Patella Femoral Pain

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a common condition that causes pain and discomfort around the kneecap. It occurs when the patella (kneecap) does not move smoothly in the groove of the femur (thighbone), causing irritation and inflammation of the surrounding tissues. This condition is often caused by overuse, muscle imbalances or problems with the alignment of the patella. In some older adults the patella femoral joint is arthritic which makes the patella femoral joint more prone to becoming symptomatic

Hoffa's fat pad syndrome, also known as infrapatellar fat pad impingement, is a condition that causes pain and swelling below the kneecap. The Hoffa's fat pad is a cushion of fatty tissue located behind the patellar tendon which can become irritated and inflamed due to overuse, injury or other underlying conditions. This can lead to pain and discomfort in the area, especially when bending or straightening the knee.

If you suspect that you have patellofemoral pain syndrome or Hoffa's fat pad syndrome, there are several things you can do to help manage your symptoms and prevent further damage:

• Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
• Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help manage pain and inflammation.
• Ice massage can help fat pad syndrome.
• Begin a targeted exercise programme to help strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility.
• Taping can be helpful but requires expertise to apply correctly.

If you decide to wait and see how patellofemoral pain syndrome or Hoffa's fat pad syndrome turns out you may delay it settling down. In some cases, these conditions may heal on their own with rest and rehabilitation but other cases may require more extensive treatment. Waiting too long to seek treatment may also result in a more complicated recovery process and longer time away from your usual activities.

Treatment options for patellofemoral pain syndrome and Hoffa's fat pad syndrome

Treatment for patellofemoral pain syndrome and Hoffa's fat pad syndrome will depend on the severity of the injury. In general, treatment options may include:

• Avoidance of activities that are making the knee hurt.
• Seeking advice from a physiotherapist. They may prescribe strengthening exercise and stretches. Taping techniques may be tried.
• Orthotics or advice on footwear can be effective.
• Surgery may be carried out in the small number that fail to do well. In essence the surgery is designed to change the loads on the patella

As a knee surgeon, I have experience in diagnosing and treating patellofemoral pain syndrome and Hoffa's fat pad syndrome. I work very closely with physiotherapists to treat this condition. I can help determine the best course of treatment based on the severity of your injury and your individual needs. Depending on the extent of the injury, treatment may include rest, physiotherapy or interventional treatments like corticosteroid injections or surgery. My goal is to help you achieve a full recovery and return to your normal activities as soon as possible.