Ankle Sprain

Conditions frequently associated with ankle sprains: ① Peroneal tendon injury (25% simultaneous occurrence rate), ② Increased Achilles tendon stress (compensatory tension), ③ Calf muscle (gastrocnemius and soleus) spasms, ④ Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. These are biomechanically interconnected, so treating one area influences the recovery of the other. When treating patients simultaneously, it is efficient to approach the issue from the perspective of the entire lower extremity kinetic chain. In Korean medicine, the meridians surrounding the ankle extend to the calf, hamstrings, and lower back. If blood stasis in the ankle is not resolved, the circulation of Qi and blood along the meridians to the calf becomes blocked, causing pain to ascend. Acupuncture on the posterior calf, where the gastrocnemius muscle and Achilles tendon pass, allows for the simultaneous treatment of both the ankle and the calf. Dochim (a type of needle) is also applied to areas of Achilles tendon adhesion to separate the two areas at the same time, while Dongjedang evaluates the entire lower extremity kinetic chain to resolve the root cause.