Pes anserinus syndrome

What is pes anserinus syndrome?

Pes anserinus syndrome is irritation of the tendon attachment, which is expressed as pain on the inside of the lower leg. Pes anserinus concerns the tendon attachment of three muscles (the semitendinosus muscle, gracilis muscle and sartorius muscle). These are located just under the knee joint on the shin bone. As the three-legged tendon attachment resembles a goose foot, it was given the name “Pes anserinus” (Latin for goose foot).  

More about the anatomy of the knee joint 

Pes anserinus syndrome: Causes and risk factors for pain on the inside of the lower leg

Pes anserinus syndrome is more prevalent in women. This is owing to the female anatomy, often due to leg misalignments (knock knees). It is particularly common among elderly women who are slightly overweight and those with accompanying diseases (such as osteoarthritis). Besides these cases, Pes anserinus syndrome occurs, above all, in: 

• Patients with a knee endoprosthesis (postoperative) 
• Active individuals and sportsmen/women (in particular long-distance runners) 

Knee pain at the side and inside below the knee when running/walking and bending: Typical symptoms of pes anserinus syndrome

Can pes anserinus syndrome be prevented?

Pes anserinus syndrome is a condition caused by an overload. Targeted, balanced training is a sensible option to prepare the affected region for future strain.  

Treatment: What helps with pes anserinus syndrome?

In the acute phase of pes anserinus syndrome, it may be necessary to completely relieve pressure on the knee. This means temporarily avoiding exercise. 

However, physiotherapy to strengthen and stretch the muscles and tendons involved is an important part of treatment for pes anserinus syndrome: The leg muscles are strengthened with targeted exercises. Stretching exercises, such as for a shortened hamstring (ischiocrural muscles, back of the thigh), are also very important for pes anserinus syndrome.  

Therapy-supporting exercises that aid recovery with pes anserinus syndrome

If you are suffering from pes anserinus syndrome, there is a lot you can do yourself to improve your knee pain on the inside of the lower leg. Familiarise yourself with our exercises to complement therapy, which you can carry out at home in consultation with your treating doctor, such as to warm up and strengthen the thigh muscles, as well as stretching exercises.

Exercises for pes anserinus syndrome

Which doctors treat pes anserinus syndrome?

Your family doctor is your first point of contact. If necessary, they will refer you to a specialist, such as an orthopaedist or sports medicine specialist.  

Genumedi® PA knee orthosis and other medi products for pes anserinus syndrome

The Genumedi PA orthosis was specially developed to support the therapy of pes anserinus syndrome. It stimulates and relieves the affected tendon attachment. Thanks to a special tendon dilator, it can alleviate the pain and allow for a stable range of motion in the kneecap. 

In addition, the M.4s OA orthosis can also be used when treating knock knees. In the event of a foot misalignments, the doctor treating you can recommend an insole fitting, such as the igli Active Light for skew foot and fallen arches.