Here’s the comprehensive guide for foot pain in our established format, integrating TCM principles with modern rehabilitation:
Common Causes and Conditions of Foot Pain
1. Structural & Biomechanical
- Plantar Fasciitis – Heel pain from arch strain
- Bunions/Hallux Valgus – Progressive big toe deformity
- Morton’s Neuroma – Nerve thickening between toes
2. Arthritic & Degenerative
- Gouty Arthritis – Sudden 1st MTP joint inflammation
- Osteoarthritis – Midfoot joint degeneration
- Rheumatoid Nodules – Subcutaneous nodules on pressure points
3. Neurological & Circulatory
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome – Medial foot nerve compression
- Peripheral Neuropathy – Diabetes-related nerve damage
- Raynaud’s Phenomenon – Vascular spasms causing discoloration
4. Dermatologic & Systemic
- Fungal Infections – TCM “Damp-Heat” manifestation
- Psoriatic Arthritis – Nail pitting with joint pain
- Stress Fractures – Metatarsal microfractures from overuse
Rehab Exercises Between TCM Treatments
1. Mobility & Stretching
A. Marble Pickups
- Use toes to collect marbles into bowl
- Reps: 3×10
- Benefits: Improves intrinsic foot muscle control
B. Plantar Fascia Release
- Roll frozen water bottle under arch
- Duration: 2 minutes/foot
- Benefits: Breaks adhesions, reduces inflammation
C. Toe Extension Stretch
- Interlace fingers with toes, gently stretch backward
- Hold: 30 seconds
- Benefits: Counters shoe-induced toe deformities
2. Strengthening Exercises
A. Short Foot Exercise
- Sitting barefoot, shorten arch without curling toes
- Hold: 10 sec × 10 reps
- Benefits: Reactivates medial longitudinal arch
B. Ankle Alphabet
- Write letters in air with big toe
- Reps: 1 full alphabet
- Benefits: Enhances neuromuscular control
C. Resistance Band Toe Spreads
- Loop band around toes, spread against resistance
- Reps: 3×15
- Benefits: Strengthens interossei muscles
3. TCM-Inspired Therapies
A. Moxibustion on KD-1 (Yongquan)
- Indirect moxa on foot’s center
- Duration: 5-7 cones
- Benefits: Anchors Yang, warms cold feet
B. Herbal Foot Bath
- Simmer Wu Jia Pi + Chuan Xiong for 20 mins
- Soak feet 15 minutes before bed
- Benefits: Dispels Dampness, improves circulation
C. Gua Sha Along Kidney Meridian
- Scrape from KD-1 to KD-3 with jade tool
- Direction: Upward strokes only
- Benefits: Stimulates foundational Qi
TCM Pattern Differentiation
1. Kidney Yang Deficiency (Chronic Cold Feet)
- Signs: Worse at night, prefers warmth
- Protocol:
- Moxa on BL-23 + KD-3
- Cinnamon bark foot massage
- Deer antler velvet supplementation
2. Damp-Heat Accumulation (Gout/Fungal)
- Signs: Red, sweaty, foul odor
- Protocol:
- Huang Bai powder between toes
- Acupuncture at SP-9 + LI-11
- Avoid dairy and alcohol
3. Blood Stasis (Trauma/Neuropathy)
- Signs: Purple discoloration, stabbing pain
- Protocol:
- Pricking cupping at Ashi points
- San Qi honey paste application
- Electroacupuncture at BL-17
Integration Protocols
Plantar Fasciitis Recovery Plan
| Phase | TCM Treatment | Key Exercise | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute | Bleeding cupping at BL-57 | Frozen golf ball roll | 1-2 wks |
| Subacute | Moxa on SP-5 | Towel scrunches | 2-4 wks |
| Chronic | Herbal patching on KD-1 | Barefoot walking on sand | 4+ wks |
Martial Arts Foot Conditioning
- Iron Foot Training:
- Stand on acupressure mat during forms
- Medicated wine massage after training
- Moxa scarring on BL-60 for advanced practitioners
Precautions & Contraindications
✔ For Neuropathy: Use room-temperature soaks only
✖ Avoid During:
- Active gout flare (use Jue Ming Zi compress)
- Open wounds (delay gua sha)
- CRPS (gentle electroacupuncture only)
When to Seek Help:
- Non-healing ulcers
- Progressive numbness
- Fever with foot redness
Ancient TCM Foot Secrets
- Seasonal Care:
- Summer: Huang Lian soaks for sweaty feet
- Winter: Rou Gui oil massage for cold feet
- Meridian Timing:
- 5-7PM (Kidney): Perform KD-1 acupressure
- 7-9AM (Stomach): Do ST-36 moxa
- Bone-Setting Techniques:
- “Wave Reduction” for metatarsal misalignment
- Magnet Therapy on KD-3 for chronic pain