What Causes Pain Behind the Knee?

Pain behind the knee is a common complaint among people of all ages and activity levels. Its causes can be diverse, ranging from simple strains to serious health conditions. Understanding what’s going on behind the scenes can be the key to effective treatment and, ultimately, relief.

Anatomy of the Knee

Understanding the cause of the pain often begins with a basic comprehension of knee anatomy. The knee joint is complex, consisting of bones, ligaments, tendons, and other structures that work together to enable movement. These components, while durable, are susceptible to injury and other health conditions.

Common Causes of Pain Behind the Knee

There are several common causes of pain behind the knee, including:

Baker’s cyst: This is a fluid-filled cyst that causes a bulge and a feeling of tightness behind your knee. It’s often the result of another problem, like arthritis or a cartilage tear.

Hamstring tendonitis: This involves inflammation of the tendons in the back of the knee, often caused by overuse or injury.

Meniscal injuries: These occur when the meniscus, a piece of cartilage providing cushioning in the knee, is damaged.

Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain in the knee.

Diagnosing the Problem

An accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. At Motion Orthopaedics, our experienced physicians use advanced imaging techniques and comprehensive examinations to pinpoint the exact cause of your pain.

Treatment Options

Once we’ve identified the cause, we can formulate a treatment plan. This might include:

Physical Therapy: This often forms the first line of treatment, involving exercises to strengthen the knee and improve flexibility.

Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.

Minimally invasive surgery: In cases where conservative treatments don’t provide relief, surgery may be an option.

Embracing Minimally Invasive Techniques

At Motion Orthopaedics, we are proud to provide innovative solutions utilizing the latest, minimally invasive, innovative technologies. By embracing these techniques, we can reduce post-surgical recovery times and improve patient outcomes.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your knee pain persists despite rest and self-care, it may be time to seek professional help. Signs that you should see a doctor include:

• Pain that lasts for more than a few days
• Severe pain
• Swelling
• Inability to bear weight on the knee

Put Your Health in Motion

Don’t let knee pain hold you back from living a fulfilling, active life. If you’re experiencing pain behind the knee, our team at Motion Orthopaedics is here to help.

As experts in sports medicine, work-related injuries, workers’ compensation, and other orthopedic conditions, we are dedicated to improving your health, function, and well-being. Our offices are conveniently located in your community and equipped with state-of-the-art technology to offer comprehensive care.

We understand that every patient is unique, so we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs. Contact us today to set up a consultation and take the first step toward better knee health.