1) Internal Medicine
(1) Syndrome of stagnant blood blockage
Therapeutic methods: Promoting blood flow to remove the stasis, activating qi flow to stop pain.
Prescription: Modified Taohong Siwu Decoction.
(2) Syndrome of collateral disharmony
Therapeutic methods: Relaxing tendons and activating collaterals.
Prescription: Modified Decoction of Huoxue Shujin.
2) External Medicine
In the early stage, Xiaoyu Zhitong Paste or Sanse Paste may be externally applied; in the late stage, fumigation and bathing on the diseased part with Haitongpi Decoction is taken.
Fixation: For the case of partial rupture of collateral ligament, the sick knee should be wrapped with elastic bandage for rest, or fixed with a plaster support or splints in a functional position with the knee joint bent at the angle of 20 to 30 degree for 3 to 4 weeks. Continue to read Chinese medicine Treatment for Degenerative Arthritis.
After operation, apply Xiaoyu Zhitong (removing blood stasis and alleviating pain) ointment externally. Then apply hot compress washing drugs externally after the swelling diminished. Encourage patients to insist on practicing quadriceps femoris exercises.
(2) Acupoints Massage
1) Tendon-smoothing manipulation: For the case of partial laceration of collateral ligament, at first visit, one time extension and flexion of the knee joint should be done to restore the slight transposition and relax the fascia. But this manipulation should not be done repeatedly for fear of aggravating injury. After the acute symptoms disappear, the manipulation for removing adhesion may be taken to restore the articular function. First, the operator applies kneading, massage and rubbing manipulations on the tender point on the lateral side of the knee joint, then, applies smoothing and relaxing tendon manipulations along the course of the collateral ligaments. Finally, the operator presses and kneads the injured part with the hand and fingers holding the knee while swaying and rotating the leg with the other hand grasping the ankle, at the same time, in combination with pulling and flexing the hip and knee manipulation.
2) Ask patient to adopt a supine position,
a. Apply digital pressing manipulation to Xuehai (SP 10), Xiyan (EX- LE 4, 5), Liangqiu (ST 34), Zusanli (ST 36), Jiexi (ST 41), Fengshi (GB 31) for about half a minute respectively.
b. Apply gentle rubbing manipulation with palms to swelling and pain parts.
c. Apply rubbing manipulation to Xiyan (EX- LE 4, 5) and collateral ligament until a local hot sensation occurs.
d. Kneading and pulling method: Ask patient to bend his knees and hand down his legs, the doctor rub the patient’s knee-joints with palms until a hot sensation occurs. Then the doctor hold patient’s one leg with one hand, the other hand perpendicularly presses along with the direction of popliteus fibre for 5-7 times with gentle and stable force. In the process of treatment, patients should take functional exercises actively.
(3) Cupping Therapy
Acupoints selected: Xuehai (SP 10), Yinlingquan (SP9), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Xiguan (LR7), Xiyan (EX- LE 4, 5).
Manipulation: Apply fire cupping manipulation for each acupoint for 15 minutes, once a day.
(4) Foot Massage
Basic reflection areas: hip joint, knees.
Related reflection areas: sciatic nerve.
Symptom reflection areas: liver, spleen.
Reflexotherapy is taken up of 10-15 times as a course of treatment, 30-40 times each time, 1-2 times each day, repeat it after 1-2 days. Soak both feet with light salt water to recover the sensitivity of feet to massage.
