​ASKPHYSIO

Fat pad impingement occurs when the infrapatellar of the knee becomes irritated or impinged.

The fat pad is well innervated, and therefore a sensitive structure

The infrapatellar fat pad lies beneath the patellar tendon, behind the patella, and in front of the distal end of the femur.

Also known as ‘Hoffa’s disease’

• Pain below the patella

• Tenderness on squeezing either side of the patellar tendon

• Patella is tilted inferiorly

• Excessive hyperextension of the knees in standing

• Increased anterior pelvic tilt

• Repeated hyper extension of the knee

• R.I.C.E. protocol

• Monitor stance and sporting technique to see if hyperextension is a contributing factor

• Improve your posture and core stability with a Pilates program

• Conservative management should be enough to manage mild to moderate arthritis

• Once pain becomes constant and severe, and life activities are significantly impeded then specialist intervention may be required

• Assess your knee to confirm that the fat pad is impinged

• Assess the patella for inferior tilt

• Trial taping technique to offload the irritated fat pad

• Correct postural contributing factors (lumbar lordosis, pelvis tilt, degree of hyperextension in standing and in sport)

• Assess and correct muscular imbalances