Humeral epicondylitis
AliasTennis Elbow
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
Tennis Elbow, also known as Humeral Epicondylitis, is one of the common diseases in the field of traumatology in traditional Chinese medicine. According to the classical text "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine," this condition is often caused by overuse, trauma, or invasion of cold and dampness into the elbow, leading to damage of the tendons and vessels, and obstructed circulation of Qi and blood, thereby causing pain on the lateral side of the elbow and limited range of motion.
In clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, the core pathogenesis of Humeral Epicondylitis is the damage to the tendons and vessels, and the obstruction of Qi and blood circulation. Common triggers include long-term repetitive labor involving the arms, cold exposure of the elbow, or trauma. During the process of differentiation, attention should be paid to distinguishing between cold and heat, and deficiency and excess. The pattern of Wind-Cold Obstruction manifests as pain on the lateral side of the elbow that worsens with cold; while the pattern of Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis presents as sharp pain on the lateral side of the elbow, which is tender to the touch. The overall treatment approach suggests the elimination of wind and cold, warming the meridians and collaterals, and promoting blood circulation to resolve stasis, as well as regulating Qi and alleviating pain. In the clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, the treatment of Humeral Epicondylitis focuses on harmonizing Qi and blood, unblocking the meridians and collaterals, and restoring the function of the elbow.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Wind-Cold Obstruction Syndrome
Main Manifestations: Lateral elbow pain, exacerbated by cold
Management Approach: Expel Wind and Dampness, Warm the Channels and Dredge the Collaterals
Stagnation and blood stasis
Main Manifestations: Lateral elbow pain, resistant to pressure
Management Approach: Promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, regulate Qi and relieve pain
The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.
Physician's Clinical Insights
Patients with tennis elbow often suffer from disharmony of tendons and vessels due to overuse, and the treatment of relaxing tendons and collaterals is often effective.
— Tang Yulan Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (Apprentice)
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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.
This article has been reviewed by licensed TCM physicians at Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic. It is for TCM popular science reference only and does not involve specific treatment plan recommendations.
References: Internal Medicine of TCM (13th Five-Year Plan Textbook), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Effectiveness Standards for TCM Diseases and Syndromes (ZY/T001.1-94), Classification and Codes of TCM Diseases and Syndromes (GB/T 15657-2021)