Traditional Chinese medicine for foot pain in a patient with complex regional pain syndrome: A case report

BACKGROUND Complex regional pain syndrome(CRPS)is characterized by pain as well as sensory,motor,and sudomotor disorders.Generally,it is classified into two types CRPS-I and CRPS-II.There is no single diagnostic test or treatment approach for CRPS,and a multidisciplinary approach is gaining attention to improve patients’symptoms and their quality of life.CASE SUMMARY A 35-year-old woman with an unremarkable medical history sought treatment for CRPS at a hospital of Korean medicine.During her first visit,she was wheelchairbound due to severe pain in her left lower extremity.She had edema and discoloration of the left foot.She was treated with a combination of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)approaches,including acupuncture,moxibustion,pharmacopuncture,and herbal decoction,for approximately 20 sessions.The foot and ankle outcome score(FAOS)and visual analog scale(VAS)score for pain were evaluated,along with general signs and functions.Her symptoms,signs,FAOS,and VAS scores improved after treatment,with a significant 7-degree decrease in the VAS score and a 62-point increase in the FAOS score.Additionally,the foot swelling and discoloration gradually resolved.During the phone follow-up,5 mo after the last visit,additional improvements in outcomes were observed.CONCLUSION Combined TCM treatment may be a reasonable and safe option for alleviating symptoms and improving function in patients with CRPS.

Traditional Chinese medicine for gait disturbance in adrenoleukodystrophy:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Adrenoleukodystrophy(ALD)is caused by a deficit in the ABCD1 gene,which leads to demyelination of neurons and dysfunction of the adrenal cortices and testicles.Of the three known phenotypes,30%-50%of male ALD patients present with the adrenomyeloneuropathy phenotype,characterized by gait disturbance as the initial symptom.CASE SUMMARY A 46-year-old man with a prior diagnosis of ALD was admitted to a Korean medicine hospital for the treatment of gait disturbance.His ability to walk was severely impaired at admission,significantly affecting the patient’s quality of life.He was treated with acupuncture,pharmacopuncture,electroacupuncture,and herbal medicine for 23 d.The 25-Foot Walk test(25FW),timed up and go(TUG),comfortable gait speed(CGS),numeric rating scale(NRS),Berg Balance Scale(BBS),Tinetti test,manual muscle test(MMT),and 3-level version of EuroQol-5 dimension(EQ-5D-3L)were used to evaluate the patient.The outcomes of the 25FW,TUG,and CGS improved during hospitalization.From the time of admission to discharge we observed:A decrease in NRS scores in the lower extremities and the lower back;an increase of 3 points in the BBS;a 1-point increase in the balancing part of the Tinetti Test;MMT and EQ-5D-3L performances remained unchanged.CONCLUSION Traditional Chinese medicine treatments could be a therapeutic option to alleviate issues related to gait disturbance in ALD.

Effect of modified fasting therapy on body weight, fat and muscle mass, and blood chemistry in patients with obesity

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and safety of modified fasting therapy using fermented medicinal herbs and exercise on body weight, fat and muscle mass, and blood chemistry in obese subjects.METHODS: Twenty-six patients participated in a14-day fast, during which they ingested a supplement made from fermented medicinal herbs and carbohydrates(intake: 400-600 kcal/d). The schedule included 7 prefasting relief days and 14 days of stepwise reintroduction of food. The patients also took part in an exercise program that incorporated Qigong, weight training, and walking exercises. The efficacy of treatments was observed by assessing body fat mass and muscle mass, and alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST),cholesterol, and triglycerides in each study period.Specific symptoms or side effects were reported.RESULTS: Body weight and body fat mass both decreased significantly by(5.16 ± 0.95) and(3.89 ±0.79) kg(both P < 0.05), while muscle mass decreased by an average of(0.26 ± 0.22) kg, without statistical significance. ALT levels were significantly decreased(P < 0.05), while AST levels decreased without statistical significance(P = 0.052). The levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides were also significantly decreased(both P < 0.05). There were few adverse events except for mild dizziness, which did not affect everyday living.CONCLUSION: These results suggest that modified fasting therapy using fermented medicinal herbs and exercise could be effective and safe on obese patients.