What causes pain behind the knee when bending it?
In general, pain behind the knee when bending may be related to muscle fatigue, age-related changes, meniscus injury, knee arthritis, synovitis, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Muscle Fatigue
Overuse of the knee joint or insufficient rest after exercise may lead to fatigue in the muscles and tendons behind the knee, causing pain. It is recommended to rest appropriately and perform mild stretching and heat application to promote blood circulation and relieve pain.
2. Age-Related Changes
With aging, the cartilage and surrounding tissues of the knee joint may gradually degenerate, leading to pain behind the knee. Appropriate physical exercise is recommended to help alleviate symptoms.
3. Meniscus Injury
The meniscus acts as a cartilage pad connecting the femur and tibia. When injured, friction may occur during knee bending, resulting in pain and a sense of instability. This may also be accompanied by joint locking or clicking sensations. Patients may take medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, diclofenac sodium gel, or prednisolone acetate tablets under a doctor’s guidance.
4. Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis may result from long-term wear and tear, aging, or inflammation of the joint cartilage. When the knee bends, increased pressure within the joint can cause friction due to worn cartilage and narrowed joint space, leading to the aforementioned symptoms. It may also be accompanied by joint swelling, stiffness, and limited mobility. It is recommended to take medications such as meloxicam tablets, celecoxib capsules, or enteric-coated aspirin tablets under medical supervision.
5. Synovitis
Synovitis may be associated with trauma or rheumatic diseases. It can cause thickening of the synovial tissue and excessive production of synovial fluid, making knee swelling and pain more pronounced during bending. Symptoms may also include redness, swelling, and warmth in the joint. Patients may take medications such as metronidazole tablets, amoxicillin capsules, or levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules as directed by a physician.
Patients are advised to engage in appropriate physical exercise regularly to promote blood circulation, which may help alleviate symptoms.