Ankle Osteoarthritis

While standing, pressure equivalent to approximately 1.5 times body weight is repeatedly applied to the ankle joint. Prolonged standing on hard floors, such as concrete, accelerates the loss of water and proteoglycans within the cartilage. Occupational cumulative load significantly increases the risk of developing secondary osteoarthritis. In Korean medicine, when vital energy (Qi) becomes depleted due to overwork, the function of building flesh and muscle declines; consequently, the muscles and ligaments around the ankles become easily fatigued and fail to properly support the joints. Standing for long periods reduces the circulation of Qi and blood along the ankles and legs, which can cause a cold sensation and swelling. At Dongjedang, we resolve muscle and tendon adhesions and joint capsule tension caused by occupational loads through acupuncture, and combine this with treatment using constitution-tailored herbal medicine to replenish Qi and blood and enhance fatigue recovery.