Herbal Medicines For An Inflammation In The Tendon Of A Finger

Finger tendon inflammation or dysfunction is a relatively common musculoskeletal health complaint. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety states that repetitive or prolonged activities and forceful exertion can cause tears in your tendon fibers, leading to tendon inflammation. Most tendon disorders, notes that centre, also involve a certain amount of tendon degeneration. If you are considering using herbal medicines to help treat your tendon inflammation, first discuss the health implications of herbs with your family physician.

Finger Disorders

Several conditions may cause inflammation in your finger, including the tendons in your finger. MedlinePlus states that common finger conditions include finger tendinitis, trigger finger, osteoarthritis, ruptured ligaments and Dupuytren's contracture. Perhaps the most common cause of finger tendon inflammation, however, is traumatic injuries incurred during occupational or recreational activities in which the fibers of your finger tendons are torn. Damage to your tendons may cause immediate inflammation, swelling and warmth in the affected area.

Helpful Herbal Medicines

Many herbal medicines might be helpful in treating tendinitis, including finger tendinitis. According to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," four herbs may be particularly helpful in treating tendinitis, including white willow bark, bromelain, meadowsweet and boswellia. Other herbs that possess anti-inflammatory action may be helpful in treating your condition, including black cohosh, turmeric and licorice root. Scientific evidence on the effectiveness of these herbs in treating tendonitis is currently lacking.

A Useful Botanical

Boswellia may be a useful botanical and adjunct therapy in treating your finger tendinitis. Boswellia, notes the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, is an herb that has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to help treat arthritis, ulcerative colitis and other maladies. In contemporary Western medicine, this herbal medicine is commonly used in quelling inflammation, including inflammation caused by tendon damage. Bowellia may be applied to your skin, or used topically, to help treat musculoskeletal pain.

Considerations

In many cases, inflammation of your finger tendon may respond to conservative treatment methods, or it may self-resolve with rest. In other cases, however, your finger tendinitis or other problems may impair your ability to perform work and may significantly affect your quality of life. If you suspect you have finger tendinitis, visit a skilled musculoskeletal health specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Before taking herbs to treat the pain or inflammation associated with finger tendinitis, review the procedures and possible risks of this natural healing method.