Patellar Tendinitis - Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for patellar tendinitis
Patellar Tendinitis · Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Knee
Pattern Overview
Liver-Kidney Deficiency is a chronic degenerative pattern in patellar
tendinitis, characterized by **chronic tendinopathy, ache, weakness, and
aggravation with overwork. The core pathogenesis is insufficient
nourishment of the patellar tendon by Liver Blood and Kidney Essence**,
leading to collagen fiber degeneration, reduced elasticity, and chronic
pain.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
weakness, recurrent episodes |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
fatigue, worse with overwork |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
tendon |
| Etiology | Aging, chronic overuse, constitutional weakness |
|---|
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| BL23 Shenshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
Qi and Essence |
| KI3 Taixi |
|---|
tendon | Source point of Kidney meridian; nourishes Kidney Yin |
| GB34 Yanglingquan | Depression below the head of the fibula |
|---|
Master point for tendons; strengthens muscles |
| ST35 Dubi | In the two hollows beside the patella |
|---|
that reduce knee pain and swelling |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied to Shenshu and Taixi to warm and tonify.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Zuo Gui Wan (左归丸)
Composition:
Rehmannia (Shu Di), Dioscorea (Shan Yao), Cornus (Shan Zhu Yu), Goji
Berry (Gou Qi), Cuscuta (Tu Si Zi), Deer Antler Glue (Lu Jiao), Tortoise
Shell Glue (Gui Ban), Achyranthes (Niu Xi)
Action: Tonifies Kidney Yin, nourishes Liver Blood, strengthens
tendons and bones.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Lower back and knee soreness |
|---|
Kidneys and strengthen the lower back |
| Recurrent episodes |
|---|
stabilize the exterior |
| Cold intolerance | Add Rou Gui, Fu Zi to warm Yang and disperse Cold |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Chronic tendinopathy with collagen fiber degeneration, reduced tendon
elasticity, and impaired tissue repair. Liver-Kidney Deficiency
corresponds to chronic patellar tendinitis, where age-related
degeneration and reduced tissue elasticity contribute to persistent pain
and poor healing.
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.
Related TCM Patterns for Patellar Tendinitis
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.