Skeletal muscle dysfunction (SMD) is a common complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which usually causes a decline in exercise activity and quality of life. Mitochondrial injury is one of the main mechanisms by which SMD coexists with COPD, and injury is mainly caused by oxidative stress, energy metabolism disorders, and abnormal autophagy. An increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production leads to oxidative stress and decreased mitochondrial biosynthesis, volume density, and mitochondrial respiratory function (respiratory control ratio evaluation). Decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP synthase activity and excessive opening of the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore may result in mitochondrial-mediated metabolic disorders. Severe oxidative stress and systemic inflammation can trigger abnormal mitochondrial autophagy and accelerate degradation and clearance of mitochondria. Traditional Chinese medicine ( TCM) has obvious benefits in improving exercise ability and quality of life in patients with COPD. With the in-depth study of TCM in recent years, TCM has been shown to improve mitochondrial injury after treatment of COPD-induced SMD. In this study, we reviewed the relevant literature and summarized the relationship between mitochondrial injury and COPD combined with SMD and treatment with TCM. This review may provide a basis for further research.