What are the symptoms of hypertrophy of the infrapatellar fat pad?

May 10, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
Symptoms of hypertrophy of the infrapatellar fat pad include knee enlargement, stiffness or pain in the knee, and difficulty bending the knee. Hypertrophy of the infrapatellar fat pad leads to increased subcutaneous fat around the knee joint, resulting in a visibly enlarged knee. This hypertrophy exerts pressure on surrounding soft tissue structures, causing knee stiffness. Compression of tissues around the knee joint can also make it difficult to bend or straighten the knee.

Signs of infrapatellar fat pad hypertrophy include an enlarged appearance of the knee, knee stiffness or pain, and difficulty bending the knee. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Enlarged knee appearance

When the infrapatellar fat pad becomes hypertrophied, it can lead to increased subcutaneous fat around the knee joint, resulting in a visibly enlarged and rounded knee.

2. Knee stiffness or pain

Excessive hypertrophy of the infrapatellar fat pad may compress surrounding soft tissue structures, causing discomfort such as knee stiffness and pain.

3. Difficulty bending the knee

When tissues surrounding the knee joint are compressed, it may become difficult to bend or fully straighten the knee, impairing normal joint function.

In addition, this condition may also cause symptoms such as knee weakness, heaviness, and loose skin. It is recommended to seek medical evaluation at a hospital for a thorough examination and to receive active treatment under a physician's guidance to prevent worsening of symptoms.