Q In what order is treatment performed when visiting the Korean medicine clinic for the first time?
A During the initial consultation, the thickness of the tendon sheath and the degree of inflammation are confirmed through medical history taking, palpation, the Finkelstein test, and ultrasound evaluation. Subsequently, the treatment proceeds in stages: ① Removal of acute edema (acupuncture/pharmacopuncture) → ② Separation of adhesions (straight needle acupuncture) → ③ Enhancement of regeneration (fire needle acupuncture/thread thread embedding) → ④ Prevention of recurrence (herbal medicine/exercise). Changes in symptoms are evaluated at the transition between each stage.
Detailed Answer
The treatment flow for wrist tenosynovitis at Dongjedang is as follows: Initial Consultation: History taking → Finkelstein test → Confirmation of tendon sheath thickness and tendon degeneration via ultrasound → Differential diagnosis based on Korean medicine (classification of conditions such as muscle-vein damage, blood stasis syndrome, etc.). Stage 1 (1-2 weeks): Suppression of acute inflammation with acupuncture/pharmacopuncture, prescription of a wrist splint. Stage 2 (3-6 weeks): Separation of tendon sheath adhesions with straight needle acupuncture, normalization of pressure within the tendon sheath. Stage 3 (7–12 weeks): Promote tendon regeneration with fire acupuncture and thread embedding, and re-evaluate via ultrasound. Stage 4 (Maintenance): Take constitutionally tailored herbal medicine, provide self-exercise education, and conduct follow-up observations for 6 months.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
The Korean medical basis for the stage design is the application of treatment principles tailored to changes in the disease stage. The acute phase focuses on eliminating inflammatory mediators and resolving heat and dampness, while the subacute phase concentrates on dissolving blood stasis to aid in the separation of adhesions. The chronic phase focuses on reinforcing liver and kidney functions to create a foundation for tendon and bone regeneration. Each stage is designed so that external and internal treatments complement each other, and constitutionally tailored herbal medicine improves the underlying condition throughout all stages.
Related FAQs
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Q
I am a factory worker in my 50s working near Dongincheon. Can I receive treatment while continuing to do work that requires using my hands?
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Q
I received steroid injections three times, but the condition has recurred. Can I get better at a Korean medicine clinic?
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Q
Can carpal tunnel syndrome or trigger finger occur at the same time as wrist tenosynovitis?
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Q
How should I manage this at home while receiving treatment? Is a cold compress better, or a hot compress?
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Q
I am a fisherman working in Dong-gu, Incheon, and I am experiencing severe wrist pain while working with nets. What kind of exercises would be good for me?
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