Pain in Back of Knee (Posterior Knee Pain)

Pain in back of knee, also known as posterior knee pain, troubles many people. The knee's front, inner and outer areas commonly experience discomfort, but the back section, though less frequent, can be equally problematic.

The back side of knee pain could stem from several different sources. The discomfort might involve the joint bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, or even tiny fluid-filled sacs called bursae. The popliteus tendon's location at the posterior knee region's base makes it a frequent source of pain due to its crucial structural role.

Getting the right diagnosis proves crucial to effective treatment. This article examines the reasons for back-of-knee pain, diagnostic approaches, treatment options and signs that indicate you need medical attention.

What is Back of Knee Pain (Posterior Knee Pain)?

The pain you feel behind your knee joint is posterior knee pain. The pain occurs between your hamstring and calf muscles, creating discomfort when you bend your leg. Brief twinges might occur occasionally but persistent pain definitely requires medical evaluation.

Symptoms of Back of Knee Pain

Each person experiences this pain uniquely. Common signs are:

Sharp pinching, soreness or aching feelings
Swelling or noticeable bumps
Affected area feels warm
Clicking or popping noises
Bruising or skin colour changes

Causes of Back of Knee Pain

Multiple conditions can trigger this pain. Arthritis, Baker's cysts (fluid-filled sacs), PCL injuries, tendinitis, meniscus tears, and muscle strains are common culprits. Blood clots can also cause severe leg pain.

Risk Factors

Your chances of knee problems increase with:

Excess weight
Tight muscles
Past injuries
Certain sports activities

It is common to see hamstring injuries from skipping proper warm-ups before exercise.

Complications of Back of Knee Pain

Baker's cysts might burst without treatment & cause problems in your calf area.
Blood clots can break loose and create dangerous lung blockages known as pulmonary embolism.
Damaged ligaments often result in long-term instability.

Diagnosis

You need to get to the root cause of posterior knee pain to start proper treatment. A correct diagnosis will give a faster recovery path.

Your doctor will check your knee's swelling, tenderness, and range of motion at your first visit. They will test how far your leg moves and check the joint's stability through various movements.

Based on your symptoms, your doctor might need:

Imaging tests:
- X-rays detect bone fractures and joint problems
- MRI scans reveal soft tissue injuries
- Ultrasounds identify fluid collections
- CT scans help diagnose subtle fractures
Blood tests: These help you identify arthritis, gout, or infections
Arthrocentesis: A needle draws a small amount of fluid from your knee joint to test for various conditions

Treatments

Your posterior knee pain's cause determines the treatment plan. Common treatment approaches are:

The RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation) works best early on. Your doctor might add heat therapy as you heal.
Physical therapy builds strength in your knee's surrounding muscles for better support. People with hamstring problems start with gentle isometric movements before moving to more active exercises.
Medications like NSAIDs can reduce inflammation. Some patients find relief through injections of corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, or platelet-rich plasma.
Severe cases might need surgical options like:
- Arthroscopy
- Partial or total knee replacement

When to See a Doctor

Your knee needs medical attention if the pain:

Stays longer than a few days
Makes it impossible to put weight on your leg
Comes with swelling, fever, or redness that might signal infection
Happens after an injury with severe pain or instability
Stops you from doing daily tasks

Conclusion

Pain in the back of your knee can affect anyone. The root causes range from simple muscle strains to serious conditions like blood clots. A correct diagnosis by your doctor guides you toward the right treatment that speeds up healing. Your doctor might run several tests to identify the exact problem and suggest the best solution. The pain behind your knee isn't a normal part of ageing.

The back of your knee might hurt, but you have many treatment options. Quick action and your doctor's advice give you the best shot at recovery. Your knees carry you through life, so they need proper care the moment problems start.

FAQs

1. How can you make the back of your knee feel better?

Several home treatments help ease posterior knee discomfort:

Rest the knee until proper healing occurs
Apply ice for 20 minutes at a time throughout the day
Use compression bandages that support without being too tight
Raise your leg with pillows
Keep weight off by using crutches or a cane if needed
Try over-the-counter NSAIDs to relieve pain
Apply heat packs to get temporary relief

Physical therapy proves beneficial because exercises strengthen not just the knee but also supporting structures like the hip and ankle.

2. Does arthritis cause back of knee pain?

Arthritis affects this area frequently. The posterior knee stands among the most common pain zones for knee osteoarthritis. Your cartilage naturally wears down with age, and you might notice: