A woman in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, went for acupuncture to treat pain in her leg. However, she ended up in a much worse condition after just one session.
The woman reportedly visited a well-known acupuncturist in the Siberian city. After the treatment, her pain became so severe that she could no longer stand or place any weight on her foot.
She went to the hospital, where doctors performed an X-ray. The scan revealed at least 10 broken needle fragments inside her leg.
It remains unclear how so many acupuncture needles broke during a single session, especially since the treatment was reportedly performed by someone presented as an expert.
Doctors prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the pain, swelling and risk of infection.
However, they warned that she may need major surgery on her foot if her condition does not improve. Removing the small needle fragments could be difficult because of their size and location.
The case has been shared as a warning to people considering acupuncture. Patients are advised to confirm that a practitioner is properly trained and certified before receiving treatment.
