Pain in the back of your knee might occur as a result of an injury or another medical issue, such as a cyst or arthritis. It can, on rare occasions, indicate a more serious condition, such as a blood clot.
The knee is your body's largest joint and one of its most vulnerable to damage. It is composed of bones that can fracture or slip out of place, as well as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons that can strain or tear.
With rest and care, some knee injuries recover on their own. Others require surgery or other medical procedures. Pain is also a symptom of a chronic ailment, such as arthritis, which gradually affects the knee over time.
Here are some of the conditions that might cause discomfort in the back of your knee, as well as what you should expect if you have a knee injury.
1. Leg cramps
A cramp is a muscle tightness. Calves are the most likely to cramp, but other leg muscles, such as those at the back of the thigh around the knee, can cramp as well.
When you exercise or are pregnant, you are more prone to get leg cramps. Also, you may have nerve problems in your legs, infections, toxins (like lead or mercury in the blood), or liver disease.
When you have a cramp, your muscle suddenly constricts or spasms. The pain in the back of your knee can range from a few seconds to ten minutes. The muscle may be sore for a few hours after the cramp has passed.
2. Meniscus tear
The meniscus is a wedge-shaped piece of cartilage in your knee that cushions and stabilizes it. Your knees have two menisci, one on each side of the joint.
When athletes squat and twist their knees, they might tear the meniscus. It may weaken and degenerate as you age, making the knee more vulnerable to tear with any twisting motion.
When a meniscus tears, you may hear a "popping" sound. The injury may not be painful at first. However, you may feel more uncomfortable after a few days of walking on it.
Resting, cooling, and elevating the afflicted knee can help ease pain and speed up the healing process. If the tear does not heal on its own, surgery may be required to fix it.
3. Jumper's knee
This is an injury to the tendon, which joins your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone. Patellar tendonitis is another name for it. It can occur when you jump or shift direction, like in basketball.
These motions can cause minor tendon tears. Then, it swells and weakens.
If you have a jumper's knee, you may feel pain beneath the kneecap and it gets worse over time.
4. Anterior cruciate ligament injury
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a tissue band that runs across the front of your knee joint. It links your thighbone to your shinbone and helps stabilize and move your knee.
Many ACL injuries occur when you suddenly slow down, stop, or change direction while running. This ligament can also be strained or torn if you land a leap incorrectly or are hit in a contact sport such as football.
You may hear a "pop" when the injury occurs. Your knee will have pain and swelling as a result. You may have difficulty fully moving your knee and experience pain when walking.
Relaxation and physical therapy are helpful in the healing of an ACL strain. If the ligament is ripped, surgery is usually required to repair it.
5. Chondromalacia
Chondromalacia may occur when the cartilage within a joint deteriorates. Cartilage is the elastic substance that cushions bones so they don't rub against each other while you move.
Chondromalacia can be caused by a knee injury or the slow wear and tear of age, arthritis, or misuse. The patella (kneecap) is the most prevalent site of cartilage degradation. When the cartilage in the knees wears away, the bones scrape against each other, causing agony.
The most noticeable sign is a dull aching behind your kneecap. When you climb stairs or sit for a long period of time, the discomfort may worsen.
Conclusion
You may be able to treat pain from a minor injury at home. But call your doctor if you feel severe pain or fever or if your leg is very swollen. They can identify the main cause of your knee pain and help you get proper medical care.
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