Ankle Osteoarthritis

In animal experiments and clinical studies, a combined prescription of *Achyranthes root*, *Aralia cordata*, and *Du Zhong* has been reported to inhibit IL-1β and TNF-α, reduce MMP-13 (a cartilage-degrading enzyme), and inhibit cartilage cell apoptosis. Clinically, a reduction in pain and swelling is observed, along with improvements in joint function assessment indicators. Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective

In Korean medicine, herbal treatment for ankle osteoarthritis varies depending on symptoms and constitutional type. For types with weakened kidney energy, the treatment replenishes the energy that nourishes bones and joints to restore nutritional metabolism in bone tissue; for types where wind, cold, or dampness have invaded the joints, the approach involves expelling harmful energy from within the joint to alleviate symptoms. In cases where qi and blood circulation disorders overlap with blood stasis, medicinal herbs that dissolve blood stasis and restore circulation are added to simultaneously resolve adhesive chronic inflammation. At Dongjedang, we administer constitution-tailored herbal medicine after external treatment procedures to restore open qi and blood circulation, thereby promoting a synergistic effect between internal and external treatments.