causes of knee pain back of knee
A tumor in the soft tissue or bone of the knee joint can also cause pain in the back of the knee. In addition to discomfort, a tumor will likely include the appearance of a palpable mass, trouble. bending the knee and pain even when no weight is being placed on the legs.
One of the more common causes of pain in the back of the knee joint, specifically, is a popliteal synovial cyst, which is also known as a bakerâs cyst. This fluid-filled cyst at the back of the leg often forms in response to arthritis or other cartilage damage. The bulge creates a feeling of tightness behind the knee as well as stiffness and swelling and pain behind the knee and calf. For many, this pain intensifies when flexing or fully extending the leg.
A tear to the cartilage-like meniscus can also result in pain in the back of the knee, depending upon what sort of tear occurs. Pain and swelling behind the knee is common with a meniscus tear; the severity of the pain and whether the stability of the knee is compromised depends upon the extent of the tear.
A PCL tear resulting in back of the knee pain can be caused by a fall on the knees when they are bent, a blow to the front of the knee or a major twisting motion, such as during a skiing wipeout. Physical therapy and surgery are the usual PCL tear treatment methods, likely with use of a ligament tear knee brace.