Back of Knee Pain - Causes and Prevention
Often, weak butt muscles are responsible for the back of knee pain. The pelvic stabilizers are also implicated. Professor of exercise physiology at Auburn University at Montgomery, Michele Olson, suggests the clam opener move, which involves placing a resistance band around the patient's bent knees and pressing on the band with the opposite foot.
Symptoms
Often when people think of pain in the knee, they think of it on the front or side. However, this type of pain can also be a sudden ache in the back of the knee. It may be accompanied by swelling or inflammation, or there may be no visible sign of injury. It can also be a severe problem preventing you from fully extending your leg. A medical professional should evaluate the symptoms of the back of knee pain.
While the back of the knee may be painful when bent, the actual cause is often unknown. In some cases, the back of the knee can be the result of a hamstring tendon strain. This condition can produce sudden and severe pain in the back of the knee and swelling and pain in the outside of the knee. Some patients may also experience gradual and progressively worse pain. Some people may even experience noises when they bend and straighten their knees.
Causes
The lower back contains nerves that branch to the legs. When a lumbar disc is pressed, it causes a pinched nerve. This can cause pain in the knee, especially if you are sedentary or sit at a desk for long hours. Back pain can also be a symptom of a pinched nerve.
Other causes of back of knee pain may be related to the artery located at the back of the knee. The popliteal artery branches off from the large femoral artery. The femoral artery travels down the leg and divides into several significant blood vessels. The popliteal artery branches off the femoral artery and follows it back to the heart. This can lead to severe pain in the back of the knee, especially when a person performs a strenuous activity.
Treatments
Different back of knee pain treatments is available, including surgery and physiotherapy. While the exact cause of your knee pain is different from each other, it is possible to relieve it with various treatments. Your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose your condition and recommend the right treatment for you. NSAID drugs may be prescribed to help ease knee swelling and pain. These medications are also commonly available over-the-counter. Another treatment method is RICE, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Cold packs should be placed on the knee for 10-20 minutes several times a day. Similarly, elastic bandages can be placed on the knee when you are up and about. However, if you have significant pain, it is important to see a medical professional as soon as possible.
Prevention
Prevention of back of knee pain involves strengthening the muscles in the back of the knee. A faulty hip joint can put more pressure on the knee. A weak hip joint can also lead to knee pain. By strengthening hip muscles, you can reduce pain and inflammation. Lastly, it would help if you stretched the muscles around your knee. Tight muscles prevent the knee joint from moving.
A proper diagnosis and treatment of a PCL injury are critical to avoid further damage. An injury to this ligament may lead to other injuries to the knee. People suffering from a PCL injury will often experience pain behind the knee when kneeling or going down a stair. The ligament is also susceptible to tearing. To prevent such injuries, it is important to avoid activities that cause knee pain in the back of the knee.
