Leech and Tennis Elbow (Epicondylitis)
Lateral Epicondylitis, commonly known as Tennis Elbow, is one of the most common disorders in the upper body and affects approximately 1 to 3 percent of the population. This condition is described by pain that occurs with constant strain or sudden damage to the arm and affects the lateral part of the arm.
Grasping, lifting or carrying an object with the affected arm is affected by pain and negatively affects the ability to do work.
as affects. A study was conducted on leech therapy in Germany regarding this condition, which has many different treatments explained.
In the study conducted on 40 patients, 20 of the patients received leech therapy, while the remaining 20 were given 2 tubes of 300 mg diclofenac (Diclofenac–Natrium 10 mg/1g gel). The patients were asked to keep pain diaries and were subjected to tests measuring their pain levels. Patients who were called for control 3 days before the start of treatment, on the day of treatment, 7 days after the treatment and 45 days after the treatment
When examined, a statistically significant decrease in pain scores of the group receiving leech therapy and a greater decrease in pain were observed compared to gel therapy.
As a result, with leech therapy, a significant decrease in pain levels was observed at the end of 1 week and a decrease in the obstacles caused by epicondylitis at the end of 45 days. As a side effect of leech therapy, no other issue was noted except itching that lasted for a few days and bleeding in the application areas for a day or two.
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