Management of Tennis Elbow by Agni Karma – A Case Study

Abstract

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) is a paintill condltvon and causes restricted movement 0 forearm which requires treatment for long period. The overall prevalence of Tennis Elbow is of I - 3%. The highest incidence is found in young age group and between 40 and 60 years of life. The general causes of Tennis Elbow are overuse of forearm, minor trauma, non-recognized trauma and weight lifting. On the basis of its signs and symptoms, Tennis Elbow can be correlated with Snayugata Väta described in Ayurveda. A wide range of symptomatic treatments are available such as anti-inflammatory analgesic drugs, steroid injections, exercises etc. which have their own limitations and adverse effects. Ayurveda has an advocated various treatment modalities such as Snéha, Upanäha, Agnikarma and Bandhana for Snayugata Väta. Amongst these, Agnikarma seems to more effective in providing distinct and instant relief. A 40 years old female patient was presented with shüla (severe pain), stambha (stiffness), restricted movements in lateral part of right Karpura Sandhi (elbow joint) for 07 months. There was no obvious history of trauma. On examination, it was elicited that the patient was unable to hold objects properly by the affected hand and maximum tenderness was noticed at the lateral epichondylar region of humerus with no obvious swelling noticed. After careful examination, patient was treated with Agnikarma without any oral medication. Superficial multiple wounds produced by Agnikarma healed within 5-7 days. Patient visited for follow up for I month after completion of treatment. Patient was advised not to lift any heavy objects and perform any twisting movement for further 6 months. It was concluded that Agni karma can be recommended as an effectiveness treatment for Tennis Elbow.