Hu Xi Shu (胡希恕）Case #5- Foot pain

A 19 year old male presented on February 15, 1966 complaining of left foot swelling and pain for over 5 years. Over the last two years the pain has gotten quite severe. X-ray imaging confirmed osteogenesis of the heel.

Current symptoms: swelling and pain in the left foot, fear of cold, severe pain after walking, normal taste in the mouth, no desire to drink, a thin-white tongue coating and a deep-wiry pulse.

This is wind-dampness in the Shao-Yin and Tai-Yin, and is therefore a Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang (Cinnamon Twig,Peony and Anemarrhena Decoction) pattern.

Formula:

Gui zhi 4 qian (Cinnamomi Cassiae, Ramulus)

Ma Huang 2 qian (Ephedrae, Herba)

Bai Shao 3 qian (Paoniae Lactiflorae, Radix)

Zhi Mu 4 qian (Anemarrhena Asphodeloidis, Rhizoma)

Sheng Jiang 4 qian (Zingiberis Officinalis Recens, Rhizoma)

Chuan Fu Zi 2 qian (Aconiti Carmichaeli Preparata, Radix Lateralis)

Fang Feng 4 qian (Ledebouriellae, Radix)

Cang Zhu 4 qian (Atractylodis, Rhizoma)

Zhi Gan Cao 2 qian (Glycyrrhizae Radix Preperata)

Results: After taking seven packages of the above formula, the foot pain had decreased. He still experienced pain after walking but would recover quickly after taking a rest. Chuan Fu Zi (Aconiti Carmichaeli Preparata, Radix Lateralis) was increased to 3 qian and after taking the above formula for another month the swelling in the foot had resolved and the pain was no longer present.