Sore Kneesaccording to TCM

6 causes

23 herbal formulas

33 herbs

Symptom families: Joint Symptoms, Knee Conditions

Did you mean? Knee Pain

What is Sore Knees?

Sore knees are a common complaint among people of all ages, characterized by discomfort or pain in the knee area. This condition can result from a variety of causes, including overuse, injury, or underlying health issues such as arthritis.

Symptoms may include aching, stiffness, and a general sense of weakness in the knees, making it challenging to perform everyday activities. Recognizing and addressing the underlying causes of knee soreness is essential for effective treatment and prevention, ensuring individuals can maintain their mobility and quality of life.

How does TCM view Sore Knees?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets sore knees through a lens vastly different from Western medicine, seeing them as a manifestation of imbalances within the body's energy systems. According to TCM, knee soreness is often a signal of underlying disharmonies, such as Deficiencies in Qi, Blood, Yin, or Yang, or the presence of pathogenic factors like Dampness or Phlegm.

Identifying the specific pattern of disharmony is crucial in TCM, as it guides the treatment strategy to not only alleviate the symptoms but also address the root cause of the condition.

Root Causes of Sore Knees in TCM

TCM identifies several patterns that can lead to sore knees, with Yin Deficiency and Qi Deficiency among the common causes. Yin Deficiency, for instance, may manifest as sore knees accompanied by symptoms like dry mouth, night sweats, and back pain, indicating an imbalance where the cooling, nourishing aspects of the body are depleted.

Qi Deficiency, on the other hand, can cause knee soreness alongside generalized fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, reflecting an overall lack of vital energy necessary for maintaining health and preventing injury. These patterns underscore the TCM principle that effective treatment requires a holistic approach, focusing on restoring balance and strengthening the body's natural defenses.

Explore below more details about what might cause Sore knees according to TCM.

By Syndrome
By Organ

Yin Deficiency
Qi Deficiency
Blood Deficiency
Phlegm
Yang Excess
Dampness
View More Causes

View More Causes

Liver
Kidney

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Sore Knees

Common Symptoms: Lower Back Pain Knee Weakness Dry Mouth Dry Tongue Dizziness Blurry Vision Insomnia Nocturnal Emission

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yin Deficiency	Sore knees, Perspiration, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more	Zuo Gui Yin \| Qi Ju Di Huang Wan \| Dang Gui Di Huang Yin \| Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin	Sore knees, Lower back pain, Knee weakness, Dry mouth, Dry tongue, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Hair graying, Hair loss... see more	Er Zhi Wan

Qi Deficiency

Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more

Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Sore Knees

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Qi and Blood Deficiency	Sore knees, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Reluctance to speak, Lack of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness... see more	Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang \| Sheng Yu Tang

Blood Deficiency

Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more

Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Sore Knees

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Qi and Blood Deficiency	Sore knees, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Reluctance to speak, Lack of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness... see more	Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang \| Sheng Yu Tang

Phlegm

In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more

Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Sore Knees

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Oedema	Sore knees, Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema, Ocular swelling, Abdominal distention... see more	Wu Ling San \| Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang \| Ping Wei San \| Wu Pi Yin \| Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang \| Zhen Wu Tang \| Shen Qi Wan \| Yu Gong San \| Zhou Che Wan

Yang Excess

Yang Excess in TCM refers to a state where there is an overabundance of Yang energy, leading to symptoms of heat and hyperactivity in the body. This pattern of disharmony often arises from factors like stress, excessive physical activity, overconsumption of spicy or heating foods, or an internal imbalance that causes Yang to flare up. Symptoms of Yang Excess include a feeling of heat, red face, irritability, restlessness, thirst, constipation, and a rapid, forceful pulse. Treatment in TCM for Yang Excess aims to cool down and subdue the excessive Yang while nurturing Yin energy to restore balance.... see more

Yang Excess Patterns That Can Lead to Sore Knees

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Yang Rising	Soreness and weakness of the knees, Headaches, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Deafness, Blurry vision, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Insomnia, Irritability, Exhaustion, Anger, Stiff neck, Shoulder stiffness, Stiff upper back... see more	Qi Ju Di Huang Wan \| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan \| Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin \| Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang \| Da Chai Hu Tang \| Zhen Zhu Mu Wan \| Zhen Xin An Shen Tang

Dampness

"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more

Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Sore Knees

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Oedema	Sore knees, Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema, Ocular swelling, Abdominal distention... see more	Wu Ling San \| Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang \| Ping Wei San \| Wu Pi Yin \| Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang \| Zhen Wu Tang \| Shen Qi Wan \| Yu Gong San \| Zhou Che Wan

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Sore Knees

Common Symptoms: Dry Mouth Dizziness Blurry Vision Insomnia Lower Back Pain Knee Weakness Dry Tongue Vivid Dreaming

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Yang Rising	Soreness and weakness of the knees, Headaches, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Deafness, Blurry vision, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Insomnia, Irritability, Exhaustion, Anger, Stiff neck, Shoulder stiffness, Stiff upper back... see more	Qi Ju Di Huang Wan \| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan \| Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin \| Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang \| Da Chai Hu Tang \| Zhen Zhu Mu Wan \| Zhen Xin An Shen Tang
Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin	Sore knees, Lower back pain, Knee weakness, Dry mouth, Dry tongue, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Hair graying, Hair loss... see more	Er Zhi Wan

Kidney

In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more

Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Sore Knees

Common Symptoms: Lower Back Pain Knee Weakness Dry Mouth Dry Tongue Dizziness Blurry Vision Insomnia Nocturnal Emission

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yin Deficiency	Sore knees, Perspiration, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more	Zuo Gui Yin \| Qi Ju Di Huang Wan \| Dang Gui Di Huang Yin \| Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin	Sore knees, Lower back pain, Knee weakness, Dry mouth, Dry tongue, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Hair graying, Hair loss... see more	Er Zhi Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Sore Knees

To address the diverse causes of sore knees, TCM utilizes a wide range of formulas and herbs tailored to the individual's specific pattern of imbalance. For Yin Deficiency, formulations like Zuo Gui Yin and Qi Ju Di Huang Wan, containing key herbs such as Prepared rehmannia (Shu Di huang), aim to nourish Yin and replenish the body's fluids.

In cases of Qi Deficiency, remedies like Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang and Sheng Yu Tang, featuring herbs like Dong quai (Dang Gui), work to boost Qi and Blood, enhancing vitality and strength. These treatments illustrate the TCM approach of targeting the underlying disharmonies, offering a nuanced pathway to relief and recovery for those suffering from sore knees.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address sore knees, organized by cause and by formula type.

By Cause
By Formula Type

Yin Deficiency
Qi Deficiency
Blood Deficiency
Phlegm
Yang Excess
Dampness
View More Causes

View More Causes

Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
Formulas that promote urination and leach out dampness
Formulas that tonify blood
Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
Formulas that drive out excess water
Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
Formulas that clear liver-Heat
Formulas that tonify
Formulas that transform dampness and harmonize stomach
Formulas that warm yang and tonify
Formulas that tonify yin and yang
Formulas that release the exterior and purge the interior
Formulas that sedate and calm the mind
Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind

View More Types

Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan

Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause sore knees, such as Kidney Yin Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Sore Knees Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan	Kidney Yin Deficiency
Er Zhi Wan	Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin
Zuo Gui Yin	Kidney Yin Deficiency
Dang Gui Di Huang Yin	Kidney Yin Deficiency
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San	Kidney Yin Deficiency

Top Formula for Qi Deficiency:
Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang

Suitable for Qi Deficiency patterns that may cause sore knees, such as Qi and Blood Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Sore Knees Caused by Qi Deficiency

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang	Qi and Blood Deficiency
Sheng Yu Tang	Qi and Blood Deficiency

Top Formula for Blood Deficiency:
Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang

Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause sore knees, such as Qi and Blood Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Sore Knees Caused by Blood Deficiency

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang	Qi and Blood Deficiency
Sheng Yu Tang	Qi and Blood Deficiency

Top Formula for Phlegm:
Wu Ling San

Suitable for Phlegm patterns that may cause sore knees, such as Oedema

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Sore Knees Caused by Phlegm

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Wu Ling San	Oedema
Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang	Oedema
Ping Wei San	Oedema
Wu Pi Yin	Oedema
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang	Oedema
Zhen Wu Tang	Oedema
Shen Qi Wan	Oedema
Yu Gong San	Oedema
Zhou Che Wan	Oedema

Top Formula for Yang Excess:
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan

Suitable for Yang Excess patterns that may cause sore knees, such as Liver Yang Rising

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Sore Knees Caused by Yang Excess

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan	Liver Yang Rising
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan	Liver Yang Rising
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin	Liver Yang Rising
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang	Liver Yang Rising
Da Chai Hu Tang	Liver Yang Rising
Zhen Zhu Mu Wan	Liver Yang Rising
Zhen Xin An Shen Tang	Liver Yang Rising

Top Formula for Dampness:
Wu Ling San

Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause sore knees, such as Oedema

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Sore Knees Caused by Dampness

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Wu Ling San	Oedema
Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang	Oedema
Ping Wei San	Oedema
Wu Pi Yin	Oedema
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang	Oedema
Zhen Wu Tang	Oedema
Shen Qi Wan	Oedema
Yu Gong San	Oedema
Zhou Che Wan	Oedema

Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify

These formulas are suitable for some sore knees-causing patterns like Kidney Yin Deficiency or Liver Yang Rising.

One such formula is Qi Ju Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.

Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.

All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for sore knees

Formula	Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan	Kidney Yin Deficiency, Liver Yang Rising
Er Zhi Wan	Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin
Zuo Gui Yin	Kidney Yin Deficiency
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan	Liver Yang Rising

Formulas that tonify Blood

These formulas are suitable for some sore knees-causing patterns like Kidney Yin Deficiency.

One such formula is Dang Gui Di Huang Yin, with dong quai as a key herb.

Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.

All "formulas that tonify blood" recommended for sore knees

Formula	Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Dang Gui Di Huang Yin	Kidney Yin Deficiency
Sheng Yu Tang	Qi and Blood Deficiency

Formulas that promote urination and leach out Dampness

These formulas are suitable for some sore knees-causing patterns like Oedema.

One such formula is Wu Ling San, with water plantain as a key herb.

Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.

All "formulas that promote urination and leach out dampness" recommended for sore knees

Formula	Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Wu Ling San	Oedema
Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang	Oedema
Wu Pi Yin	Oedema

Formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness

These formulas are suitable for some sore knees-causing patterns like Oedema.

One such formula is Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, with poria-cocos mushroom as a key herb.

Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.

All "formulas that warm and transform water and dampness" recommended for sore knees

Formula	Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang	Oedema
Zhen Wu Tang	Oedema

Formulas that drive out excess water

These formulas are suitable for some sore knees-causing patterns like Oedema.

One such formula is Yu Gong San, with morning glory seeds as a key herb.

Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.

All "formulas that drive out excess water" recommended for sore knees

Formula	Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Yu Gong San	Oedema
Zhou Che Wan	Oedema

Formulas that pacify and extinguish Internal Wind

These formulas are suitable for some sore knees-causing patterns like Liver Yang Rising.

One such formula is Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin, with gastrodia rhizome as a key herb.

Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.

All "formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind" recommended for sore knees

Formula	Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin	Liver Yang Rising
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang	Liver Yang Rising

Formulas that clear Liver-Heat

These formulas are suitable for some sore knees-causing patterns like Kidney Yin Deficiency.

One such formula is Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San, with mudan peony bark as a key herb.

Formulas that tonify

These formulas are suitable for some sore knees-causing patterns like Qi and Blood Deficiency.

One such formula is Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang, with motherwort herb as a key herb.

Formulas that transform Dampness and harmonize Stomach

These formulas are suitable for some sore knees-causing patterns like Oedema.

One such formula is Ping Wei San, with black atractylodes rhizome as a key herb.

Formulas that warm Yang and tonify

These formulas are suitable for some sore knees-causing patterns like Oedema.

One such formula is Shen Qi Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.

Formulas that release the Exterior and purge the Interior

These formulas are suitable for some sore knees-causing patterns like Liver Yang Rising.

One such formula is Da Chai Hu Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.

Formulas that sedate and calm the Mind

These formulas are suitable for some sore knees-causing patterns like Liver Yang Rising.

One such formula is Zhen Zhu Mu Wan, with mother of pearl as a key herb.

Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind

These formulas are suitable for some sore knees-causing patterns like Liver Yang Rising.

One such formula is Zhen Xin An Shen Tang

Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang

Sore knees can be treated by these formulas if it stems from a deficiency in both Yin and Yang energies, necessitating a balanced approach to tonification.

One such formula is Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, with fleeceflower root as a key herb.

TCM Herbs for Sore Knees

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address sore knees, organized by herb category.

By Herb Category

Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
Herbs that drain dampness
Cathartic herbs that drain downward
Herbs that pacify internal liver wind and stop tremors
Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
Herbs that cool the blood
Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
Herbs that anchor and calm the spirit
Herbs that clear yin deficiency heat
Herbs that invigorate the blood
Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Laxative herbs that drain downward
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Purgative herbs that drain downward

View More Categories

Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency

Sore knees can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.

One such herb is Cibot Rhizomes (Gou Ji), which is directly recommended for sore knees.