Pain in the back of the knee, also called posterior knee pain, is a relatively common type of knee pain. Because the knee is a vital joint for walking, running and various other physical activities, even a small amount of pain in that area can severely limit your mobility. In order to receive the best treatment for your knee pain, you need to know what condition may be causing your symptoms.
6 conditions that may cause pain in the back of the knee
Here are some of the most common conditions that may be causing you pain in the back of your knee when you try to straighten or mobilize your leg:
- Tendon strain or tear — There are a number of important tendons in the knee joint, including the hamstring tendon. If a strain or tear occurs in one of these tendons, it can lead to posterior knee pain when you try to extend your leg. These types of injuries usually happen during exercise or other strenuous physical activities.
- Popliteal cyst — This condition, also known as Baker’s cyst, is a cyst that can grow in a small pit at the back of the knee. This type of cyst often occurs due to another condition, such as various types of arthritis or some kind of physical injury.Â
- Meniscus tear — The cartilage in the knee joint known as the meniscus is there to absorb shock and keep your bones from rubbing against each other. If that cartilage tears or wears down, it can cause pain in the back of the knee, especially if you attempt to twist or bend the knee joint.
- Posterior cruciate ligament injury — The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is a ligament that connects the thighbone to the shinbone. If that ligament gets torn or stretched too far, it can cause pain in the knee. This type of injury usually occurs as a result of a heavy blow to the knee, such as during a sport or from a car accident. Other ligaments in the knee can also sustain injuries and cause similar symptoms.
- Osteoarthritis — This condition is a common cause of knee pain, especially as a person ages. The cartilage in the joint that’s meant to cushion the bones can wear down over time, causing pain and damage to the knee joint.
- Nerve injury — The nerves at the back of the knee can be injured, causing pain in that area when you attempt to stretch your leg.
No matter the cause of your injury or condition, there are treatments available to help you address your pain in the back of the knee. At REPAIR SI, our team is here to help you treat your knee pain with a variety of techniques and tools. If you are ready to tackle your knee pain, contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.