Common Causes of Posterior Knee Discomfort
Knee pain behind the leg can result from various causes, including arthritis, cysts, blood clots, injuries, and overuse of muscles. Conditions like Baker's cyst, DVT, or meniscus tears may lead to discomfort and limited movement. Proper diagnosis and treatment, including home remedies and physiotherapy, are essential for relief and recovery.
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Understanding the Causes of Back Knee Pain
Discomfort behind the knee, known as posterior knee pain, can stem from various factors. Common reasons include arthritis, trauma from accidents, muscle or ligament injuries, aging, and improper sports techniques. The severity varies from mild soreness after long activity to intense pain restricting movement. Sometimes, it accompanies stiffness and tender muscles which can be sensitive to touch.
Serious conditions like joint inflammation, tumors, or blood clots may also cause posterior knee pain. Additionally, nerve compression can inflame muscles behind the knee, contributing to discomfort.
Baker's Cyst
This fluid-filled sac located at the back of the knee, also called a Popliteal Cyst, often enlarges in arthritis patients when joint fluid leaks and accumulates, causing swelling. Frequent knee bending can promote fluid buildup, forming a cyst that feels like a small balloon. The swelling can make bending or flexing difficult and cause pain and inflammation.
Home remedies like ice packs or electrotherapy can help reduce symptoms. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of blood clots behind the knee, potentially causing mobility issues and posing serious health risks if clots rupture. Prompt medical consultation is essential for proper treatment.
Injuries from accidents can also lead to posterior knee pain. Tears in muscles or tendons caused by trauma may take time to heal. Common injury-related causes include:
Gastrocnemius Tendinopathy
Overuse of calf muscles, common in runners, cyclists, and sprinters, causes tendon degeneration, inflammation, and pain behind the knee.
Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy
Excessive use during sports leads to small tears in this hamstring tendon, resulting in outer knee pain. Physiotherapy is an effective treatment.
Hamstring Tendonitis
Repetitive leg movements or poor sport technique can inflame the hamstring tendons, causing mild pain that improves with activity adaptation.
Tennis Leg
Straining calf muscles or the plantaris muscle during vigorous activity can cause sudden, sharp pain behind the knee.
Posterolateral Corner Injury
Usually from accidents or sports impacts, this rare injury causes sharp pain on the back and outer side of the knee.
Torn Meniscus
Tears in the cartilage that stabilizes knee joint can cause severe pain and stiffness, often requiring immediate medical attention.
