Rheumatoid Arthritis and GI Problems: What You Need to Know
What Causes Knee Pain—and How To Find Relief
Knee pain affects people of all ages and can stem from various causes, such as injury, arthritis, or overuse. The pain can significantly impede daily activities, limiting mobility and reducing overall quality of life. Promptly addressing knee pain is crucial not only to stop the hurt, but also to prevent long-term complications.
The knee is a complex hinge joint. Knowing the parts of the knee and what the parts do can help you better understand what part of your knee is actually causing you pain. The knee is supported by ligaments that attach the upper leg bone (femur) to the lower leg bone (tibia). Two of the ligaments are the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL and PCL), which criss-cross each other within the joint and stabilize movement. The kneecap (patella) sits on the front of the knee joint to protect it. The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage that cushions and protects joint stability. There are two in each knee. Synovium is a membrane that surrounds the knee joint and is filled with synovial fluid. This fluid facilitates smooth motion while surrounding muscles provide strength and coordination for proper knee function. Any of these parts can be the source of your knee pain. That means you can feel pain in different areas of the knee, depending on which part of your knee is affected: Anterior knee pain: This dull, aching discomfort is localized at the front and center of the knee. It can often be felt behind, below, or on either side of the kneecap. Posterior knee pain: This is pain at the back of the knee. It is less common. Pain on the side of the knee: Pain can be felt on the inside or outside areas. Diffuse: The pain isn't concentrated to any one area; it is spread throughout the knee. How severe your pain is and what it feels like can vary depending on the underlying cause. Besides pain itself, other symptoms that can accompany knee pain include: Swelling or redness around the knee joint A grating or grinding feeling Weakness or instability in the knee Popping or clicking Limited ability to flex or extend your knee, known as locking Warmth or redness of the knee Difficulty bearing weight Knee pain can arise from a multitude of causes, including acute injuries and chronic conditions. 1.Injury Traumatic incidents like a car or sporting accident can lead to immediate knee injury and pain. Sprains and tears of soft tissues like ligaments and the meniscus are some of the most common acute knee injuries. Other common knee injuries are fractures and dislocation. Some types of knee injuries are more common among athletes. This includes ACL and PCL injuries. ACL tears happen when you change direction quickly or land a jump incorrectly. PCL tears can happen when your knee is hit from the front while bent. Where you feel the pain can help identify what type of injury you have. For instance, if you feel pain at the back of your knee right after an injury, it might mean there's something wrong with the ligaments, meniscus, tendons, or nerves in that area. Keep in mind, though, that more than one part of the knee is often impacted when you have a knee injury. 2.Overuse Over time, repetitive strain or excessive use of the knee joint can cause pain. Overuse can actually be considered a type of injury. But unlike an acute injury that is sudden and causes immediate pain, overuse is an injury that happens over time and with which pain comes on slowly. Overuse pain tends to be in the front of the knee or deep in the knee behind the kneecap. The pain can worsen with going down stairs or sitting for a long time. One common overuse injury is runner's knee, medically known as chondromalacia, which causes pain at the front of the knee. 3.Bursitis A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that cushions the knee muscles, tendons, and bones. Your knee has six of these sacs. When these bursa sacs become irritated and inflamed, it is known as bursitis. Bursitis might occur due to injury, overuse, or excessive pressure. You might feel bursitis pain when you press around or move your knee. You might also feel pain during rest. Pain may also spread to surrounding areas. Besides pain, you could also experience swelling, warmth, and redness of the knee. 4.Tendinitis Tendinitis is inflammation of tendons, which connect muscles to bone. Your knee may develop tendinitis after an injury or from overuse. You might also get tendinitis as you age since the tendon loses elasticity. One type of tendinitis is patellar tendonitis, or jumper's knee. This is when the patellar tendon that runs from the quadriceps in your thigh to the shinbone becomes weak. You'd feel the pain during any activity that requires you to quickly straighten your knee, such as jumping. The tendinitis pain you feel in your knee may come at night or worsen when you move. Your knee might also feel stiff in the morning. 5.Arthritis Arthritis is a broad term encompassing inflammatory conditions affecting the joints leading to pain, swelling, and reduced joint mobility. Two types that commonly affect the knee are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Osteoarthritis is caused by a gradual wear and tear of joint cartilage over time that causes pain and reduce movement. It's the most common type of arthritis and the most common reason for joint pain among people 50 or over. Osteoarthritis pain is typically bad in the morning and improves as you get the joints moving. But the pain can return as your activity increases throughout the day. Osteoarthritis pain is diffuse, meaning you can feel it throughout different areas of your knee. RA is an autoimmune disorder that can trigger inflammation at the joints, leading to chronic pain and swelling. It usually affects both sides of the body. Your knees are some the most common joints RA affects. 6.Baker's Cyst A Baker's cyst is a fluid-filled lump that develops at the back of the knee. The lump forms because of a buildup of synovial fluid. Often there are no symptoms other than the lump itself. If it's particularly big, the cyst may cause some stiffness or discomfort. The swelling it causes may be painful, too. A Baker's cyst may also cause pain if it ruptures. A Baker's cyst often arises as a result of an underlying condition, such as certain injuries or arthritis. 7.Iliotibial Band Syndrome Iliotibial band syndrome is a condition that affects runners, cyclists, or other people who do a lot of repetitive knee movements. The iliotibial band runs from your hip to your knee. When it gets irritated from the repeated motions, you can experience pain on the outside of your knee. 8.Infection An infection in the knee can cause severe pain. Known as septic arthritis, the infection can begin due to a bacterial or fungal infection and cause inflammation of the knee. Besides pain, you may have restricted movement of the joint as well as redness or warmth of the affected area and fever. Several risk factors can contribute to the development of knee pain. These include: Age: The risk of knee pain often increases with age due to natural wear and tear on the joints. Excess weight: Having obesity puts additional stress on the knee joints, increasing the likelihood of pain and arthritis. Sex: Women are generally more prone to knee pain and certain conditions like osteoarthritis. Previous injuries: Past injuries, especially to the knee, can elevate the risk of chronic pain or arthritis. Lack of physical activity: Inactivity or insufficient exercise can weaken the muscles supporting the knee and contribute to pain. Participation in certain sports: Sports with high impact or repetitive knee movements, such as running or soccer, can contribute to knee injuries. Genetics: Family history may play a role in knee pain, with a predisposition to certain knee conditions being passed down through generations. Occupational factors: Jobs that involve repetitive stress on the knees or require heavy lifting, standing, frequent climbing, and squatting may increase the risk of knee pain. It's crucial to reach out to your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following: Inability to bear weight on your knee Severe pain, even when not putting weight on your knee Difficulty flexing your knee or trouble fully straightening it Buckling, clicking, or locking of your knee Redness or warmth around the knee, especially when accompanied by a fever Significant swelling around the knee Deformation or misshaping of your knee Pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, or bluish discoloration in the calf below the affected knee Persistent pain that continues after three days of trying home remedies During an appointment, a healthcare provider will likely conduct a physical assessment of your knees, hips, legs, and various joints. Diagnostic tests may include imaging tests like an X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan. They may order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan if a ligament or meniscus tear is suspected. They might also perform a joint fluid culture to examine synovial fluid under a microscope. How to address knee pain depends on what's causing the pain. Treatment may include at-home interventions, complementary methods, medical intervention, or a combination. Treatment avenues include the following: RICE: This stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. RICE is a commonly recommended approach for managing knee pain. It's particularly effective for acute knee injuries. Pain pedication: From over-the-counter options like Tylenol (acetaminophen) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to more potent prescribed drugs such as opioids, medications can help manage pain. Exercise and physical therapy: Certain exercises can strengthen muscles, restore flexibility, and target muscle groups to help alleviate pain. It's essential to identify exercises that help without causing further knee damage. A healthcare provider can tell you how long you need the exercise program, possibly four to six weeks. Afterward, the exercises can be continued as maintenance. Lifestyle changes: Maintaining an optimal weight and avoiding high-impact activities like running can significantly reduce knee stress. Complementary therapies: Massage, relaxation techniques, meditation, acupuncture, and yoga may offer knee pain relief. Genicular nerve blocks: When your knee hurts, nerves send pain signals to your brain. A genicular nerve block is an injection of numbing medication that pauses those signals to temporarily stop pain. If it works well, there's a follow-up procedure called radiofrequency ablation that uses heat to stop those pain signals for a more long-lasting relief without surgery. Surgery: Primarily reserved for structural damage, surgery should be considered after exploring other options. Surgery is often a resort when your knee pain has not responded to other methods of pain relief. To prevent knee pain and maintain overall joint health, consider the following tips: Stay physically active: Regular exercise strengthens the muscles around the knee, providing better support and stability. Focus on low-impact activities like swimming or walking. Warm-up before exercise: Always warm-up before engaging in physical activities to prepare your muscles and joints. Gentle stretches and light exercises can help prevent injuries. Use proper footwear: Wear supportive and well-fitted shoes, especially when engaging in activities that involve impact on the knees. Avoid overtraining: Give your body time to recover between workouts to prevent overuse injuries. Listen to your body: Pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain. Living with chronic knee pain can be challenging, but adopting effective coping strategies may improve your quality of life. To help cope, you can: Manage stress: Get plenty of sleep, engage in recommended activity, and eat a well-balanced diet. Practice mind-body practices: Explore mind-body practices like yoga or tai chi, which can enhance overall well-being and contribute to pain management. Use assistive devices: Consider using assistive devices like canes or braces to provide additional support and reduce the strain on the knees during daily activities. Knee pain can majorly affect your quality of life. The pain could be at the front, back, or side of your knee or even or all over. Injury, overuse, and arthritis are some of the reasons your knee could be hurting. Knowing what's causing your knee pain can help you treat the pain and avoid pain in the future.Thanks for your feedback!
What's Causing This Pain In The Back Of My Knee?
Pain in the back of the knee may be caused by an injury, cyst, or arthritis. More rarely, it can be an indicator of a serious health condition like a blood clot.
The knee is your body's biggest joint and one of its most injury-prone areas. It's made up of bones that can fracture or move out of joint, as well as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons that can strain or tear.
Some knee injuries can heal on their own with rest and care. Nonoperative treatments like physical therapy may also help solve many knee pains.
However, pain in the back of your knee could be a sign of a health condition that may require medical intervention.
Keep reading to learn more about some of the conditions that can cause pain in the back of your knee, and what to expect if you have one of them.
A cramp is a tightening of a muscle. Muscles in the calves are most likely to cramp. However, other leg muscles can also cramp up, including those in the back of the thigh near the knee.
You're more likely to have leg cramps when you exercise or during pregnancy. Other possible causes include:
When you have a cramp, you'll suddenly feel your muscle contract or spasm. The pain may last anywhere from a few seconds to 10 minutes. After the cramp passes, the muscle may be sore for a few hours.
Click here to learn how to stop leg cramps.
Jumper's knee is a term used for patellar tendonitis. This condition is an injury to the patellar tendon, which connects your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone.
Jumper's knee is caused by overloading or overusing the patellar tendon. For example, repetitive movements like jumping or changing direction may cause tiny tears in the tendon. Eventually, the tendon swells up and weakens.
Jumper's knee causes pain in the kneecap. The pain gets worse over time. Other symptoms may include:
The hamstring consists of three muscles that run down the back of your thigh:
These muscles allow you to bend your knee.
Injuring one of these muscles is called a pulled hamstring or a hamstring strain. A hamstring strain happens when the muscle is stretched too far. In some cases, the muscle can completely tear. This may require surgery and can take months to heal.
When you injure your hamstring muscle, you'll feel a sudden pain. Injuries to the biceps femoris, called biceps femoris tendinopathy, cause pain in the back of the knee.
Other symptoms include:
This type of injury is common in athletes who play sports like soccer, basketball, tennis, or hockey. Hamstring stretches and exercises could help provide pain relief and injury prevention.
A Baker's cyst is a term used to describe a popliteal cyst. This is a fluid-filled sac that forms behind the knee.
The fluid inside the cyst is synovial fluid. Normally, this fluid acts as a lubricant for your knee joint. However, if you have arthritis or a knee injury, your knee may produce too much synovial fluid. The extra fluid can build up and form a cyst.
Symptoms of a Baker's cyst may include:
These symptoms can get worse when you're active. If the cyst bursts, you'll feel a sharp pain in your knee.
Baker's cysts sometimes go away on their own. However, speak with a healthcare professional if your cyst impacts your daily activities, gets bigger, or suddenly starts to hurt.
Treatment may include steroid injections, physical therapy, or having the cyst drained. Treating the underlying cause may also help clear up the Baker's cyst.
The gastrocnemius muscle and the soleus muscle make up your calf, which is the back of your lower leg. These muscles help you bend your knee and point your toes.
Sports like tennis and squash that require you to quickly go from a standing position to a run may strain or tear the gastrocnemius muscle. You'll know that you've strained this muscle by the sudden pain it causes in the back of your leg.
Other symptoms of a calf strain include:
Calf strain treatment will depend on the severity of the strain. For example, your treatment plan for a mild sprain may include rest, physiotherapy, and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. This could take up to 8 weeks to treat.
On the other hand, a ruptured Achilles tendon may require surgery and can take up to 6 months to heal.
The meniscus is a wedge-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions and stabilizes your knee joint. Each of your knees has two menisci, one on either side of the knee.
Athletes sometimes tear the meniscus when they squat and twist the knee. As you get older, your meniscus weakens and degenerates. This makes it more likely to tear with any twisting motion.
When you tear a meniscus, you might hear a "popping" sound. At first, the injury might not hurt. But after you walk on it for a few days, the knee can become more painful.
Other symptoms of a meniscus tear include:
Treatment for a meniscus tear may include:
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a band of tissue that runs through the front of your knee joint. It connects your thighbone to your shinbone, provides stability, and helps with the front and back movements of your knee.
Most ACL injuries happen when you slow down, stop, or change direction suddenly while running. You can also strain or tear this ligament if you land a jump wrong, or you get hit in a contact sport like football.
You might feel a "pop" when the injury happens. Afterward, your knee will hurt and swell up. You might have trouble fully moving your knee and feel pain when you walk.
Treatment for an ACL injury will depend on its severity. Your treatment plan may include physical therapy, rest, or ACL reconstruction surgery.
The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is the ACL's partner. It's another band of tissue that connects your thighbone to your shinbone and supports your knee. However, the PCL isn't as likely to get injured as the ACL.
You can injure the PCL if you take a hard blow to the front of your knee, such as in a car accident. Sometimes injuries occur from twisting the knee or missing a step while walking.
Stretching the ligament too far causes a strain. With enough pressure, the ligament can tear into two parts.
Along with pain, a PCL injury may cause:
Rest, ice, and elevation can help a PCL injury heal faster. You might need surgery if you've injured more than one ligament in your knee, have symptoms of instability, or you also have cartilage damage.
Chondromalacia happens when the cartilage inside a joint breaks down. Cartilage is the rubbery material that cushions bones so they don't scrape against one another when you move.
The most common site of cartilage breakdown is underneath the kneecap (patella). When the cartilage is gone, the knee bones scrape against each other and cause pain.
Injury to the knee, or gradual wearing down from age, arthritis, or overuse can cause chondromalacia.
The main symptom is a dull ache behind your kneecap. The pain may get worse when you climb stairs or after you've been sitting for a while. Other symptoms may include:
Treatment may include ice, OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and physical therapy.
It's important to note that once the cartilage is damaged, chondromalacia won't go away. Only surgery can fix the damaged cartilage.
Arthritis is a degenerative disease in which the cartilage that cushions and supports the knee joint gradually wears away. There are a few types of arthritis that can affect the knees:
Treatment for arthritis will depend on the type, severity of symptoms, and your overall health. Your treatment plan may include:
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein inside the leg. DVT typically affects one leg.
Symptoms of a blood clot in your leg include:
It's important to get DVT treated as quickly as possible. A clot can break free and travel to the lungs. When a clot gets lodged in an artery of the lungs it's called pulmonary embolism (PE). PE can be life threatening.
DVT is treated with blood thinners. These medicines prevent the clot from getting bigger and stop new clots from forming. Your body will eventually break up the clot.
If you have a big clot that's dangerous, a doctor will prescribe medications called thrombolytics to break it up more quickly.
Here are some ways to help relieve pain behind your knee:
You may be able to treat pain from a minor injury or arthritis at home. However, get immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
This is especially important if you have a history of blood clots. A doctor can help determine the root cause of your knee pain and help you find relief.
When should you not ignore knee pain?Speak with a healthcare professional if the pain behind your knee worsens, doesn't improve with at-home treatments, or affects your daily activities. If you experience symptoms of DVT, it's important to get immediate medical attention.
Is it better to rest or walk with knee pain?Whether it's better to rest or walk with knee pain depends on several factors, such as the underlying cause and the current stage of your treatment. For example, if you recently experienced a knee injury, rest may help relieve inflammation and allow your muscles to heal. On the other hand, low-impact exercises like walking may be part of your long-term treatment plan if you're living with arthritis.
Pain in the back of your knee may have several causes. These range from mild strains that could be treated at home to health conditions that require medical treatment.
Speak with a healthcare professional if the pain behind your knee impacts your daily activities or doesn't improve. They can provide a proper diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that's right for you.
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