Patellar Tendinitis - Damp-Heat Bi Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Patellar Tendinitis · Damp-Heat Bi Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Knee

Pattern Overview

Damp-Heat Bi is an acute inflammatory pattern in patellar tendinitis, characterized by acute inflammation, swelling, redness, and burning pain. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of Damp-Heat in the patellar tendon, causing acute inflammation, edema, and severe pain.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Swelling, redness, burning pain in the front of the knee |

| Associated Symptoms | Local warmth, tenderness, limited knee movement |

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

| Pathogenesis | Damp-Heat accumulating in the patellar tendon |

| Etiology | Acute overuse, infection, or inflammatory flare-up |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| ST35 Dubi | In the two hollows beside the patella | Local points that reduce knee pain and swelling |

| 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 patellar 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 redness and swelling | Add Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao to clear Heat and detoxify |

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

| Swelling | Add Ze Xie, Che Qian Zi to promote diuresis |

Western Mechanism Reference

Acute inflammation with neutrophil infiltration, edema, and elevated inflammatory cytokines. Damp-Heat Bi corresponds to acute patellar tendinitis with significant inflammatory response, often seen after sudden overuse or in cases of infection.

References

  1. Textbook Standard.

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

Explore More

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

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