Fat Pad Impingement

What is Fat Pad Impingement?

The fat pad (sometimes known as Hoffa's fat pad) is a mass of fatty tissue which is located beneath the knee cap. Its function is to act as a shock absorber for when forces are applied directly at the knee cap.

The fat pad may become impinged (pinched) when there is a sudden impact to the front of the knee, or from repeated hyperextension (over-straightening) of the knee. Repetitive pinching of the fat pad causes it to become more and more inflamed and painful.

Symptoms of fat pad impingement:

• Pain below the knee cap, especially on straightening the knee and standing for long periods.
• Tenderness oin the area below the knee cap.
• The area may appear slightly puffy or swollen.

Treatment

Treatment of fat pad impingement should involve:

• Rest
• Application of cold therapy products to ease pain and swelling.
• A sports injury professional may use treatments such as Ultrasound or TENS.
• They may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medication.
• Taping the patella to tilt the lower end upwards and away from the fat pad may be effective.

If conservative treatment doesn't work, then surgery may be advised to remove the fat pad completely.

Recommended Products:

• Cold therapy - ice packs and wraps can be used to ease pain and reduce swelling.
• Knee supports - may be useful to provide support, heat retention and compression to the knee joint.

Please see the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat Fat Pad Impingement and other causes of knee pain.