendon sheath. Let’s examine tendons in more detail. Tendons actually hold bones and muscles together. They give the body its movement and muscular strength, as well as stability. Bones are covered by tendons, which are shielded by tendon sheaths. Tendon sheaths are composed of connective tissues and contain lubricant fluid to allow for easy bone passage. The tendon sheaths now swell and inflame when they are abused. It’s possible to swallow even tendons. It is a painful disorder that limits movement in the affected body parts. Most commonly, the hands, arms, and feet are affected by tenosynovitis. When the affected portion is at rest, the pain is at first barely noticeable, but as soon as the affected part moves, the discomfort increases.
Causes
- The tendons and tendon sheaths that are affected by tenosynovitis are moved excessively or repeatedly.
- Other causes of tendon sheath inflammation in the feet or lower legs include running or walking long distances without any prior training or using inappropriate or new shoes.
- Patients with gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes are also susceptible to tenosynovitis.
- Women who are expecting or nursing are more likely to experience it.
- Some occupations or pastimes are linked to an increased risk of tenosynovitis.
- For instance, using a computer for extended periods of time or playing an instrument can strain the fingers, wrist, and forearm.
- Repeated actions like stretching the thumb out and other repetitive motions might lead to tenosynovitis in the wrist.
Symptoms
- Pain, particularly during movements.
- Swelling, and sensitive to pressure.
- Tendon sheath inflammation irritates the nearby nerves which leads to some abnormal sensations.
Management
- Tenosynovitis is mostly managed conservatively. It involves resting of the affected part only.
- Avoid overusing the inflamed area.
- If tendon sheath inflammation occurs due to any work related activity, it is better to do changes in the workplace.
- Use of safe braces, plaster casts to keep the affected area of the body still.
- Regular exercises, massages are also helpful.
Ayurvedic View
Tenosynovitis is correlated with snayu gata vata in Ayurveda. It is basically a vata vyadhi. Vata is one of the three doshas in the body. Vata is the conductor and indicator of all physical activities. When a little pin is pricked in any part of the body, the information about it reaches the brain located in the nerves of the body by vata, and to release that pain, it transmits orders from the brain centre. All these activities are performed by vata in the body. The functions and activities of other doshas are dependent on vata. Imbalance in the vata dosha causes the body to experience many problems. It disturbs all the events in the body and causes many diseases.
Vata Vyadhi
- Vata is simply vata.
- Illness is vyadhi.
- The vitiation of the body’s vata results in a group of ailments known as vata vyadhi.
Definition
Any distinct, unusual sickness brought on by the vitiation of vata is referred to as a vata vyadhi.
Causes Of Vata Vyadhi
Charak Chikitsa 28/15, 16-17
- Dry, cold food
- Diet in small quantities; diet of low-quality substances
- Super awakening, extreme sex
- Using inappropriate panchakarma or doing inappropriate treatment
- Excessive discharge and excessive bleeding
- Jump, swim, walk more, and do more exercises
- To do any kind of hard work
- To worry, to mourn
- Sleeping on a painful bed
- Getting angry, sleeping during the day, getting scared, stopping the flow of urine, etc.
- To hurt, to fast, and many others.
Samprapti
Due to the causative factors mentioned above, vitiated vata fills the empty spaces of the body and causes many types of diseases, either all-around or isolated.
Poorvaroopa (Premonitory Symptoms)
Charak chikitsa 28/19
Premonitory symptoms of vatavyadhi are avyakt (unmanifested).
Symptoms
Charak Chikitsa 28/20, 21, 22, 23
- Stiffness in the joints of hands and feet causes bones to break.
- Fractures occur in joints.
- Goosebumps
- The patient begins to babble.
- Stiffness in the hands, feet, and head.
- The patient stumbles while walking, or he becomes completely paralyzed or hunched over; bleeding stops; he cannot sleep.
- The poet starts trembling; there is numbness in the limbs; there is a piercing pain in the limbs; there are convulsions in the limbs, etc.
Management Of Vayu
Charak Chikitsa 28/104, 105
- Use of all four oleation substances (ghee, Taila, Vasa, and Majja).
- Purification of the body with decoctions of gaseous liquids during massage.
- Use of basti (medicated enema).
- Consumption of mansarasa (soup) in diet.
- Intake of milk, consumption of madhur (sweet), amla (sour), lavanyukt (salty), and aahar.
The Goodnews!?
The good news is that Tenosynovitis is preventable and reversible, but can only be possible by using holistic approach, the one advocated in Ayurveda that addresses the issues from the very root.
Since ancient times, Ayurveda has defined diseases with their symptoms, causes and healing methods with nature.
If you are having any of the above mentioned symptoms, don’t assume it is Tenosynovitis yet without any proper diagnosis because there are other musculoskeletal disorder related diseases that comes with the same symptoms. Consult with a Doctor for accurate diagnosis to find out if Tenosynovitis is what you are having or any other related disease.
Vine-Health Approach to Tenosynovitis
As a holistic health clinic, we take accurate diagnosis very seriously in order to ascertain the root cause of a particular illness. You will be consulted with our doctor to know the type of test or scan to run base on your symptoms to detect exactly the root cause of your issue to ascertain if Tenosynovitis is your issue or not to ensure appropriate treatment.
Accurate diagnosis is the key to the treatment of any disease.
We can really help you out of the issue!
Contact us for your accurate diagnosis or for any issues