Ankle problems are generally due to trauma. It produces pain, swelling and limitation of mobility. In the initial phase it is Heat Bi, because it is swollen and hot.

Sprains

• Grade 1: mild, sprain. 2-3 weeks of recovery.
• Grade 2: partial tear. 3-6 weeks of recovery.
• Grade 3: complete tear. 8 weeks of recovery. They usually require surgery.

Points

Palpate and puncture the painful ashi points.

Distal point for ankle pain: SI-6

Main points

• External malleolus: BL, GB-40, ST-41
• Internal malleolus: KI-6, KI-3, SP-5, LR-4

External malleolus

• Posterior: BL. BL-60, BL-63, BL-67
• Anterior: GB. GB-39, GB-37, GB-41

Internal malleolus

• Anterior SP. SP-6, SP-4, SP-2, SP-1
• Posterior KI. KI-2, KI-5, KI-7

Anterior ankle

• Anterior ankle: ST. ST-36, ST-44, ST-45
• Anterior ankle inner side: LR. LR-1, LR-2

External ankle

Sprain: channels involved: BL, GB + luo, tendineo of ST , Yang Qiao Mai, Yang Wei Mai.

If the painful points are: GB-40, BL-62. Palpate the Xi points of GB ( GB-36) and BL ( BL-63 ) and the luo of GB (GB-37), GB-38 dispersion. I am careful not to puncture where there is trauma if it is very acute. I begin with the nearby points involved:

• GB: GB-41, GB-40, GB-38, GB-37, GB-36
• ST: ST-44, ST-41, ST-36 (the collateral goes toward the 3rd toe)
• ashi points

Internal ankle

The three Yin channels are affected.

• Main point: SP-5
• Together with KI-6

Palpate and identify:

• SP: SP-4, SP-5, SP-6
• KI: KI-3, KI-4, KI-5, KI-6, KI-9
• LR: LR-4

Treatment

• Moxibustion
• Heated needle