A new study investigated the effects of acupuncture in the treatment of ankle joint stiffness and immobility. This ankle pain acupuncture research concluded that acupuncture combined with joint mobilization produces a 59.65% total effective rate. Given the limited treatment options for this condition, acupuncture is a major breakthrough in treatment and should be incorporated for people with chronic ankle pain.
The Problem
Chronic ankle pain results from acute ankle sprains, ankle fractures, or complications following ankle surgery. Ankle sprains damages the medial or lateral ligaments, leading to pain and swelling. Many patients are unable to fully recover, affecting their ankle motor function and increasing the risk of repeated sprains. Complications due to surgery and untreated ankles lead to unsteady gait. Severe cases result in joint deformity or traumatic arthritis.
The Treatment
Ankle problems are commonly caused by tendon or joint injuries. From a Chinese medicine perspective, ankle sprains lead to blood stasis, poor blood and qi circulation and blocked meridians that induce pain.
The following acupuncture points were used in this ankle pain acupuncture research study: Shenmai (BL62), Zhaohai (KD6), Jiexi (ST41), Taixi (KD3), Kunlun (BL60), Yanglingquan (GB34), and local Ashi (tender) points. Sterile, single-use, hair thin needles were used. During each session, 3 to 5 points were selected for insertion. Needles were manipulated every 5 to 10 minutes (similar effect to electro-acupuncture). Needles were retained for 30 minutes.
During the course of treatment, patients were asked to minimize movements of the affected limb (especially standing and walking for an extended period) as well as moderating rigorous sports activity. When at rest, the patients were instructed to raise the ankle. Keeping the ankle warm during cold weather was also important to prevent the condition from becoming chronic. Acupuncture was conducted daily, with one course of treatment lasting for 10 days.
Manipulation Techniques
Four manipulation techniques were used in addition to acupuncture. These techniques sought to restore mobility in stiff and ankylosed joints through the process of disrupting intraarticular and extraarticular adhesions.
Technique 1
The patient’s affected limb was bent at 90 degrees. The doctor held the patient’s affected medial and lateral malleolus with both hands. The doctor’s hand moved upward with force to create separation traction.
Technique 2
The patient’s affected limb was bent at 90 degrees. The doctor’s right hand was placed in front of the patient’s heel; the left hand was fixed behind the ankle. The right hand pushed the heel back. Then the doctor’s left hand was placed behind the patient’s heel; the right hand was placed in front of the patient’s heel. The left hand pushed the heel forward, to the side, and back to obtain a sliding motion of the heel.
Technique 3
The patient was asked to rest in a face down position, his/her affected limb was stretched straight, and the ankle was suspended in the air while the patient rested on the bed. The doctor’s left hand held the ankle from behind; the right hand held the calcaneus and talus. The right hand pushed the calcaneus and talus medially and laterally.
Technique 4
The patient was asked to rest in a face up position. The doctor’s left hand held the patient’s heel from behind; the right hand held the front of the heel. Both hands rotated the heel medially and laterally.
Each of the these techniques was repeated 3 to 4 times per session. Based on the patient’s pain tolerance levels, manipulation was conducted once a day or every other day, for 10 days, to complete one course of treatment.
Ankle Pain Acupuncture Research Results
Researchers concluded that acupuncture combined with joint mobilization therapy (arthrolysis) produced a 59.65% total effective rate for the treatment of ankle dysfunction.
Next Steps
This research mirrors our experience treating chronic ankle pain. We see improvement rates upward of 80%.
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References
Chen X., Mu J.P., Peng L., Liao H., Zhang Q. (2013). Acupuncture Combined with Joint Mobilization for the Treatment of Ankle Dysfunction. JCAM. 29(10).
Zhang W. (2012). Acupuncture, moxibustion, and physiotherapy in treating ankle sprain. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. (7): 113.
Zhou S., Zhao P.F., Liu Y.X., et al. (2003). Analysis on the causes of ankle dysfunction as a result of ankle fracture. Chinese Journal of Orthopedics and Traumatology. 11(5): 34.
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What our Clients are Saying
I’m a runner and had been dealing with Achilles tendinitis for over a year. The doctor said I would have to have surgery eventually so I was just dealing with the pain and biding my time. Then a friend suggested acupuncture and recommended Raleigh Acupuncture as specializing in Achilles issues. I made and appointment and was impressed from the very beginning. Their evaluation was very thorough and they explained everything that acupuncture could do.
The treatments were comfortable, and more importantly, they eased my pain significantly. After six treatments I was running without any Achilles pain! I’ve totally put the idea of surgery out of my mind since I’m running without pain again. Anyone who has Achilles issues should speak with Raleigh Acupuncture. They can definitely help you.
I sprained my ankle playing basketball and was in terrible pain. I’ve had a history of ankle sprains and knew I was a slow healer. So I tried something different and went to acupuncture. The results were better than I could have ever hoped. Not only did I heal twice as fast, but the swelling went down within two days. I was back playing ball in no time. The staff at Raleigh Acupuncture were very professional and friendly. They got me better fast. I highly recommend them.
I was referred to Raleigh Acupuncture a few months ago because I was having a problem with a bone spur affecting my Achilles. The bone spur caused tremendous pain in my ankle and heel. Physical therapy ordered by a doctor really did not help. My doctor said that if the physical therapy did not help he could do surgery, but it would be very painful and would have an 8-9 month recovery period. Raleigh Acupuncture was my last hope. After a few treatments it was less painful when I walked. As I continued the treatments the pain totally went away. Now surgery is not even necessary. They have also helped me with my migraine headaches and restless leg issues. Acupuncture has made a huge difference in the quality of my life.
