ankle sprains

Brief Description

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments surrounding the ankle are stretched or torn, leading to pain, swelling, and limited movement. Symptoms often include tenderness, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. In more severe cases, the ankle may feel unstable or give way when walking.

Ankle sprains are commonly caused by sudden twisting or rolling of the foot, often during physical activity or sports. Improper footwear, uneven surfaces, or weak ankle muscles can increase the likelihood of injury. Early treatment and proper care are crucial to avoid long-term instability or chronic pain.

Common Misconceptions

  • Overuse of Ice Therapy: One of the most common mistakes is prolonged ice application. While short-term icing can help relieve pain, in TCM, it's believed that extended icing disrupts the local flow of Qi and blood, delaying recovery and potentially causing blood stasis. Excessive icing may actually hinder the healing process rather than help it.
  • Prolonged Immobilisation: Keeping the ankle immobilised for too long can also be harmful. Extended immobilisation leads to stagnation of Qi and blood in the affected area, which can prolong the recovery time. Movement and proper circulation are essential for faster and more complete healing.

TCM Diagnosis

Typical Tongue

Typical Pulse

Generally, acute sprains do not respond to pulse

TCM Pathogenesis

After ruling out the possibility of fracture, ankle sprains are mainly related to the tendons in traditional Chinese medicine, which are the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in Western medicine anatomy.

TCM Treatment

General Principle

The treatment of ankle sprains in TCM considers three main factors. First, tendon injury: through diagnosis and palpation, the injured meridians corresponding to the injured area are identified, and acupuncture is used to restore balance, helping the tendons realign. Second, bone misalignment: in most cases, once the tendons are realigned, the bones naturally return to their proper position. If not, gentle manipulation techniques can be used to correct the alignment. Third, local swelling and blood stasis can be treated with localised bloodletting therapy. In the later stages of recovery, after the stasis clears, applying blood-activating oils with gentle massage helps promote healing.

Unique Therapies We Apply

  • One-Needle Therapy with Dynamic Qi Needle Technique: This method provides rapid pain relief and helps reduce swelling by promoting the smooth flow of Qi and unblocking meridians quickly.
  • Master Lin’s Gentle Bone-Setting Technique: This soft, manual technique is highly effective for correcting minor bone misalignments, offering a quick and non-invasive way to realign bones and support recovery.
  • Blood letting: Promote the blood circulation, and reduce the bruise and swelling.

Treatment Plan

  • Acute stage: Once per day for 1-5 times
  • Chronic stage: 1-2 times per week for 1-5 times

Precaution

  • Timely and Proper Treatment: Early intervention is crucial; the longer treatment is delayed, the more difficult the recovery may become.
  • Rule Out Fractures: It’s important to ensure that no fractures are present before proceeding with treatment.
  • Balance Rest and Movement: Rest is essential to prevent further injury, but complete immobilization can lead to Qi and blood stagnation, delaying recovery.
  • Manage Swelling: When swelling is severe, avoid drinking too much water and refrain from consuming TCM-defined "trigger foods" like seafood, which can prolong the swelling.

Summary

The effectiveness of acupuncture in treating ankle sprains is well-recognized. However, due to the complexity of the foot’s many bones and tendons, treating an ankle sprain is not always straightforward. In more complicated cases, the intricate relationship between tendons and bones makes the condition harder to treat. If treatment is delayed or improperly administered, the sprain may appear to heal but can develop into a chronic injury that is prone to reoccurrence. This is why I emphasize the importance of timely and accurate treatment to prevent long-term issues.

TCM Dr. Ma

The Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment approaches outlined above are derived from my clinical experience, and I acknowledge there may be areas not fully covered or that require further refinement over time.

This content is intended to provide a learning reference for professionals and enthusiasts in Traditional Chinese Medicine and to help patients gain a better understanding of their conditions and common misconceptions.

However, I must emphasize that this information does not constitute specific treatment guidance. All TCM treatments must be tailored to the individual through thorough diagnosis by a qualified practitioner. Non-professionals should not attempt self-treatment based on this information, as any treatment conducted without professional supervision may carry potential safety risks.