Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
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Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Fat Pad Impingement
What is fat pad impingement?
The knee contains a fat pad located between the kneecap and the underlying leg bone, which acts as a cushion to reduce friction. Fat pad impingement, also known as Hoffa’s syndrome, occurs when this fat pad becomes pinched between the kneecap and the bone beneath it. This can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee. Physiotherapy is highly effective in treating fat pad impingement by reducing inflammation, restoring mobility, and correcting underlying biomechanical issues.
How does fat pad impingement happen?
Fat pad impingement can develop in two main ways:
Forcible straightening of the knee:
Movements such as kicking or landing from a jump can push the bottom of the kneecap into the fat pad, causing pinching and irritation.
Repetitive minor pinching:
If the fat pad is swollen or enlarged, it may protrude beneath the kneecap, making it more prone to being pinched during normal knee movement. This can occur after minor trauma or following arthroscopic knee surgery, which may lead to scar tissue formation in the fat pad.
What are the symptoms of fat pad impingement?
Fat pad impingement typically causes pain just below the kneecap, especially when the knee is fully straightened. In cases caused by repetitive trauma, the tissue beneath the kneecap may become swollen or firmer compared to the other knee, often due to the formation of scar tissue. This can make the area tender and more susceptible to irritation during movement.
What should I do if I have fat pad impingement?
If you suspect that you have fat pad impingement, you should arrange a physiotherapy appointment as soon as possible. In the meantime:
- Avoid activities that increase your pain, such as running, jumping, or deep knee bends.
- Apply ice to the front of your knee using a bag of frozen peas or crushed ice wrapped in a damp cloth for 15–20 minutes every 1–2 hours to reduce inflammation.
Early intervention can help relieve pain and prevent further damage to the fat pad.
What shouldn’t I do if I have fat pad impingement?
Do not ignore your symptoms. Continuing to exercise or putting stress on the knee without treatment can increase inflammation and scar tissue, leading to more pain and a longer recovery period.
Physiotherapy treatment for fat pad impingement
Physiotherapy is key in treating fat pad impingement. During your initial assessment, a physiotherapist will diagnose the condition and determine its severity. A tailored, progressive treatment plan may include:
- Electrotherapy to reduce pain and inflammation
- Exercise programmes to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve function
- Hydrotherapy to gently restore movement without stressing the fat pad
- Proprioceptive exercises to improve joint stability and coordination
A structured physiotherapy programme can help relieve pain, restore knee function, and prevent future recurrence.
Could there be any long-term effects from fat pad impingement?
When properly diagnosed and treated, fat pad impingement does not usually cause long-term problems. Early physiotherapy can help relieve pain and restore normal knee function.
Without appropriate treatment, however, the condition may result in prolonged pain just below the kneecap and an extended break from normal activities or sports.
To arrange a physiotherapy assessment for fat pad impingement, please call Ace Physiotherapy & Sports on +65 8153 5374 or book online today.
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