Metatarsalgia - Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for metatarsalgia with

Metatarsalgia · Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Foot

Pattern Overview

Liver-Kidney Deficiency is a chronic degenerative pattern in

metatarsalgia, characterized by **fat pad atrophy, chronic ache,

weakness, and aggravation with overwork**. The core pathogenesis is

**insufficient nourishment of the forefoot tissues by Liver Blood and

Kidney Essence**, leading to fat pad atrophy, reduced cushioning, and

chronic pain.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

weakness, worse with overwork |

Associated Symptoms

dizziness, fatigue |

Tongue and Pulse

and weak pulse |

Pathogenesis

forefoot tissues |

Etiology Aging, chronic overuse, constitutional weakness

Acupuncture Point Prescription

Point Location Function
BL23 Shenshu Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2

Qi and Essence |

KI3 Taixi

tendon | Source point of Kidney meridian; nourishes Kidney Yin |

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

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

GB39 Xuanzhong 3 cun above the lateral malleolus

marrow; strengthens bones and tendons |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method;

moxibustion may be applied to Shenshu and Taixi to warm and tonify.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Zuo Gui Wan (左归丸)

Composition:

Rehmannia (Shu Di), Dioscorea (Shan Yao), Cornus (Shan Zhu Yu), Goji

Berry (Gou Qi), Cuscuta (Tu Si Zi), Deer Antler Glue (Lu Jiao), Tortoise

Shell Glue (Gui Ban), Achyranthes (Niu Xi)

Action: Tonifies Kidney Yin, nourishes Liver Blood, strengthens

bones and tendons.

Modifications

Associated Symptoms Additions/Subtractions
Severe fat pad atrophy Add Gu Sui Bu, Niu Xi to nourish tissues
Fatigue and weakness Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi
Cold intolerance Add Rou Gui, Fu Zi to warm Yang

Western Mechanism Reference

Fat pad atrophy with reduced tissue cushioning, impaired tissue repair,

and chronic inflammation. Liver-Kidney Deficiency corresponds to

age-related metatarsalgia with fat pad atrophy, where reduced cushioning

and impaired tissue repair contribute to chronic pain.

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.