Pain behind the knee is something that many of us have or may experience if we play sports that involve bending our knees, running, tennis, or any activity that puts pressure on the area.
Here are some things to keep in mind if you ever experience such pain behind the knee:
1. Possible arthritis
This is one of the most common causes of knee pain. In fact, if you’re over the age of 65, one in two has arthritis of the knee, one of the most commonly involved joints.
Arthritis pain is usually a dull toothache that is occasionally sharp with jerking movements. The pain is usually located above the joint line (where the tibia meets the femur) and in the front of the knee. Mild and sometimes severe swelling is associated with this pain. The pain is worse when you get out of a chair or car. It is also worse with any prolonged walking or standing. Pain usually improves with rest, heat (sometimes ice), knee wrap, and pain relievers.
Occasionally the knee can catch on the rough and uneven surfaces of your cartilage. Patients often complain of knee grinding and occasional popping.
2. Minor tear of cartilage surface
Rather than a cyst or fluid buildup, the causes of pain behind the knee could simply be tiny microtears in the cartilage. This can be dealt with with the same solutions at the end of this article. Tears, if minor, do not require surgery and will heal on their own depending on healing time and if aggravating activity is avoided.
3. Baker’s cyst The cyst usually occurs due to some other problem in the knee, such as arthritis or even a meniscus tear. Swelling from this problem causes fluid to collect in the knee. This fluid pushes on the weakest point in the joint capsule that surrounds the knee. This usually occurs at the back of the knee capsule and a cyst forms. The cyst has a valve made of joint capsule tissue. This valve can sometimes become clogged and fluid becomes trapped in the cyst. Therefore, even when the injury has resolved, you still have the swelling at the back of the knee. This is associated with pain that is generally described as dull and aching. The pain worsens when walking or standing for long periods of time. Sometimes improves with rest, elevation, and pain relievers.
Many people agree that when it comes to pain behind the knee, the best course of action is Control, avoid and rehabilitate.
Control:
Cryotherapy which involves putting ice on the area for 5 minutes at a time. This will help reduce pain. Do not continue to apply ice if you feel a burning sensation.
Heat from a heating pad for 10 to 20 minutes on a lower setting may help reduce pain. Alternative methods include creams that create a warm sensation such as Icy-Hot gel or AST BioFreeze.
The reinforcement of a comfortable knee pad can provide the necessary relief and stability to the area, reducing pressure on the area and therefore; reducing pain. There are many knee braces available that can be worn during activity or anytime the area becomes sore.
Avoid:
There is nothing special about this old saying. Just avoid activities that aggravate the pain and participate in those that seem to relieve it. Making a list of things NOT to do and a list of things to DO will be helpful in determining what makes the pain worse. Avoid activities that continue to make your pain worse or not better. This is typical advice. Pain is a warning sign.
Rehabilitate:
Talk to a doctor and develop an action plan to rehabilitate your knee through controlled movement. Rehabilitation includes motivation to do the prescribed exercises. The correct exercises as prescribed and the right equipment to keep movements controlled.
Pain behind the knee is very common in many sports and you can get it doing just about anything from snowboarding to racquetball. By taking precautions in your sports and understanding what could cause this, you will be able to not only enjoy sporting activities, but also a lifetime of activity.