Swollen Ankle in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different swollen ankle patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Swollen ankle refers to the accumulation of fluid in the tissues surrounding the ankle joint, leading to noticeable puffiness, discomfort, and sometimes pain. This condition can arise from various causes, including but not limited to, physical injuries, systemic health issues, or even prolonged periods of standing or sitting.
Synonyms for this ailment include ankle swelling, foot ankle swelling, and puffy ankles, with lateral malleolus swelling representing a specific sub-symptom characterized by swelling on the outer side of the ankle.
From the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, a swollen ankle is not just a localized issue but an indication of underlying imbalances within the body's energetic pathways. TCM suggests that such symptoms arise from disharmony in the body's Qi (vital energy), Blood circulation, or an imbalance between the fundamental elements of Yin and Yang.
Specifically, conditions like swollen ankle are often attributed to the Stagnation of Body Fluids or the accumulation of Damp-Cold within the body, obstructing the free flow of Qi and blood through the meridians that nourish the ankle area.
TCM Patterns for Swollen Ankle
Cold
Causes: Swollen ankle
Dampness
Causes: Swollen ankle
Herbal Formulas for Swollen Ankle
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address swollen ankle