Effect of Aganikarma With Loha Shalaka on Tennis Elbow-a Case Study

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful musculoskeletal disorder characterized by pain and restricted movements of the forearm and elbow joint, often requiring prolonged treatment. Conventional management mainly includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, physiotherapy, and therapeutic exercises; however, these modalities frequently provide only symptomatic and temporary relief. Long-term use of analgesics and steroid injections may also lead to undesirable adverse effects. Consequently, a “wait-and-watch” approach is commonly advocated in contemporary management guidelines. In Ayurveda, tennis elbow can be correlated with Snayugata Vata, a condition involving vitiation of Vata Dosha affecting the tendons and ligaments. Acharya Sushruta has recommended Agnikarma for disorders involving Snayu (ligaments/tendons), Asthi (bones), and Sandhi (joints). Considering this principle, a case of tennis elbow (Snayugata Vata) was managed with Agnikarma therapy along with oral administration of Ashwagandha Churna and Navajivana Rasa for a duration of three weeks. The combined therapeutic approach resulted in significant reduction in pain, improvement in tenderness, and enhanced range of movement of the elbow joint, indicating the potential efficacy of Ayurvedic management in tennis elbow.