Abstract

PAIN MANAGEMENT OF ATTAI VIDAL (LEECH THERAPY) IN SIDDHA SYSTEM OF MEDICINE ON LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS (TENNIS ELBOW)

Lalitha Sivasankaran*, V. Anavarathan, V. Mahalakshmi, D. Periyasami, N. J. Muthukumar and V. Banumathi

Abstract

Tennis elbow or Lateral epicondylitis mean overuse injury of common extensor tendon of the elbow joint, due to repetitive micro trauma. It is a syndrome characterized by an insidious onset of elbow pain brought on by wrist extension with degeneration characterized by the presence of dense fibroblasts, vascular hyperplasia, and disorganised collagen. Pain is aggravated by gripping actions and also during trivial daily activities. Patient feels painful position with straight elbow and maximal flexion. This present study is revealed the pain management of Attai vidal (Hirudo or Leech therapy) on tennis elbow via the Siddha system of medicine. Leeches taxonomy and method of application are also described by the classical evidence of Siddha literatures. In present era, many more researches established the components of leech saliva. Leeches have highly developed salivary glands by their saliva contains 100 bio active substances. Pain management of leech application on tennis elbow is a case study to reveals the severity of pain decreased. The outcome of this study was assessed by the universal pain scale. It gives immense results too.

Keywords: Tennis elbow, Siddha Medicine, Attai vidal (Leech therapy), Pain management.