Ankle / Foot Pain

We look at the calf as well as the ankle. This is a weight-bearing joint, so even when treatment reduces the pain the load continues while you walk. Acute sprains tend to respond quickly, while the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon are slow-healing tissues.

We apply it mainly to the calf rather than the ankle, because the muscles that move the ankle are concentrated in the calf. Wet cupping is not performed for patients on anticoagulants, with a bleeding tendency, with diabetes, with poor lower-limb circulation, with varicose veins, or during pregnancy.

In the acute phase its role is to address swelling, inflammation and pain; in the chronic phase, to regulate systemic conditions. Herbal medicine cannot, however, reattach a torn ligament or restore worn cartilage.

Ankle Chuna is not a sudden thrusting technique but an approach that moves the joint gently to widen its range of motion. Please do not endure pain — tell us and we will adjust the intensity.

Acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, physical therapy and Chuna are covered by health insurance. Chuna has an annual session limit, and herbal medicine is covered only for certain conditions. The scheme can change, so we explain the current terms at your visit.

It differs a great deal with the cause. Acute sprains are relatively quick, but plantar fasciitis and the Achilles tendon commonly take months, and with tarsal tunnel the nerve recovers slowly so numbness lingers.

A state in which the ankle ligaments are stretched or torn. It occurs when the foot twists, producing swelling, bruising and pain.

A condition in which repeated micro-damage and inflammation of the plantar fascia in the sole cause pain. Heel pain on the first step in the morning is the typical symptom.

A condition in which the Achilles tendon above the heel becomes inflamed and micro-damaged. Pain appears above the heel when walking or climbing stairs.

A condition in which the tibial nerve is compressed in the tarsal tunnel on the inner ankle, causing numbness, burning and pain in the sole. It is the foot's version of carpal tunnel syndrome.

A condition in which an extra bone (the accessory navicular) on the inner side of the foot causes pain. The inner arch hurts when shoes press against it or after walking for a long time.