What causes pain in the back of the knee?

Feb 25, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lin Yunfei

Introduction

Pain in the back of the knee may be related to muscle strain, osteoarthritis, periostitis of the calcaneus, or other causes. Symptoms can be relieved through physical therapies such as massage and acupuncture. In addition, ligament injuries may also cause pain in the back of the knee. Patients are advised to seek timely evaluation at a正规 hospital, where surgical treatment can be considered under the guidance of a qualified physician.

Pain in the back of the knee may be related to muscle strain, osteoarthritis, or calcaneal periostitis.

1. Muscle Strain

Excessive intense exercise or improper exercise posture may cause strain in the popliteus muscle located at the back of the knee, leading to localized pain. Applying a warm towel compress to the affected area can help, and symptoms may also be relieved through physical therapies such as massage or acupuncture.

2. Osteoarthritis

Long-term weight-bearing physical labor or aging can lead to degenerative changes in the ankle joint, triggering osteoarthritis of the ankle. When inflammation occurs, it may cause pain in the back of the knee. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as ibuprofen capsules or nimesulide tablets may be taken. Adequate rest is recommended, and overexertion should be avoided.

3. Calcaneal Periostitis

Calcaneal periostitis caused by prolonged friction, continuous pressure, or strain on the heel can result in pain in the back of the knee. Pain typically worsens during walking or weight-bearing activities. It is recommended that patients seek medical evaluation at a hospital and, under a doctor’s supervision, consider medication treatments such as amoxicillin capsules, ibuprofen capsules, or celecoxib capsules.

In addition, ligament injuries may also cause pain in the back of the knee. Patients are advised to promptly visit a reputable hospital for examination and, under the guidance of a specialist, consider surgical treatment if necessary.

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My leg suddenly can't straighten; it hurts when I try to straighten it, and there's a painful tendon in the back of my knee. What should I do?

The leg suddenly cannot straighten, and pain occurs when attempting to do so; there is also tendon pain behind the knee. Inability to straighten the leg is mainly caused by certain knee joint conditions, such as meniscus injury, osteoarthritis, or bone spurs leading to flexion deformity of the leg. Additionally, inflammation of the leg fascia causing soft tissue spasms can also result in the symptom of being unable to straighten the leg. Therefore, symptomatic treatment can help alleviate the patient's symptoms.

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Can I still run if my popliteal fossa hurts when running?

Do not run if you experience pain in the popliteal fossa. The popliteal fossa refers to the area at the back of the knee joint, and pain here may indicate problems involving muscles, ligaments, or other structures. Prolonged running may lead to lactic acid buildup, causing muscle fatigue and resulting in popliteal fossa pain. Additionally, sudden twisting or straining of the posterior leg muscles during running can also contribute to this discomfort.

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The back of the knee hurts severely due to gout, making it impossible to straighten the leg.

The knee generally refers to the knee joint. In most cases, if gout causes severe pain behind the knee joint and prevents straightening of the leg, it may be due to posterior knee injury, soft tissue adhesions, acute gout attack, tophi (gout deposits), or rheumatoid arthritis. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. If discomfort occurs, patients should promptly visit a hospital for targeted treatment to avoid delaying the condition.