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 |

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.

Patellar Tendinitis · Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Knee

Pattern Overview

Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis is the core pattern in patellar tendinitis, characterized by jumper’s knee, sharp fixed pain, and aggravation with jumping. The core pathogenesis is repeated jumping or overuse causing Qi stagnation and Blood stasis in the patellar tendon, leading to tendon microtearing, inflammation, and persistent pain.

Patellar Tendinitis · Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Knee

Pattern Overview

Wind-Cold-Damp Bi is a common pattern in patellar tendinitis, characterized by tendon inflammation, cold pain, stiffness, and aggravation in cold weather. The core pathogenesis is invasion of Wind-Cold-Damp pathogens into the knee meridians, causing obstruction of Qi and Blood flow and tendon inflammation.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

Patellar Tendinitis: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Knee

Overview

Patellar tendinitis—sometimes called “jumper’s knee”—is a condition that affects the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shin bone. It’s common in sports that involve running, jumping, and quick changes of direction (basketball, volleyball, soccer).

The good news: Most patellar tendinitis resolves with conservative care. TCM offers effective, natural approaches to accelerate recovery.