Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition

Ankle sprain, known as "ankle contusion" in traditional Chinese medicine, falls under the category of "bone injury." According to the "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine," ankle sprain refers to the injury of soft tissue in the ankle joint due to external force, characterized by swelling, pain, and limited movement in the ankle region.

In clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, the core pathogenesis of ankle sprain is the injury of tendons and meridians, with obstructed circulation of Qi and blood. Common causes include sudden twisting or external impact on the ankle joint during walking, jumping, or sports. During the process of differentiation, the following key points should be noted:

1. Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Syndrome: The ankle is bruised and swollen with pain, and movement is limited. This type is often caused by external impact. The treatment approach focuses on promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, reducing swelling, and alleviating pain.

2. Deficiency of Tendons and Meridians: The injury lingers without healing, leading to achiness and weakness in the ankle. This type is often due to the obstruction of Qi and blood circulation after injury, resulting in insufficient nourishment of the tendons and meridians. The treatment approach aims to soothe tendons and meridians, nourish blood, and invigorate tendons.

Overall Treatment Direction: In clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, the treatment of ankle sprain emphasizes harmonizing Qi and blood, unblocking meridians, and restoring the function of tendons and bones. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that through means such as acupuncture, massage, and Chinese herbal medicine, symptoms can be effectively alleviated, and the injury can be promoted to heal.

Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation

气滞血瘀证

Main Manifestations：踝部青紫肿痛,活动受限

Management Approach：活血化瘀,消肿止痛

筋脉失养证

Main Manifestations：伤后迁延不愈,踝部酸软无力

Management Approach：舒筋活络,养血荣筋

The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.

Physician's Clinical Insights

For patients with ankle sprain, initial attention should be given to reducing swelling and alleviating pain, while later stages focus on promoting the recovery of tendons and bones.

— 陈燕中医执业医师

Reviewed by：陈燕（中医执业医师）｜ 2026-07-08 ｜ Version 2

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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.

参考文献：《中医内科学》（十三五规划教材）、《中医病证诊断疗效标准》(ZY/T001.1-94)、《中医病证分类与代码》(GB/T 15657-2021)

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