1. Causes
Ankle and foot pain can be caused by sprains, structural misalignment, overuse injuries, or nerve impingement. These areas are under constant mechanical stress, making them prone to both acute injuries and chronic degenerative issues. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), foot and ankle pain may result from Qi and blood stagnation, cold-damp invasion, or kidney deficiency affecting the lower limbs.
2. Underlying Factors
– Ankle sprains (inversion or eversion injuries)
– Plantar fasciitis causing heel and sole pain
– Achilles tendinitis due to overuse or poor footwear
– Flat feet or overpronation causing biomechanical stress
– Arthritis or joint degeneration in the ankle
– Neuropathy or nerve compression affecting the foot
– Cold, damp weather worsening circulation in the lower extremities
3. Symptoms
– Pain, swelling, or bruising around the ankle joint
– Heel pain, especially with first steps in the morning (plantar fasciitis)
– Stiffness, instability, or reduced mobility in the foot or ankle
– Numbness, tingling, or burning sensation in the foot
– Difficulty bearing weight or walking long distances
– Pain that increases with activity or improper footwear
4. Treatment Options
– Acupuncture: Stimulates local healing, reduces inflammation, and restores mobility
– Manual therapy: Includes ankle mobilization, plantar fascia release, and calf muscle work
– Physiotherapy: Improves foot mechanics, strengthens stabilizer muscles, and retrains balance
– scraping: Applied to the calf and foot arch to improve blood flow
5. At-Home Tips
– Rest the foot and elevate it to reduce swelling
– Use cold packs for recent sprains or warm soaks for stiffness
– Wear supportive shoes with good arch and heel support
– Perform ankle circles, toe curls, and calf stretches daily
– Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces if dealing with plantar fasciitis
– Recommended products: foot rollers, ankle braces, herbal foot soaks, heat patches
