Forefoot Pain

Forefoot Pain Causes Responsive to Acupuncture

1. Mechanical / Muscular causes

  • Metatarsalgia → reduces pressure, improves circulation, relaxes muscles

  • Toe deformity pain (hammertoe, claw toe) → relieves muscle and ligament tension

  • Flatfoot / High arch overload → balances foot muscles, supports arch function

2. Neurological causes

  • Morton’s neuroma → reduces burning, tingling, and nerve irritation

  • Peripheral nerve irritation causing numbness or shooting pain

3. Soft tissue / Inflammatory causes

  • Plantar fasciitis extending to the forefoot → relaxes fascia tension, calms inflammation

  • Overuse muscle fatigue → improves recovery and circulation

4. Other causes

  • Pain from prolonged standing or weight gain → relieves fatigue, improves comfort


Traditional Medicine View of Forefoot Pain

Causes

  1. Meridian blockage

    • Blocked Qi and blood flow in the Liver, Spleen, or Stomach meridians.

    • Often worsens with prolonged standing or walking.

  2. Qi and blood deficiency

    • Aging or overwork weakens Qi and blood, leading to poor nourishment of the foot.

    • Spleen deficiency may cause dampness and heaviness in the sole.

  3. Cold-damp accumulation

    • Exposure to cold or damp environment slows circulation, causing stiffness and pain.

    • Common in people with cold constitution.

  4. Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency

    • Seen in middle-aged women and the elderly.

    • Causes heat sensation, aching, or weakness in the sole.

Treatment Principles

  • Relieve pain by activating blood circulation and unblocking meridians.

  • Improve local circulation by warming channels and dispersing cold-damp.

  • Strengthen Qi, blood, and Kidney function in deficient patients.

  • Prevent recurrence with lifestyle correction and foot care.

Treatment Methods

1. Acupuncture

  • Local points: KI1 (Yongquan), SP3 (Taibai), LR3 (Taichong), LR2 (Xingjian), Ashi points

  • Distal points: ST36 (Zusanli), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), KI3 (Taixi), BL60 (Kunlun)

  • Effect: Promotes Qi and blood flow, reduces nerve compression, eases pain

2. Moxibustion & Cupping

  • Moxibustion for cold-damp type (KI1, SP3, ST36)

  • Cupping for blood stasis type to activate circulation

3. Herbal Medicine

  • Cold-damp type: Er Chen Tang variations, Wei Ling Tang

  • Qi and blood deficiency: Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, Shi Quan Da Bu Tang

  • Liver-Kidney Yin deficiency: Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, Zuo Gui Yin modifications

  • Blood stasis type: Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang

4. Lifestyle Guidance

  • Wear cushioned shoes, avoid high heels

  • Weight control and regular stretching

  • Warm compress to improve circulation





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