Patellar Tendinitis - Damp-Heat Bi Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for patellar tendinitis

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

the knee |

Associated Symptoms

movement |

Tongue and Pulse

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

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

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

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

Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for knee pain

relief.

research papers and clinical case studies on TCM tendon health.

Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.