Symptom family: Joint Pain and Discomfort
Did you mean? Lateral Ankle Pain
External malleolus pain is characterized by discomfort or soreness located at the bony prominence on the outer aspect of the ankle. This type of pain can arise from a variety of causes, including sprains, fractures, tendonitis, or arthritis. In some cases, it may be due to overuse or wearing improper footwear. The pain can be sharp and immediate following an injury, or it can develop gradually over time with wear and tear, possibly affecting mobility and quality of life.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches external malleolus pain not just as an isolated symptom but as an indicator of an underlying imbalance within the body's meridians or energy pathways. TCM practitioners look for disruptions in the flow of Qi (energy) and Blood to the affected area, which can be caused by external factors like injury or cold invasion, or internal disharmonies such as Liver Qi Stagnation or Kidney Deficiency.
Identifying the precise pattern of imbalance is essential in TCM, as treatments are tailored to correct the specific type of disharmony causing the pain.
In the realm of TCM, treating external malleolus pain may involve acupressure or acupuncture at specific points believed to enhance healing and relieve pain. One such point on the Bladder Channel is Jinmen BL-63. Located near the ankle, it's traditionally used to address blockages in the channel that may manifest as localized pain.
Stimulating Jinmen BL-63 is thought to clear these obstructions, promoting the smooth flow of Qi and blood to the area and thereby alleviating discomfort. This point, along with others on the affected meridian, would be selected by a TCM practitioner based on a comprehensive diagnosis of the individual's overall health and the nature of their pain.
See more details below about Jinmen BL-63, an acupoint used to address external malleolus pain.
Anterior and inferior to Shenmai BL-62, in the depression lateral to the cuboid bone.