Infrapatellar Fat Pad Syndrome: Symptoms and Treatment

Overview

• Infrapatellar Fat Pad Syndrome (also known as Hoffa's fat pad syndrome) is a condition causing knee pain.
• The fat pad is located under the kneecap (patella), acting as a cushion between the kneecap and the shin and thigh bones.
• It occurs when the fat pad becomes pinched or impinged, causing pain due to its rich nerve supply.

Causes

• Sudden injury, such as a direct blow to the knee.
• Overextension of the knee, where the knee is forced beyond its fully straightened position.
• Repetitive overextension over time.

Symptoms

• Pain described as burning or aching, located at the front of the knee around the bottom of the kneecap.
• Pain worsens when:
  • The leg is fully straightened
  • Standing for long periods
  • Going up or down stairs
• Tenderness and possible swelling around the kneecap.
• Reduced knee mobility.

Self-Help Strategies

• Avoid activities that exacerbate pain, like prolonged standing or knee overextension.
• Temporarily cease sports that worsen the condition.

Treatment Options

Initial Treatment

• Focus on reducing pain and inflammation through rest and medication.
• Further treatment options include taping and physiotherapy.
• Referral to a physiotherapist or sports medicine professional is recommended.

Physiotherapy

• Assessment and exercise plan to strengthen knee and leg muscles.
• Training to avoid overextension.
• Knee taping may be advised to relieve impingement.

Medication

• Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen to ease pain and reduce inflammation.
• Corticosteroid injections for temporary relief.

Surgery

• Rarely needed, but may be considered if other treatments fail.
• Surgical options will be discussed by a doctor, including risks and benefits.

Prognosis

• Physical therapy often resolves the condition.
• Steroid injections may be needed for some.
• Surgical intervention is rare but effective, allowing return to previous activity levels.

Additional Information

• Reviewed by experts, content is accurate as of July 2023.
• Next review due July 2026.

FAQs

• Does it go away?: Typically improves with physical therapy and may require injections; surgery is seldom needed.
• Signs and Symptoms: Pain around kneecap, swelling, reduced mobility.
• Causes: Injuries like blows to the knee or repeated overextension.
• Treatment: Physiotherapy, taping, injections, and possibly surgery.

Relevant Links

• Physiotherapy Services