Pain Behind the Knee: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Pain Behind the Knee: Causes and Types

Pain behind the knee, also known as posterior knee pain, refers to discomfort experienced at the back of the knee joint. In addition to pain, swelling may also be present, either localized to the back of the knee or extending into the calf. Severe swelling can restrict proper leg movement and limit the ability to bend the knee.

Types of Pain Behind the Knee

Various health conditions can give rise to pain behind the knee. The following are two common conditions associated with this symptom:

1. Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injury: The posterior cruciate ligament, which stretches from the thigh to the shin bone, can be overstretched or torn, resulting in an injury. Typically, this occurs when a forceful impact is directed at the front of the bent knee. For instance, it may happen during a car accident when the knee hits the dashboard or when the leg is over-straightened, causing the knee to bend backward (hyperextension).

2. Popliteal Cyst (Baker’s Cyst): A popliteal cyst is a collection of fluid or material within a thin layer of tissue located in the shallow pit at the back of the knee. It is often associated with other knee conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or cartilage injuries. Knee injuries can lead to the accumulation of fluid within the joint, which may be palpable in the depression at the back of the knee.

Osteoarthritis and Knee Pain

Another common cause of knee pain is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that primarily affects individuals over the age of 50. In osteoarthritis, the smooth and shiny cartilage lining the knee joint gradually wears away, leading to pain and damage to the knee joint over time. The likelihood of developing osteoarthritis increases with age, making older individuals more susceptible to this condition.

It’s important to note that pain behind the knee can be caused by various other factors and conditions as well. Consulting with a healthcare professional is essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

In the next section, we will explore additional causes of pain behind the knee and discuss their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Causes of Pain Behind the Knee

Pain behind the knee can be attributed to various underlying causes, which include:

1. Age-Related Knee Conditions: As you age, the knee joint may experience wear and tear, leading to conditions like:

   • Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease where the knee’s cartilage deteriorates over time.
   • Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the knee joint.

2. Knee Injuries: Trauma to the knee can result in pain behind the knee due to:

   • Ligament Injuries: Damage to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) or other knee ligaments.
   • Torn Cartilage: Injury to the meniscus, the cartilage that cushions the knee joint.

3. Benign or Cancerous Growth: Rarely, a benign or cancerous growth can cause pain behind the knee.

4. Infection: In some cases, pain behind the knee may be caused by an infection, such as septic arthritis.

Symptoms of Pain Behind the Knee

The symptoms of pain behind the knee can vary based on the underlying cause. Some common symptoms include:

1. Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injury:

   • Discomfort or pain behind the knee, especially when kneeling.
   • Difficulty descending inclines, such as walking or running downhill or going downstairs.
   • Possible involvement of other parts of the knee if the PCL injury is part of a larger knee injury.

2. Popliteal Cyst (Baker’s Cyst):

   • Swelling and sometimes pain at the back of the knee, which may fluctuate over time.
   • Difficulty fully straightening the leg if the cyst is large.
   • Ruptured cyst may cause a popping sensation, warmth spreading down the calf, and bruising.

3. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):

   • Swollen, tender calf, which requires immediate medical attention.
   • DVT is a blood clot in the leg and is a medical emergency.

4. Osteoarthritis:

   • Pain that worsens with weight-bearing activities and improves with rest.
   • Stiffness in the knee, particularly in the morning or after prolonged sitting.
   • Swelling over the knee joint.

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is crucial to seek medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

In the next section, we will delve into the diagnosis and treatment options for pain behind the knee, highlighting the importance of consulting healthcare professionals for personalized care.

Diagnosis of Pain Behind the Knee

To diagnose the cause of pain behind the knee, your doctor will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, which may include:

1. Medical History and Symptom Assessment:

   • Detailed discussion about the type of pain, its onset, and whether it is intermittent or persistent.
   • Inquiring about activity levels and any specific activities, accidents, or injuries that may have triggered the pain.

2. Physical Examination:

   • Thorough examination of the knee joint to assess tenderness, swelling, range of motion, and stability.
   • Assessment of surrounding structures to identify any associated symptoms or signs.

3. Diagnostic Imaging:

   • X-ray: Useful for assessing bone abnormalities or ruling out fractures.
   • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan: Provides detailed images of soft tissues, including ligaments and cartilage. Often recommended for suspected posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries.
   • Ultrasound Scan: Employed to evaluate popliteal cysts and assess fluid accumulation.

Self-Help Strategies for Pain Behind the Knee

In case of a knee injury, following self-help measures can aid in symptom management:

• POLICE:

  • Protect: Take measures to safeguard the knee from further injury.
  • Optimal Loading: Gradually resume activities and exercises that don’t exacerbate the pain.
  • Ice: Apply ice packs wrapped in a cloth for short durations to reduce swelling and pain.
  • Compression: Use an elastic bandage to provide gentle compression to the knee.
  • Elevation: Elevate the leg to minimize swelling.

• HARM:

  • Heat: Avoid using heat packs initially as they may increase inflammation.
  • Alcohol: Refrain from consuming alcohol, as it can impair judgment and delay healing.
  • Running: Avoid activities that place excessive stress on the knee.
  • Massage: Avoid direct massage to the affected area.

If weight-bearing becomes challenging, the use of crutches may be necessary.

While popliteal cysts may resolve on their own without treatment, it is advisable to consult a doctor to rule out underlying urgent conditions, such as a blood clot. Neglecting medical assistance for a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury can lead to potential complications in the future.

Medical attention should be sought if you experience the following:

• Inability to bear weight on the leg
• Severe pain, even without weight-bearing
• Buckling, clicking, or locking of the knee
• Deformity or misshapen appearance of the knee
• Hot, red, or significantly swollen knee, accompanied by fever
• Pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, or bluish discoloration in the calf

Treatment of Pain Behind the Knee

The treatment approach for pain behind the knee depends on the underlying condition causing the pain. For specific information on managing pain behind the knee related to different conditions, please refer to the relevant pages, such as:

• Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injury
• Osteoarthritis

Individualized treatment plans may include a combination of conservative measures, such as:

• Medications for pain relief and inflammation reduction
• Physical therapy exercises and rehabilitation
• Assistive devices like braces or orthotics
• Injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid
• Surgical intervention in severe cases or when conservative measures are ineffective

It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on the specific condition causing the pain behind the knee.