Metatarsalgia - Damp-Heat Bi Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for metatarsalgia with

Metatarsalgia · Damp-Heat Bi Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Foot

Pattern Overview

Damp-Heat Bi is an acute inflammatory pattern in metatarsalgia,

characterized by **acute bursitis, swelling, redness, and burning

pain. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of Damp-Heat in the

forefoot**, causing acute inflammation, edema, and severe pain.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

the foot |

Associated Symptoms

movement |

Tongue and Pulse

and rapid pulse |

Pathogenesis Damp-Heat accumulating in the forefoot
Etiology Acute overuse, infection, or gout attack

Acupuncture Point Prescription

Point Location Function
SP9 Yinlingquan Below the medial condyle of the tibia

Transforms Dampness and drains Heat |

SP4 Gongsun Medial foot, below the base of the 1st metatarsal

Luo-connecting point of Spleen meridian; treats foot pain |

ST44 Neiting Between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones

point of Stomach meridian; treats forefoot pain |

Ashi points Tender spots around the forefoot

Damp-Heat |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; may

combine with pricking and cupping at Ashi points to drain Damp-Heat.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Si Miao Wan (四妙丸)

Composition:

Atractylodes (Cang Zhu), Phellodendron (Huang Bai), Achyranthes (Niu

Xi), Coix Seed (Yi Yi Ren)

Action: Clears Damp-Heat, reduces inflammation, promotes diuresis,

and relieves pain.

Modifications

Associated Symptoms Additions/Subtractions
Severe redness and swelling

and detoxify |

Burning pain Add Shi Gao, Zhi Mu to clear Heat and generate fluids
Fever Add Huang Qin, Huang Lian to clear Heat

Western Mechanism Reference

Acute bursitis with neutrophil infiltration, edema, and elevated

inflammatory cytokines. Damp-Heat Bi corresponds to acute metatarsalgia

with significant inflammatory response, often seen in bursitis or gouty

inflammation.

References

1. Textbook Standard.

2. WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.

Explore More

Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for foot pain

relief.

research papers and clinical case studies on TCM foot health.

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.