Clinical Effectiveness of Attai Vidal (Leech Therapy) in De Quervain’s Disease: A Case Report

Abstract

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the tendons in the first dorsal compartment of the wrist, often resulting in significant pain, swelling, and functional impairment. It predominantly affects women aged 30 to 50 who engage in repetitive wrist or thumb movements. While conventional treatments, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, and surgical interventions, are widely used.  There is growing interest in exploring traditional and alternative treatment with fewer adverse effects. Siddha medicine, a traditional system of medicine originating in South India, incorporates Attai Vidal (Leech therapy) as a therapeutic modality for inflammatory conditions. This case report  presents a 43-year-old female tailor with complaints of pain and swelling in radial aspect of right wrist and painful right thumb movements. She was diagnosed with De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis and was treated with two sessions of Leech therapy during which two leeches were used. The treatment resulted in marked pain reduction (VAS score from 8/10 to 2/10), resolution of swelling, and improved wrist mobility without adverse events. The findings suggest that Attai Vidal (Leech therapy) may serve as an effective, non-invasive treatment for the management of De Quervain’s disease. Further clinical studies are warranted to validate these outcomes and develop standardized treatment protocols.