[Medical Q&A] Do humans still have "goose feet"?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Han Liqiang, deputy chief physician, Tianjin Third Central Hospital

Some people experience knee pain after exercise, which feels like a meniscus injury. After going to the hospital for examination, the doctor told them that it was anserinitis. Is there a place called anserin on the human body? The answer is yes.

The goose foot is located on the anterior and medial lower side of the knee joint. It is a joint tendon structure shaped like a goose foot, formed by the tendon ends of the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus overlapping each other on the medial side of the upper end of the tibia. It is named after its shape that resembles the sole of a goose's foot. There is a shallow bursa between the goose foot and the medial collateral ligament of the knee joint, called the goose foot bursa. Therefore, goose foot inflammation is also called "goose foot bursitis". Goose foot inflammation usually occurs after repeated minor injuries, such as running, cycling, hiking, climbing, ball games and other sports. Due to repeated flexion and extension of the knee joint, the tendons of the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus muscles are slightly torn, and there may be congestion and edema, or aseptic inflammation caused by repeated friction, resulting in knee pain and limited movement. The main symptoms of patients are pain in the lower medial side of the knee joint when climbing stairs, flexing and extending the knee, and other activities. The pain is obvious when pressing the local area. Goose foot inflammation is relatively common in outpatient clinics, and diagnosis is not difficult, but a careful physical examination is important. Treatment of anserine pes requires proper rest and reduced activity. Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or topical analgesics can be used. Patients with a long course of disease and stubborn condition can receive injections or shock wave therapy. If the above treatment methods are ineffective, surgical treatment can be used.