Fat pad syndrome
Also known as Hoffa's syndrome, it refers to the compression or inflammation of the fat pad in the knee joint area, leading to pain and discomfort. The fat pad is an elastic fatty tissue located beneath the patella (kneecap) and in the tibiofemoral space, which can absorb impact and protect the knee joint. When this area is irritated or damaged, it may develop into fat pad impingement syndrome.
The causes of fat pad impingement syndrome may include:
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Direct impact:
- Direct impact on the knee, such as falling or hitting a hard object during sports, may cause injury to the fat pad.
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Overuse:
- Prolonged or repetitive activities, such as long-distance running and jumping, may lead to excessive pressure on the fat pad in front of the knee.
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Biomechanical issues:
- Abnormal alignment of the knee, such as abnormal patellar position, may increase pressure on the fat pad.
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Obesity:
- Being overweight can increase the burden on the knee joint, potentially causing additional pressure on the fat pad.
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Knee joint inflammation:
- Other inflammatory diseases of the knee joint, such as arthritis, may lead to inflammation around the fat pad.
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Poor posture:
- Prolonged maintenance of poor standing or sitting posture may increase pressure on the knee fat pad.
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Post-surgery effects:
- After knee joint surgery, such as arthroscopic surgery, it may affect the position or health of the fat pad.
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Degenerative changes:
- With aging, the fat pad may degenerate, making it more susceptible to injury.
Symptoms of fat pad impingement syndrome typically include pain around the knee, especially aggravated after activities like standing, walking, or running. The pain may be most intense in the front or inner side of the knee. Treatment usually involves reducing activity to relieve pressure, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and possible injection therapy. In some cases, if non-surgical treatments are ineffective, surgical intervention may be necessary.