Infrapatellar Fat Pad Syndrome [Hoffa’s Disease]

Infrapatellar fat pad is located in the front part of the knee. In this syndrome the fat pad becomes impinged between kneecap, patellar tendon and thigh bone, it is a sensitive area as it has rich supply of nerves resulting in pain in the anterior part of the knee.

Functions of infrapatellar fat pad:

1. It acts as knee bone cushioning shock absorber.
2. It reduces the friction between kneecap and bony structure of knee.

Causes:

1. Primary causes – obesity, micro trauma, major trauma post surgical scaring, and biomechanical abnormality like hyperextension of knee.
2. Secondary causes – Osteoarthritis, meniscal injury, ligamentous tear.

Symptoms:

1. Swelling of knee
2. Anterior knee pain i.e. front and lower part of knee.
3. Pain aggravates during kicking movements, squatting motions, jumping and running.
4. Pain on prolonged standing, walking
5. Infrapatellar crepitus might be present.

Diagnosis:

1. MRI – To diagnose source of inflammation.
2. Hoffa’s test – special test performed by physical therapist.

Treatment:

Medical treatment:

• Use of NSAID’s
• Steroid injections
• Surgery

1. Physiotherapy treatment:

It is a very effective therapy for Infrapatellar fat pad syndrome.

Aim:

• To decrease pain
• .To improve joint range of motion
• To improve strength of the surrounding muscles
• To improve proprioception.

Therapy:

1. Rest – Stop activities which are provocation till the symptoms subside.
2. Cryotherapy

• Done for 10-15 minutes every 3-4 hours once .It helps in reducing swelling.
• Ultrasound therapy and Laser
• Helps in reducing swelling.
• Helps in tissue healing by increasing blood flow.

3. Kinesotaping

• Taping is done to support the area and also unloads the inflammation area.

4. Manual therapy [joint mobilization]

• Done to improve the joint mobility.

5.   Muscle Stretching

• To improve the infrapatellar fat pad restrictions symptoms and flexibility of muscles.

6. Muscle strengthening exercises

• Exercises to the muscles nearer to the joint, done to avoid future re injury.

For more details contact us on: Progressive Care

040-40044266/9618906780