Myofascial syndrome of the popliteal muscle MEDECIN ABONNE

Anatomical reminder

popliteal muscle anatomy

It takes its proximal insertions on the lateral face of the external or lateral femoral condyle and distal from the medial side of the posterior face of the tibia.

It prevents the femur from moving forward on the tibia during weight bearing flexion of the knee. It fixes the knee during the lateral rotation of the thigh with the fixed tibia. Similarly, when the thigh is fixed and the leg is free, its contraction puts the leg in medial or internal rotation.

Myofascial syndrome of the popliteal muscle

Chronic pain and myofascial syndrome of the popliteal muscle

Referred pain from myofascial syndrome of this muscle is at the back of the knee. It is triggered, in general, while squatting, descending stairs or a slope.

It should be noted that this pain can be found during the tearing of the popliteal tendon, the presence of a popliteal cyst, popliteal tendinitis, anteromedial and posterolateral instability of the knee.

On clinical examination, patient seated with the knee hanging at 90 degrees, the pain limits the lateral rotation of the knee.

Myofascial syndrome of the popliteal muscle is activated during activities with torsion of the leg (football, skiing, running on a slope, etc.). It is favored by an excessive pronation of the foot which will have to be corrected.
The treatment is done by stretching the patient on the stomach, stretched the leg and lateral rotation of the foot. An elastic knee brace can also reduce pain. Avoid wearing high heels which can cause this syndrome.

Post operative chronic pain