Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Help with Chronic Ankle Pain?

Q: Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Help with Chronic Ankle Pain?

Hello Jingjing： I am not sure if you have any issues with walking. <br>If you are experiencing difficulties with exertion while walking, it may be worth considering an undetected linear bone fracture. <br>I recommend getting another X-ray for comparison, in hopes of new findings.

Will traditional Chinese medicine be effective?

Hello: I have been experiencing ankle pain for almost a year now.
It started with swelling, and after visiting an orthopedic specialist for X-rays and ultrasound examinations, I was told it was a ligament strain.
I was prescribed anti-inflammatory medication, but it hasn't improved.
I have a sedentary job, and I have been undergoing treatment at a rehabilitation clinic for over two months, but there has been no progress.
My ankle still swells at times, and I continue to experience pain while sleeping and walking.
I wonder if traditional Chinese medicine could be a viable treatment option? (I have already had blood tests, which ruled out gout or any symptoms of arthritis).

Jingjing, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/10/15

Dr. Hou Yuchang reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Hello Jingjing: I am not sure if you have any issues with walking.
If you are experiencing difficulties with exertion while walking, it may be worth considering an undetected linear bone fracture.
I recommend getting another X-ray for comparison, in hopes of new findings.
If there are no issues with exertion or if previous X-rays show no new findings, from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, we might consider "muscle injury" or "qi and blood stagnation." This would require an actual clinical evaluation for proper diagnosis.
You can schedule an appointment with Dr.
Dai Youzhi in our acupuncture department (please check the clinic hours on our website for details) for further assessment and treatment.
Combining acupuncture with topical medications can help accelerate the reduction of swelling, and if necessary, oral medications can also be considered.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Hou Yuchang.

Reply Date: 2004/10/15

More Info

Chronic ankle pain can be a frustrating and debilitating condition, especially when conventional treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy do not yield significant improvement. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a different approach that may provide relief for individuals suffering from chronic pain, including ankle pain.

In TCM, pain is often viewed as a result of imbalances in the body’s energy (Qi), blood, and the function of organs. The concept of meridians, which are pathways through which Qi flows, is central to TCM. When there is a blockage or deficiency in these pathways, it can lead to pain and discomfort. Therefore, TCM aims to restore balance and promote healing through various modalities, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapy.

Acupuncture is one of the most well-known practices in TCM. It involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi and blood. For chronic ankle pain, acupuncture can help reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve circulation in the affected area. Studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in treating various types of pain, including musculoskeletal pain. By targeting specific acupuncture points related to the ankle and surrounding areas, practitioners can help relieve pain and promote healing.

Herbal medicine is another essential component of TCM. Different herbal formulas can be tailored to address the specific symptoms and underlying causes of chronic ankle pain. For example, herbs that invigorate blood circulation, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain may be included in a personalized herbal formula. Common herbs used for pain relief include Du Huo (Angelica pubescens), Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong), and San Qi (Panax notoginseng). These herbs can be taken in various forms, such as teas, tinctures, or capsules, depending on the practitioner’s recommendations.

In addition to acupuncture and herbal medicine, TCM practitioners may also recommend dietary changes and lifestyle modifications to support overall health and healing. Foods that are anti-inflammatory, such as ginger, turmeric, and omega-3 fatty acids, can be beneficial for individuals with chronic pain. Furthermore, practices such as Tai Chi or Qi Gong can help improve flexibility, strength, and balance, which may aid in the recovery process.

It is important to note that TCM is not a one-size-fits-all approach. A thorough evaluation by a qualified TCM practitioner is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for chronic ankle pain. This evaluation typically includes a detailed health history, pulse diagnosis, and tongue examination to assess the individual’s overall health and identify any imbalances.

While TCM can be a valuable adjunct to conventional treatments, it is crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare providers. If you are considering TCM for your chronic ankle pain, it is advisable to consult with both your primary care physician and a licensed TCM practitioner to ensure a comprehensive approach to your treatment.

In summary, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers various modalities that may help alleviate chronic ankle pain. Through acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes, TCM aims to restore balance and promote healing in the body. If you have been struggling with chronic ankle pain for an extended period, exploring TCM as a complementary treatment option may provide you with the relief you seek.

Similar Q&A

Dietary Restrictions for Ankle Pain: Can You Eat Herbal Soup?

Hello Dr. Lu, My mother has recently been experiencing swelling and pain in her ankle. She went to a nearby traditional Chinese medicine clinic for bloodletting. May I ask if it is safe for her to consume Shi Quan Da Bu Tang? The ingredients include: Poria, cooked Rehmannia, wh...

Dr. Lü Bingcheng reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
1. Ankle swelling and pain fall under the category of orthopedic injuries. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that stagnation and pain are the results of obstructed qi and blood flow. Therefore, the focus of treatment should be on promoting qi circulation and invigoratin...

Understanding Foot Arch Pain: Traditional Chinese Medicine Insights

Hello, Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing pain in the arch of my foot extending to my ankle, mostly in my right foot, especially after waking up. I would like to know if Traditional Chinese Medicine has any relevant treatments or explanations for this condition. If Tradit...

Dr. Zhuang Yihui reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello: Due to insufficient symptom description, it is recommended to first visit an orthopedic specialist for X-rays and blood tests to rule out any anatomical issues before proceeding with further discussions. Thank you! Yi-Hui Chuang

Traditional Chinese Medicine Solutions for Knee Joint Discomfort

A year ago, I visited an orthopedic specialist due to discomfort in my knee and underwent an X-ray examination. The diagnosis was cartilage wear in the knee. The physician believed that I was still young and not suitable for taking glucosamine supplements, so he only recommended ...

Dr. Yan Sumei reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the treatment of cartilage wear involves differentiation and treatment based on the patient's specific condition, which includes observing, listening, questioning, and pulse diagnosis. The prescription is tailored according to the patie...

Herbal Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Bone Issues: Expert Advice

1. As a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, is it safe for me to drink Fangji Huangqi Decoction? If it is permissible, can I take it while my inflammatory index is at 2.0? 2. After suffering an ankle fracture over 20 years ago, I sprained it again last year and was diagnosed wit...

Dr. Gao Peiyi reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
1. When the inflammatory index is elevated or there is joint heat and pain, minimize the use of Astragalus (Huang Qi). 2. Local physical therapy shows significantly better results, while the effects of oral medications are not clearly evident.