Achilles Tendinitis - Damp-Heat Bi Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Achilles Tendinitis · Damp-Heat Bi Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Ankle

Pattern Overview

Damp-Heat Bi is an acute inflammatory pattern in Achilles tendinitis, characterized by burning pain, swelling, redness, and warmth. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of Damp-Heat in the tendon, causing local inflammation and fluid exudation.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Burning pain, swelling, redness, and local warmth in the Achilles tendon |

| Associated Symptoms | Limited ankle movement, pain aggravated by pressure or movement |

| Tongue and Pulse | Red tongue with yellow greasy coating, slippery and rapid pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Damp-Heat accumulating in the tendon, causing inflammation and swelling |

| Etiology | Acute overuse, infection, or dietary factors (rich, spicy foods) |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| BL60 Kunlun | Depression between lateral malleolus and Achilles tendon | Unblocks the Bladder meridian; reduces local inflammation |

| SP9 Yinlingquan | Below the medial condyle of the tibia | Transforms Dampness and drains Heat |

| GB34 Yanglingquan | Depression below the head of the fibula | Relaxes tendons and reduces pain |

| Ashi points | Tender spots around the tendon | Local clearing of 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 swelling | Add Ze Xie, Che Qian Zi to promote diuresis |

| Burning pain | Add Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao to clear Heat and detoxify |

| Fever | Add Shi Gao, Zhi Mu to clear Heat and generate fluids |

Western Mechanism Reference

Acute inflammation with edema, neutrophil infiltration, and elevated inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α). Damp-Heat Bi corresponds to acute tendinitis or bursitis with significant exudative inflammation, often seen after sudden overload or infection.

References

  1. Acupuncture and Moxibustion Textbook.

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

Explore More

  • Find your solution at MendGod.com – Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for tendon pain relief.

  • Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full research papers and clinical case studies on TCM tendon health.