Tripping, sports injuries, or an ankle "suddenly giving way" are common mishaps in daily life. Many people dismiss them with a quick rub or a pain-relief patch, but improper care can lead to long-term issues: chronic pain, joint stiffness, or even recurrent sprains. Dr. Qiu Baorun from Singapore’s Gong Fang Tang TCM Clinic explains that ankle sprains fall under the category of "soft tissue injuries," involving ligament damage and stagnation of qi and blood. A phased, science-based approach is essential for full recovery.
Combining traditional bone-setting techniques with modern rehabilitation principles, Gong Fang Tang’s holistic protocol restores joint function effectively:
1. Acute Phase (Within 24-48 Hours): Stop Bleeding, Reduce Swelling
Cold Compress + Immobilization: Apply ice packs (15 minutes per session, hourly intervals) to constrict blood vessels and minimize bleeding. Use ankle braces or elastic bandages to prevent reinjury.
Herbal Poultice: A specialized Jin Huang San poultice (containing Phellodendron, rhubarb, turmeric, etc.), mixed with vinegar, cools inflammation and reduces swelling. Most patients report 30%-50% reduction in redness and swelling within 2-3 days.
Internal Herbal Formula: Modified Taoren Siwu Tang (peach kernel, safflower, red peony) activates blood circulation without harming healthy blood. Ideal for severe stasis (dark purple tongue, tenderness at injury site).
2. Recovery Phase (3 Days – 2 Weeks): Restore Mobility, Promote Healing
Bone-Setting Techniques: Through "traction and ligament repositioning," Dr. Qiu realigns joints and smoothens tangled ligament fibers, alleviating stiffness—especially for patients with unstable "wobbly" ankles.
Herbal Steam Therapy: Steaming the ankle with Lycopodium, Speranskia, and Chuanxiong enhances blood flow via medicated heat. Combined with gentle joint mobilization, it prevents adhesions.
Acupuncture + Electrotherapy: Targeting acupoints like Jiexi (ST41), Taixi (KI3), and Kunlun (BL60) with electroacupuncture reactivates peroneal and tibialis muscles. Many patients report improved ankle stability post-treatment.
3. Consolidation Phase (2+ Weeks): Strengthen Tissues, Prevent Relapse
Internal Tonic Herbs:
Qi-blood deficiency: Astragalus, angelica, and millettia soup to nourish and unblock meridians.
Liver-kidney weakness: Eucommia, dipsacus, and mulberry mistletoe to reinforce tendons (ideal for recurrent sprains in older adults).
Rehab Exercises: Daily 10-15 minutes of heel raises or balance board training to strengthen ankle muscles and reduce reinjury risk.
Constitutional Care: Tailored diets address predispositions—e.g., ginger-lamb soup for cold-damp types (cold limbs, white tongue coating) or yam-lotus seed congee for stasis-prone individuals (easy bruising).
Inability to stand or bear weight post-injury (rule out fractures).
Swelling persists beyond 48 hours or bruises spread.
Lingering pain or limited mobility after 3 weeks (may indicate ligament tears or cartilage damage).
Gong Fang Tang TCM Clinic uses high-resolution ultrasound to assess ligament integrity, paired with TCM palpation, to create integrated plans combining manual therapy, herbs, and rehab. Services like pre-packaged herbal decoctions and topical washes cater to busy professionals.
Ankle sprains may seem minor, but proper care prevents chronic issues. At Gong Fang Tang TCM, the principle of "treating both tendons and bones, addressing internal and external factors" ensures comprehensive recovery—from acute pain relief to long-term prevention—for a safer, more complete healing journey.
