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Questions and answers about sports

Pain at back of knee when running?

4 min read

Asked by: Stephanie Guerrero

Runners kneeRunners kneeChondromalacia patellae (also known as CMP) is an inflammation of the underside of the patella and softening of the cartilage. The cartilage under the kneecap is a natural shock absorber, and overuse, injury, and many other factors can cause increased deterioration and breakdown of the cartilage.

Why do the back of my knees hurt when I run?

This pain can be a result of the knee cap not tracking properly over the thigh bone or from not getting enough rest between runs. If the muscles around the kneecap are weak or tight, this can also cause runner’s knee. “Tight hamstrings and calf muscles both cross the knee joint in the back.

What to do if the back of your knee hurts after running?

How Is It Treated?

  1. Rest your knee. …
  2. Ice your knee to ease pain and swelling. …
  3. Wrap your knee. …
  4. Elevate your leg on a pillow when you sit or lie down.
  5. Take NSAIDs, if needed, like ibuprofen or naproxen. …
  6. Do stretching and strengthening exercises, especially for your quadriceps muscles.

How do I get rid of the pain behind my knee?

Treatment for Pain Behind the Knee

  1. PRICE (protection, rest, ice, compression, elevation)
  2. Over the counter medications to reduce inflammation, such as aspirin or ibuprofen (NSAIDs)
  3. Wearing a knee braces.
  4. Exercise.
  5. Physical therapy.
  6. Weight loss.
  7. Cortisone injections (to reduce pain and inflammation)
  8. Surgery.


Why is the part behind my knee hurting?

Occasionally, posterior knee pain is “referred” from the front of the knee or the spine. Some of the most common causes of pain behind the knee (posterior knee pain) include, Baker’s cyst, arthritis, infection, injury, tumor, or deep vein thrombosis.

Should you run through knee pain?

If the pain’s severe or the knee’s swollen, see a GP straight away. If your knee pain is not severe, stop running and get it checked by a GP or physiotherapist if the pain does not go away after a week. They can also recommend stretches or exercises to help you recover.

What does it mean when the back of your leg hurts behind the knee NHS?

A Baker’s cyst, also called a popliteal cyst, is a fluid-filled swelling that develops at the back of the knee. Credit: It’s caused when the tissue behind the knee joint becomes swollen and inflamed.

How do I fix my IT band pain?

Some of the most common ways to reduce the pain and swelling of IT band syndrome include:

  1. resting and avoiding activities that aggravate the IT band.
  2. applying ice to the IT band.
  3. massaging the area.
  4. taking anti-inflammatory medications, which are often available over the counter.

How do you stretch the muscles behind your knee?

So what you'll need to do is bend the knee a little bit slightly toe out and then rotate your leg straight hands on your knees. And you're going to slowly Bend. And straighten out your leg.

How do you know if you tore something behind your knee?

You might develop the following signs and symptoms in your knee: A popping sensation. Swelling or stiffness. Pain, especially when twisting or rotating your knee.

Can you pull a muscle behind your knee?

Tendon and muscle injuries causing pain behind knee



Rarely, a small tendon called the popliteus wrapping around the outside of the knee joint can become swollen and painful. In addition, hamstring muscle tears can occur close to the outside of the knee. Usually, these tears occur about 5cm above the knee joint.

What causes tight tendons behind knee?

Tightness in the knee can occur as a result of injury to the tendons, ligaments, or cartilage inside the knee. In some cases, it may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Anyone who experiences tightness in one or both knees should see a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

What does a torn ligament behind the knee feel like?

Pain, often sudden and severe. A loud pop or snap during the injury. Swelling within the first 24 hours after the injury. A feeling of looseness in the joint.

Can a PCL tear heal itself?

PCL injuries are common in football, soccer, baseball, and skiing. PCL injuries are usually partial ligament tears, and typically heal on their own, without causing stability issues, so long as the knee is protected during healing, and there are no other knee joint injuries.

How do I know if I tore my PCL?

Symptoms of Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tears

  1. Sharp or dull pain around the back of the knee. …
  2. Swelling. …
  3. Stiffness. …
  4. Difficulty bearing weight. …
  5. Knee instability. …
  6. The back of the knee may be warm to the touch. …
  7. Tenderness around the knee joint. …
  8. Knee tingling or numbness.