Heel pain, often associated with "heel spurs" or "plantar fasciitis," is a common chronic musculoskeletal issue frequently seen in middle-aged and elderly individuals, athletes, or those who stand for long periods. A typical symptom is a sharp or aching pain in the heel when taking the first few steps out of bed in the morning. While it may ease after mild activity, the pain often intensifies after prolonged walking or fatigue, significantly impacting daily mobility and quality of life.
TCM Treatment for Heel Pain
Holistic Bone and Muscle Conditioning for Pain-Free Steps
How TCM Views Heel Pain
TCM categorizes heel pain under "Bi Syndrome" (Obstruction Syndrome). It is believed to be caused by the invasion of Wind, Cold, and Dampness, which obstructs the meridians and slows blood circulation. This is often exacerbated by Liver and Kidney deficiency, leading to a lack of nourishment for the bones and tendons. In TCM, "The Kidney governs the bones and the Liver governs the tendons."
In Singapore’s tropical climate, dampness easily settles in the lower limbs, while constant exposure to air conditioning allows Cold Pathogens to invade the feet. These trapped pathogens lead to stiffness and pain. Chronic standing and a "deficient-cold" constitution are common factors that trigger or worsen the condition.
The main TCM patterns for heel pain include:
TCM Treatment Approaches
We provide personalized treatments combining internal and external therapies to restore function and improve your quality of life.
1. Herbal Medicine for Pain Relief
Formulas like Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang are used to promote blood circulation, dispel cold, and nourish the Liver and Kidneys. Key herbs include Achyranthes, Eucommia, and Angelica.
2. Acupuncture for Heel Pain
Stimulating points such as Taixi, Kunlun, and Chengshan helps unblock meridians and harmonize Qi and Blood, providing rapid relief for acute and chronic pain.
3. Moxibustion & TDP Therapy
Warming the meridians to dispel cold, this is ideal for patients with Cold-Damp obstruction to enhance the vitality of the foot's musculoskeletal structure.
4. Herbal Foot Soaks & Compresses
Applying specialized herbal packs helps improve local circulation and reduces stagnation and inflammation in the heel.
5. Tui Na (TCM Massage)
Gentle manipulation of the sole and ankle helps relax the fascia and harmonize blood flow (avoided during the acute inflammatory phase).
Daily Prevention Tips
The Advantages of TCM for Heel Pain
TCM emphasizes holistic conditioning, addressing not just the surface pain but the underlying imbalance. This approach prevents recurrence and is particularly effective for stubborn, long-term heel pain.
Dr Li Rui
MOH-registered TCM physician with a Master’s degree from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and over 30 years of clinical experience
Dr Li Rui graduated from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and holds both a Master’s in TCM and a Bachelor’s in Western Medicine. With over 30 years of experience, she specializes in musculoskeletal issues by combining traditional acupuncture and herbal medicine with modern rehabilitation insights. If you are struggling with heel pain, visit Dr Li Rui at our Yishun clinic for a personalized assessment and effective TCM treatment.
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