Chronic Pain and Cold Feet: Your Symptoms in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Persistent pain in the small gluteal muscles and cold extremities?

Hello Doctor: I have three health issues.
The first issue is that my feet have been cold throughout the entire summer and only a few days have they felt warm.
The second issue is that I have persistent pain in the right gluteal muscle area, which has lasted for about two years.
The pain worsens if I walk or stand for too long, and my job requires me to stand continuously.
The third issue is that I experience numbness in my right hand, from the fingertips to the upper arm, along with a sensation of weakness, although it’s not true weakness.
This phenomenon has been present for six months.
Thank you for your response! Thank you!

Pei, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/08/22

Dr. Hou Yuchang reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dear Pei,
Hello.
Your questions cannot be answered adequately based solely on this information.
If you have a pale complexion, frequent diarrhea, lethargy, and bone pain, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) refers to this as deficiency of Yang Qi.
If you do not feel cold, have a flushed complexion, and experience dry heaving or throat pain, TCM would classify this as excess Yang.
If you have a feeling of fullness in the chest, frequent belching, and are prone to abdominal pain or vomiting, this may indicate Qi stagnation.
There are several other possibilities that would require an in-person consultation for a clear diagnosis.
Additionally, regarding the persistent pain in your right calf, it is important to determine if there has been an injury.
Continuous pain when walking or standing for long periods is generally related to muscle issues and may require consideration of muscular diseases.

As for the numbness in your right hand and upper arm, if it worsens during sleep or causes you to wake up, it may be related to compression of the median nerve or cervical nerve roots.
If it is not related to sleep but rather to activities after work, we might consider the possibility of injury to the upper arm muscles or shoulder joints.
Your concerns require further inquiry into other aspects for a proper diagnosis.
I recommend consulting a physician for a more appropriate evaluation.
For your first question, TCM is more suitable, while the second and third questions may be better addressed by Western medicine specialists in orthopedics, rehabilitation, or neurosurgery.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Hou Yu-Chang
Attending Physician, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2008/08/22

More Info

Chronic pain and cold feet can be quite distressing, and understanding these symptoms through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can provide valuable insights and potential treatment options. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing three main issues: persistent cold feet, ongoing pain in the right gluteal muscle, and numbness along with a feeling of weakness in your right arm.
In TCM, symptoms like cold feet can often be attributed to poor circulation or a deficiency in Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth and vitality in the body. Coldness in the extremities, especially when it persists into warmer months, may indicate a deficiency in the body's Qi (vital energy) or blood, leading to insufficient warmth reaching the feet. This can be exacerbated by factors such as stress, poor diet, or lack of physical activity.
For your cold feet, TCM practitioners might recommend warming herbs and tonics. Common herbs include ginger (Sheng Jiang), cinnamon (Rou Gui), and ginseng (Ren Shen), which can help invigorate blood circulation and warm the body. Additionally, acupuncture can be beneficial in stimulating circulation and restoring balance to the body's energy pathways.

Regarding the persistent pain in your right gluteal muscle, this could be related to a condition known as "Bi syndrome" in TCM, which refers to pain caused by obstruction of Qi and blood flow due to cold, dampness, or stagnation. This pain may worsen with prolonged standing or walking, as you described. Treatment may involve acupuncture to alleviate pain and restore circulation, as well as herbal formulas that target muscle relaxation and pain relief, such as Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang, which is often used for lower back and leg pain.

The numbness and weakness in your right arm may suggest a blockage in the meridians that supply energy to that area. In TCM, this could be due to a deficiency in blood or Qi, or it could be a result of external factors like cold or dampness affecting the body. Acupuncture can help to clear blockages and promote the flow of Qi, while herbs like Huang Qi (Astragalus) can strengthen the body's defenses and improve overall energy levels.

In addition to herbal remedies and acupuncture, lifestyle changes can also play a significant role in managing your symptoms. Regular gentle exercise, such as tai chi or yoga, can improve circulation and flexibility, while dietary adjustments to include warming foods and adequate hydration can support your overall health.
It's also essential to address any underlying emotional stress, as TCM recognizes the connection between emotional well-being and physical health. Practices such as meditation or mindfulness can help reduce stress levels, which may, in turn, alleviate some of your physical symptoms.

In conclusion, your symptoms of cold feet, chronic muscle pain, and numbness can be approached holistically through TCM. A consultation with a qualified TCM practitioner can provide a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, incorporating acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle recommendations to help restore balance and improve your overall quality of life.

Similar Q&A

How to Combat Cold Hands and Feet: Traditional Chinese Medicine Solutions

I am very sensitive to cold, and it seems to be getting worse lately, especially in my hands and feet. I have to wear six or seven layers of clothing and two pairs of pants to school every day, and I really don’t know what to do... I feel that traditional Chinese medicine might b...

Dr. Yan Sumei reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dear friends, The cold sensation this winter is indeed unbearable. Cold hands and feet often lead me to brew ginseng tea, occasionally adding dried longan, which is quite good. I believe a more fundamental approach is to maintain a regular exercise routine. Every day! Wishing y...

Understanding Cold Hands and Feet: Causes, Remedies, and TCM Solutions

What health issues can cause cold hands and feet? Recently, I've been experiencing very cold feet at night while sleeping, and even after soaking them in warm water, they still feel cold, which prevents me from sleeping. I consulted a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) docto...

Dr. Huang Zhongzhun reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello NIKE! Cold extremities indicate that the qi and blood are unable to adequately nourish the peripheral areas. There are many reasons for this, such as insufficient qi and blood, or the presence of qi stagnation or blood stasis that impedes the smooth flow of qi and blood. If...

Understanding Inner Heel Pain: Causes and Treatments in Traditional Chinese Medicine

1. Elevated serum uric acid levels have been present for three months, and despite treatment, there has been no reduction; the patient is still on medication. 2. An X-ray was performed, and the physician noted no evidence of bone spurs. 3. The main symptom is that the feet feel...

Dr. Chen Weili reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Mr. Wang: 1. Elevated uric acid levels should be managed not only with medication but also through dietary control. It is advisable to avoid high-purine foods as much as possible. If you have any questions, please consult a nearby hospital. 2. For heel pain, please apply a hot co...

Understanding Cold Sensitivity: Is It a Body Constitution Issue or Something Else?

When winter arrives, my feet feel cold, and even the tip of my nose is cold. Is this related to my constitution, or could there be other reasons?

Dr. Chen Weili reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dear Bear: First, let's assume that you are adequately keeping warm and do not belong to the group that prioritizes beauty over comfort. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), "cold limbs" is often associated with "blood deficiency." If you also experie...