Depending on the severity and underlying cause of your knee pain, your doctor may also prescribe medication and/or recommend surgery. Pain behind the knee is also called posterior knee pain and often occurs alongside swelling at the back of your knee, which may spread to the back of your leg (calf). If you have a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury, you’ll probably have injured other parts of your knee too. But if you’ve only injured your PCL, you may just feel a bit of discomfort. You may feel pain behind your knee, especially when you kneel.
Experiencing joint pain behind the knee can be quite debilitating and disrupt your daily activities. This type of pain can be caused by various factors such as overuse, injury, arthritis, or even a structural issue.
Tendonitis in the knees is sometimes known as”jumper’s knee” because it often affects athletes who jump regularly. There are two tendons involved in the knee joint, around the quadriceps and patellar bones, and both can be stretched, torn, or worn down with time. The first sign of a knee injury that most people feel is pain.
Joint pain behind the knee is often characterized by swelling, stiffness, and discomfort when bending or straightening the leg. It can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life if left untreated.
Your surgeon will make a few small incisions (cuts) in the skin around your knee then insert a special tool called an arthroscope into your knee joint. The arthroscope includes a camera and a light that lets your surgeon see and repair damage inside your knee. It’s where your thigh bone (femur) meets your shin bone (tibia). Start with self-care if your knee pain has no clear signs of trauma and you can still go about daily life.
Symptoms often worsen on activity and if the cyst bursts, you will feel a sudden, sharp pain. Common causes of knee joint pain may include overuse, arthritis, and injury. A person may manage symptoms with anti-inflammatory medications or adopt some lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a moderate weight to reduce stress on knees or doing certain low impact exercises. Knee pain is an extremely common symptom that can result from everything from a temporary injury to a chronic condition like arthritis.
The wear and tear of everyday life can take a toll on your knees. Plus, there are several ligaments, tendons, muscles, and bones in the area. If there’s a problem with one of these structures, you might have knee pain when bending your leg.
Causes of Joint Pain Behind the Knee
One common cause of joint pain behind the knee is osteoarthritis, which is the wear and tear of the cartilage in the joint. Another potential reason could be a meniscus tear, where the cartilage in the knee becomes damaged due to injury or aging.
Treating Joint Pain
If you are experiencing joint pain behind the knee, it is essential to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional. Treatment options may include physical therapy, medication, injections, or in severe cases, surgery.
Additionally, incorporating low-impact exercises, maintaining a healthy weight, and using proper footwear can help alleviate joint pain behind the knee and prevent further damage. Remember, early intervention is key to managing and minimizing discomfort in the long run.
