My knee hurts when I straighten it and put pressure on it Reddit

Knee pain is a common problem, and it can be caused by a variety of things. If you're experiencing knee pain when you straighten your leg or put pressure on it, it might be time to see a doctor. There are a few things you can do to try to alleviate the pain, and you should also talk to your doctor about the best course of action.

Please assist me in attempting to diagnose my knee pain. Pain in left inside knee. A sharp pain is hugging the kneecap. Sore when bending or straightening, and stiffens after a period of inactivity. Diagram inside. Thanks from running

Posterior knee pain occurs when a person feels pain in the back of their knee while straightening their leg. Pain in the back of the knee, known as the popliteal fossa, is common, but the causes range from ligament injury to arthritis.

Some of these causes will improve with rest, while others will necessitate surgery or worsen over time.

Finding the source of posterior knee pain can be challenging because it can be caused by issues with the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, or vascular system.

This article investigates the possible causes of pain in the back of the knee when a person straightens their leg. We also consider potential treatment options.

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury

The posterior cruciate ligament, located in the back of the knee, is in charge of holding the knee in place and providing joint stability. It prevents the shinbone from moving too far back.

Although injuries to the PCL are not as common as injuries to other parts of the knee, they can occur if a person sustains trauma to the front of the knee. This can also happen if a person falls heavily on their knees.

Twisting and hyperextension can also cause posterior cruciate ligament injury.

A person may experience pain and swelling shortly after sustaining a PCL injury. It may cause knee stiffness, difficulty walking, and a sense of instability in the knee.

Treatment

Treatment may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation, as well as the use of knee braces to prevent the knee from moving and physical therapy.

If these treatments do not improve a person's symptoms, he or she can have surgery to reconstruct the ligament with a tissue graft.

Tendinopathy

Tendinopathy is the medical term for a swollen tendon.

It can affect the hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and popliteus tendon, which are all located behind the knee.

Tendinopathy develops as a result of repeated knee movements and joint strain. Playing sprinting sports on a regular basis can lead to tendinopathy in the back of the knee.

Tendinopathy symptoms include pain and tenderness at the back of the knee, as well as a decrease in flexibility and range of motion.

Treatment

Tendinopathy can be successfully treated with rest, anti-inflammatory pain relievers, flexibility training, and physical therapy.

Biceps femoris tendinopathy

Biceps femoris tendinopathy is a condition that affects the biceps femoris tendon in the hamstrings.

Sprinting sports can cause small tears in the tendons.

Pain on the outside of the back of the knee is caused by biceps femoris tendinopathy. For a few days, a person may also experience bruising on the back of the leg, below the knee.

A person may experience joint stiffness, swelling, and weakness, as well as pain when straightening their leg.

Treatment

Biceps femoris tendinopathy can be treated with physical therapy, cold packs, and resting the affected knee.

Chondromalacia

Chondromalacia patella is a condition in which the cartilage beneath the kneecap deteriorates. This means that when a person moves his or her knee, there is no cushioning between the kneecap and the thigh bone, resulting in friction.

Chondromalacia can develop as a result of a misaligned kneecap. It can also happen as a result of trauma to the area, such as a fracture or dislocation.

A person suffering from chondromalacia may have difficulty straightening their leg. However, the majority of pain will be felt in the front or side of the knee.

Learn more about chondromalacia here.

Treatment

Treatment can include:

• physical therapy
• Cold packs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to treat pain.
• replacement of cartilage or adjustment of existing cartilage in the joint

Arthritis

The most common types of arthritis, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The cartilage in the knee joint gradually wears away in osteoarthritis. This causes the bones in the knee to rub together, which can lead to bone spurs. The pain caused by these bone spurs can worsen over time.

The synovial membranes that cover the knee joint swell as a result of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis patients may experience knee pain and stiffness.

When a person straightens their leg, they may experience knee pain because arthritis can cause the joints to swell, making them stiff and painful.

Learn more about knee arthritis here.

Treatment

The AAOS states that there is no cure for arthritis at this time, but there are ways to manage symptoms. This can include:

• Switching to low-impact exercise: Cycling and swimming can be less taxing on the knees than running or playing tennis.
• Physical therapy: This can help to improve a person's range of motion, flexibility, and leg strength.
• Pain medication: NSAIDs like ibuprofen and corticosteroids can help with swelling and pain.
• Maintaining a moderate weight: The National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom notes that maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce stress on the knee joint.

If other treatments have failed to improve a person's symptoms, surgery may be required.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a type of blood clot that forms in one of the body's deep veins, typically in the lower leg.

Blood clots can form in the popliteal vein, which is located behind the knee.

DVT is an underdiagnosed condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The symptoms of DVT include:

• swelling
• pain
• tenderness
• skin flushing in the affected area

When a person tries to stand up, they may experience more pain. However, the CDC states that approximately50%of people with DVT do not have any symptoms.

Learn more about deep vein thrombosis by clicking here.

Treatment

Deep vein thrombosis treatment includes blood-thinning medication and compression stockings to relieve pain and swelling.

A surgeon can remove a blood clot through a catheter or surgery if a person has severe DVT.

Baker’s cyst

A Baker's cyst is a swelling that develops on the back of the knee. It is fluid-filled and soft to the touch. It is also known as a popliteal cyst by medical professionals.

Baker's cyst is most commonly caused by inflammatory joint conditions such as arthritis. It can, however, occur as a result of overuse and injury.

Pain, tightness, and discomfort at the back of the knee are common symptoms. When a person stands and fully extends their knee, the swelling may be more visible.

Learn more about Baker's cysts by clicking here.

Treatment

If a cyst is not causing symptoms, no treatment is required. However, NSAIDs and cold packs can be used to reduce inflammation and pain.

A healthcare professional can drain the cyst if necessary. A 2014 study found that cysts can reappear even after surgery.

Prevention

When possible, avoid putting too much stress or strain on the knee joint to prevent pain in the back of the knee.

A low-impact sport, such as swimming or cycling, can help with this.

A healthy diet and regular physical activity can help lower a person's risk of deep vein thrombosis.

When to contact a doctor

If a person has any of the following symptoms, they should consult a doctor.:

• pain is severe
• The knee is inflamed and swollen.
• they develop a fever

If a person has a history of blood clots, they should also see a healthcare professional.

If a person has DVT symptoms, they should seek treatment as soon as possible. This is due to the fact that blood clots can travel to the lungs and cause pulmonary embolism. When a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the lungs, it is called a pulmonary embolism.

Summary

Back pain in the knee can occur for a variety of reasons. When a person straightens their leg, the back of the knee may hurt due to a variety of issues, including blood clots, tendon or muscle injuries, arthritis, or cysts.

Physical therapy, rest, and pain medications are common treatments for many of these causes, but surgery may be required in some cases.

Why does straightening my knee cause pain?

Why does it hurt when I put pressure on my bent knee?

Why does applying pressure to my knee hurt?