The plica is generally known as a fold in the membrane which surrounds the joint of the knee. The knee joint is surrounded by a fluid-filled capsule which is referred to as the synovial membrane.
There are three capsules during the fetal stage, this is referred to as the synovial plicae, which grow around the developing knee joint. They are usually absorbed before birth. However, a study carried out in 2006 revealed that 95% of people that undergo arthroscopic surgery had some remains of synovial plicae.
Plica syndrome occurs when one of the plicae becomes inflamed, often because of an injury. This often occurs in the middle of the kneecap, which is referred to as medial plica syndrome.
What are the Causes of Plica Syndrome?
This inflammation is usually caused by the plica appearing on the femur, or pinching between the femur and the pelvic floor. The most common position of the plica tissue is along the medial (inside) side of the knee. The plica can attach the patella to the femur, be located between the femur and the patella, or be located along the femoral condyle. If the plica attaches the patella to the femoral condyle, the symptoms may be confused with those of the chondromalacia.
The plica themselves are the remains of the fetal stage of development where the knee is divided into three compartments. The size of plica usually decreases during the second trimester of the development of the fetus, since the three compartments develop into the synovial capsule. In adult person, it usually exists as sleeves of tissue known as synovial folds. The plicas are generally harmless and discrete; Plica syndrome occurs only when the synovial capsule is irritated, which thickens the plica themselves (making them susceptible to irritation/inflammation or being seen on the femur).
What are the Symptoms of Plica Syndrome?
Knee pain is the major symptom of plica syndrome, but many other conditions may also be the cause. The pain associated with plica syndrome is usually:
• Achy, rather than sharp or shooting
• Worse when using stairs, squatting, or bending
Additional symptoms of Plica Syndrome include:
• There can be a catching or locking feelings in your knee when you stand up from a chair after sitting for a long time
• It will be difficult to sit for long periods of time
• There will be a clicking or cracking sound when you bend or extend your knee
• You have a sensation that your knee is giving out
• You will be unstable on stairs and slopes
You can even be able to feel your swollen plica at the moment you press on your kneecap.
Plica Syndrome Treatment
Treatment for Plica Syndrome requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in your knee. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids in your elbow to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.
Products recommended for symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:
Ice Substitute Poultice
Bruise Relief Liniment
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:
Pain Relief Liniment
Tendon and Ligament Poultice
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
