Have you ever experienced the frustrating and disheartening moment of being abruptly brought to a halt right in the midst of your invigorating workout session, all thanks to the unwelcome and unforeseen guest that is ankle pain, a sensation that pierces through your determination and interrupts the seamless flow of your physical exertions?
Ankle pain can be frustrating and debilitating, limiting one’s mobility and quality of life. To ensure proper treatment, it is essential to understand the root causes of the pain. In some cases, an ankle injury due to a fall or overexertion may be the culprit. However, in other instances, the pain may arise from daily activities that put stress on the ankles, such as wearing improper footwear, repetitive movements, or prolonged sitting or standing.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, chronic pain in joints, including the ankles, is often referred to as joint stiffness. The philosophy behind TCM centers on the balance of energy, or “Qi,” flowing through the body’s meridians. When this Qi is disrupted, it can lead to various health issues, including joint stiffness and pain.
Inappropriate Footwear
TCM emphasizes the importance of proper circulation of Qi and blood. Wearing inappropriate footwear can impede the smooth flow of Qi and blood in the lower extremities. This disruption can lead to stagnation of Qi and blood, resulting in pain. In TCM, this type of pain might be attributed to a condition called “Qi and Blood Stagnation.” Practitioners may recommend maintaining proper circulation through acupuncture, cupping therapy, and even herbal remedies to improve the flow of Qi and blood to the affected area.
Standing for Long Periods
From a TCM perspective, prolonged standing can lead to an accumulation of Dampness and Heat in the lower limbs. Dampness and Heat are considered pathogenic factors that can disrupt the balance of Qi and lead to pain. Dampness is often associated with heaviness and stagnation, while Heat can lead to inflammation. TCM practitioners might recommend dietary adjustments to avoid foods that contribute to Dampness and Heat, as well as herbal remedies that clear Heat and promote circulation.
Flat Feet
Flat feet can be linked to a deficiency in the Kidney meridian system in TCM. The Kidney meridian is responsible for maintaining the health of bones and supporting the lower body. Weakness in this system can lead to issues like flat feet and associated pain. TCM practitioners might focus on tonifying the Kidney Qi through acupuncture, herbal formulas, and lifestyle adjustments. Additionally, flat feet might also cause a misalignment in the body’s structure, affecting other meridians and leading to pain. TCM treatments aim to rebalance the body’s overall energy and structure.
Don’t neglect that acute pain!
While it may seem negligible at first, acute pain in your ankles can always spiral into something more serious. Don’t compromise your mobility and quality of life. Get it looked at by our TCM Physicians today!
