Fat Pad Syndrome, also known as Hoffa’s Syndrome or Fat Pad Impingement, is a painful condition that affects the knee. It occurs when the Hoffa’s fat pad, a soft cushion located behind and below the kneecap, becomes irritated or compressed. This fat pad plays a crucial role in absorbing impact and protecting the knee joint, but when inflamed, it can lead to persistent pain and discomfort.
What is Patella Fat Pad Syndrome?
Fat Pad Syndrome can develop due to a variety of reasons, including:
Trauma or Injury: A direct impact to the front of the knee, such as falling onto the kneecap or a collision in sports, can trigger inflammation.
Overuse or Repetitive Stress: Repetitive knee extension movements, particularly in sports like running, football, and dancing, may lead to irritation.
Knee Hyperextension: Excessive straightening of the knee can pinch the fat pad, leading to pain and swelling.
Post-Surgical Complications: Scarring after knee surgery may alter knee mechanics, making the fat pad more susceptible to impingement.
Biomechanical Factors: Poor alignment, tight quadriceps, pelvic imbalances, or foot posture issues can contribute to excessive stress on the fat pad.
What Causes Fat Pad Syndrome?
Individuals with Fat Pad Syndrome often experience:
Pain at the Front of the Knee: Typically located below the kneecap, worsening with prolonged standing or sitting with a flexed knee, walking, or straightening the leg.
Swelling Around the Kneecap: Increased inflammation can cause visible puffiness.
Discomfort During Physical Activities: Activities like squatting, climbing stairs, and even wearing high heels may exacerbate symptoms.
Tenderness on Palpation: Pressing on the area around the fat pad often reproduces the pain.
Symptoms of Fat Pad Syndrome
How is Fat Pad Syndrome Diagnosed?
A physiotherapist or sports doctor can assess Fat Pad Syndrome through:
Clinical Examination: Checking for tenderness, swelling, and pain provocation tests like the Hoffa’s Test, where discomfort increases during quadriceps contraction.
Imaging Tests: In cases where further assessment is needed, an MRI may confirm inflammation or impingement of the fat pad.
Treatment for Patella Fat Pad Syndrome
A structured treatment approach can significantly reduce pain and prevent recurrence. Common management strategies include:
1. Pain Management and Inflammation Control
Rest and activity modification to reduce excessive knee stress
Ice therapy to minimise swelling and discomfort
Anti-inflammatory medications if recommended by a healthcare provider
Compression bandage around the knee joint to manage and reduce swelling.
2. Physiotherapy for Recovery
Stretching and Mobility Exercises: Improving flexibility in the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles to reduce stress on the knee.
Strength Training: Targeting the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and core muscles to enhance knee stability and biomechanics.
Taping or Bracing: Supporting the kneecap to offload pressure from the fat pad.
Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to improve knee movement and reduce inflammation.
3. Advanced Treatment Options
In persistent cases where conservative treatment is ineffective, alternative interventions may include:
Injection Therapy: Corticosteroid injections may provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation.
Surgical Intervention: Rarely required, but in severe cases, surgery to remove inflamed tissue may be considered.
Preventative measures can significantly lower the risk of developing Fat Pad Syndrome, including:
Strengthening exercises for the knee, hip, and ankle to improve joint stability
Avoiding excessive hyperextension movements
Wearing supportive footwear to maintain proper knee alignment
Managing body weight to reduce stress on the knees
Practicing proper form during sports and physical activities
Early intervention is key to a full recovery. If you are experiencing knee pain or discomfort, a physiotherapist can help create a personalised rehabilitation plan to get you back to pain-free movement.
At Melbourne Physio Clinic, our experienced team is here to support you with expert physiotherapy care tailored to your needs. Contact us today to book an appointment and take the first step toward healthier knees.