An inflamed plica is not a common cause of knee pain in active people, but it can cause a lot of problems for people with the problem. In this Ask Dr. Geier video, I discuss plica syndrome and the common signs and symptoms of an inflamed plica in the knee.

Harry asks:

A band on the medial side of the knee pulls on the inside of my knee cap when I roll over it. It’s constantly inflamed and causes pain. Could this be a symptom of plica syndrome?

A plica is connective tissue in the knee that exists in everyone when we’re young but normally recedes to small bands of tissue in adults. In most athletes, they are not involved in any significant function, but they can become inflamed and serve as a source of pain.

Female runner with knee pain from an inflamed plica

If you have plica syndrome, you might experience pain on the medial (side closest to the midline) side of the knee, just inside of your patella. If the tissue is inflamed and swollen, you might notice a snapping sensation as this plica rubs across the bony prominence on the inside of your knee with knee motion, like running or cycling.

In this video, I discuss an inflamed plica as a cause of knee pain and possible treatment options.

Also read:
Plica syndrome
Is pain normal after plica surgery?

Please remember, while I appreciate your questions, I cannot and will not offer specific medical advice by email, on my website, on my podcast, or in social media. My responses are meant to provide general medical information and education. Please consult your physician or health care provider for your specific medical concerns.

Recommended Products and Resources
Click here to go to Dr. David Geier’s Amazon Influencer store!
Due to a large number of questions I have received over the years asking about products for health, injuries, performance, and other areas of sports, exercise, work and life, I have created an Amazon Influencer page. While this information and these products are not intended to treat any specific injury or illness you have, they are products I use personally, have used or have tried, or I have recommended to others. THE SITE MAY OFFER HEALTH, FITNESS, NUTRITIONAL AND OTHER SUCH INFORMATION, BUT SUCH INFORMATION IS DESIGNED FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THE CONTENT DOES NOT AND IS NOT INTENDED TO CONVEY MEDICAL ADVICE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE. YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON THIS INFORMATION AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR, NOR DOES IT REPLACE, PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. THE SITE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ACTIONS OR INACTION ON A USER’S PART BASED ON THE INFORMATION THAT IS PRESENTED ON THE SITE. Please note that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


X