Metatarsalgia - Blood Stasis Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for metatarsalgia with
Metatarsalgia · Blood Stasis Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Foot
Pattern Overview
Blood Stasis is a chronic pattern in metatarsalgia, characterized by
**neuroma or stress fracture, sharp fixed pain, and aggravation at
night. The core pathogenesis is stagnation of blood in the forefoot
collaterals**, leading to chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and persistent
pain.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
fixed location, worse at night |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
possible neuroma on examination |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, hesitant pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Blood stasis obstructing the forefoot collaterals |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
footwear |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| SP4 Gongsun | Medial foot, below the base of the 1st metatarsal |
|---|
Luo-connecting point of Spleen meridian; treats foot pain |
| BL60 Kunlun |
|---|
tendon | Unblocks the Bladder meridian; treats foot pain |
| SP10 Xuehai | On the medial thigh, 2 cun above the patella |
|---|
Invigorates blood and resolves stasis |
| Ashi points | Tender spots around the forefoot |
|---|
invigoration and pain relief |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; cupping
or pricking at Ashi points may be used to enhance blood stasis
resolution.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Tao Hong Si Wu Tang (桃红四物汤)
Composition:
Peach Kernel (Tao Ren), Safflower (Hong Hua), Angelica (Dang Gui),
Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Red Peony (Chi Shao), Rehmannia (Sheng Di)
Action: Invigorates blood, resolves stasis, nourishes blood, and
relieves pain.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe pain | Add Ru Xiang, Mo Yao to relieve pain |
|---|
| Neuroma | Add Dan Shen, San Leng to break up stasis |
|---|
| Swelling | Add Ji Xue Teng to improve microcirculation |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Neuroma or stress fracture with local microcirculatory disturbance,
tissue fibrosis, and impaired healing. Blood Stasis corresponds to
metatarsalgia from Morton's neuroma or stress fracture, where chronic
inflammation and impaired microcirculation contribute to persistent
pain.
References
1. Textbook Standard.
2. WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for foot pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM foot health.
Related TCM Patterns for Metatarsalgia
Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.