Pain or numbness near the ankle and upper foot could point to a tarsal issue—a condition many dismiss until it affects their mobility. Whether it’s tarsal tunnel syndrome, tarsal joint inflammation, ligament strain, or nerve entrapment, it can make walking unbearable and reduce quality of life.
What Is the Tarsal Region and Why Does It Hurt?
The tarsal bones are a group of small, interconnected bones forming your ankle and the back part of your foot. This complex structure is supported by tendons, nerves, and connective tissues. When this area is affected by:
- Overuse (e.g., walking, standing long hours)
- Injury or trauma
- Flat feet or structural imbalance
- Diabetes or poor circulation
- Nerve compression (as in Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome)
…you may experience pain, tingling, swelling, or even numbness on the inside of your ankle or foot.
TCM Insight: Tarsal Problems Go Beyond the Foot
In Chinese Medicine, tarsal pain is not viewed in isolation. It’s a sign of deeper internal imbalances such as:
- Qi and Blood Stagnation – Caused by poor circulation or unresolved trauma
- Cold-Damp Invasion – Weather-related pain that worsens in rainy/cold conditions
- Kidney and Liver Deficiency – These organs govern the health of bones, tendons, and joints
- Meridian Blockage – Especially in the Foot Shaoyang (Gallbladder) or Taiyin (Spleen) pathways
If left untreated, this blockage can worsen, spreading weakness up the leg or triggering nerve inflammation elsewhere.
Don’t Let Ankle Pain Hold You Back
Get expert TCM care today to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.
