Osteoarthritis of the Interphalangeal Joints Successfully Treated with Sokeikakketsuto : Three Case Reports / 日本東洋医学雑誌

ABSTRACT

Heberden's and Bouchard's nodes are clinical manifestations of osteoarthritis of the interphalangeal joints. Heberden's nodes typically affect the distal interphalangeal (DIP) and Bouchard's nodes, the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints of a fingers in patients with osteoarthritis. We describe osteoarthritis of the interpha­langeal joints in 3 women who were successfully treated with sokeikakketsuto. Case 1 A 58-­year-­old woman presented with pain in the DIP joint of her left middle finger and was diagnosed with a Heberden's node. Case 2 A 60­-year­-old woman presented with pain in the DIP joint of her left ring finger and was diagnosed with a Heberden's node. Case 3 A 37­-year-­old woman presented with pain in PIP joint of her left ring finger and was diagnosed with a Bouchard's node. All women were successfully treated with sokeikakketsuto. In conclusion, sokeikakketsuto is a useful Kampo medication to treat mild-­to-­moderate pain secondary to bone, joint, or spinal conditions, as well as non-­steroidal anti­inflammatory drugs.