Pain Behind Your Knee? Here’s What It Really Means

Why the Back of Your Knee Hurts

Pain behind the knee is more common than people realize, especially for adults over 50.
You might feel:

• aching behind the knee
• tightness when bending
• pressure when standing
• pain going downstairs
• discomfort after walking
• swelling or fullness at the back of the knee

This area houses important tendons, nerves, ligaments, and fluid sacs, which means several issues can cause similar symptoms.

The good news? Most causes are treatable without surgery.

The Most Common Causes of Pain Behind the Knee

1. Baker’s Cyst (Fluid Buildup)

When the knee joint is inflamed, extra fluid often collects behind the knee, creating a swollen, tight, sometimes painful bulge.

Symptoms include:

• tightness when bending
• pressure or fullness
• pain after standing

It’s almost always a sign of underlying arthritis or inflammation.

2. Hamstring Tendon Irritation

The hamstring attaches behind the knee, so tightness or overuse can cause:

• soreness
• pulling sensations
• pain walking or bending

This is especially common in active adults or those who sit often.

3. Arthritis and Joint Degeneration

Arthritis can irritate the tissues behind the knee, leading to:

• aching
• swelling
• stiffness
• reduced mobility

This often worsens in cold weather or after activity.

4. Meniscus Irritation (Especially the Back Corner)

The back portion of the meniscus can cause pain behind the knee when irritated or worn down.

Symptoms include:

• catching sensations
• sharp pain when twisting
• swelling

5. Tendon or Muscle Imbalance

Weak thigh muscles + tight calves or hamstrings can strain the tissues behind the knee.

6. Blood Flow or Circulation Issues

Sometimes pressure behind the knee is due to reduced circulation, especially common in adults over 55.

When You Should Not Ignore Pain Behind the Knee

✔ swelling that gets worse
✔ sharp pain when bending
✔ pain going downstairs
✔ pain after sitting
✔ knee feels unstable
✔ visible bulge behind the knee
✔ stiffness lasting longer than 20–30 minutes

These signs indicate inflammation or joint degeneration that needs attention.

Why Ice, Rest, and Medication Aren’t Solving It

Pain behind the knee usually comes from inflammation or mechanical irritation, not just muscle soreness.

Typical home treatments like rest, ice, ibuprofen may help temporarily but don’t address:

• underlying arthritis
• circulation issues
• swelling inside the joint
• meniscus wear
• tendon imbalance

Without addressing the root cause, the pain often becomes chronic.

How Buffalo Arthritis & Joint Pain Center Helps Behind-the-Knee Pain

Our non-surgical approach helps:

• reduce inflammation inside the knee
• improve joint movement
• decrease swelling and Baker’s cyst pressure
• support healthy tissue
• restore stability
• improve mobility without surgery

Many patients report:

• less tightness
• improved bending
• reduced swelling
• easier walking
• more confidence using stairs

All without cortisone, gel shots, or downtime.

Simple At-Home Tips to Ease Pain Behind the Knee

✔ Gently stretch your hamstrings
✔ Strengthen your quadriceps
✔ Keep walks short but frequent
✔ Ice after long activity
✔ Avoid deep squats or twisting
✔ Stay hydrated to support joint fluid

Small daily habits make a meaningful difference.

Pain Behind the Knee Is Often Treatable...Without Surgery

You don’t have to live with tightness, swelling, or pressure behind your knee.
The sooner you address it, the easier it is to correct.

👉 Schedule a consultation today:
www.painreliefbajc.com

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