The patient, positioned supine and wearing shorts for full lower limb exposure, undergoes layered palpation by the practitioner at the procedure points, identifying tender nodules and swelling in superficial fascia and muscles, followed by disinfection with an iodophor cotton swab. The practitioner, donning sterile latex gloves, holds the micro-needle-knife between the thumb and index finger of the right hand, inserting it parallel to the body's longitudinal axis, while the left thumb presses and holds the cord-like nodules for parallel incisions, with a maximum insertion depth of 5mm, performing lifting and cutting motions. Depending on the nodule size, 1-3 incisions are made. Post-procedure, any bruising or tissue fluid is expelled by massaging from distal to proximal around the incision. The area is then compressed with dry sterile gauze until bleeding ceases. Treatments are administered every other day, totaling six sessions.

Group 2 receives acupuncture treatment, employing needles produced by Suzhou Medical Supplies Factory Co., Ltd., with specifications of 0.30mm*40mm and conforming to standard GB2024-1994. Patients, positioned prone or laterally with exposed lower limbs below the knee, are disinfected with an iodophor cotton swab. Acupuncture points selected include GB34, GB39, BL60, BL40, ST41, KI9, and KI6. The practitioner applies pressure to the points with the left hand and swiftly inserts the needle with the right, using a 0.30mm*40mm disposable sterile acupuncture needle, penetrating the skin about 0.5-0.8 inches. After achieving deqi, the needle is twisted and thrust several times, left in place for 30 minutes. Upon removal, the needle site is compressed with a dry cotton swab until bleeding stops. Treatments occur every other day, totaling six sessions

The patient, positioned supine and wearing shorts for full lower limb exposure, undergoes layered palpation by the practitioner at the procedure points, identifying tender nodules and swelling in superficial fascia and muscles, followed by disinfection with an iodophor cotton swab. The practitioner, donning sterile latex gloves, holds the micro-needle-knife between the thumb and index finger of the right hand, inserting it parallel to the body's longitudinal axis, while the left thumb presses and holds the cord-like nodules for parallel incisions, with a maximum insertion depth of 5mm, performing lifting and cutting motions. Depending on the nodule size, 1-3 incisions are made. Post-procedure, any bruising or tissue fluid is expelled by massaging from distal to proximal around the incision. The area is then compressed with dry sterile gauze until bleeding ceases. Treatments are administered every other day, totaling six sessions.

The VAS is utilized to assess the degree of pain experienced by the patient. Patients select an appropriate number (0 to 10) based on their perceived pain intensity: 0 indicates no pain and a normal state; 1 to 3 signifies mild pain that is tolerable and does not interfere with daily activities; 4 to 6 represents moderate pain that is noticeable and tolerable but affects daily life and sleep; 7 to 10 indicates severe pain that is intolerable.

This score evaluates the functional recovery of the ankle joint following treatment, focusing on pain, function, and mobility. The total score is out of 100, with 85-100 classified as excellent, 75-85 as good, 70-74 as satisfactory, and below 70 as poor.