Discomfort Behind the Knee: Leg Pain and Weakness

Discomfort is felt at the back of the knee where the thigh connects to the calf when straightening the leg, and there are times when walking suddenly feels weak?

Last week, I played basketball, but it wasn't too intense.
After taking a shower and waking up the next day, I noticed pain at the back of my knee where my thigh and calf connect when I try to straighten my leg.
I couldn't fully extend it and had to rely on my normal left leg to walk.
However, after two or three days, I was able to walk normally and could straighten my leg, but when I intentionally try to fully extend it, I feel discomfort.
I checked my knee for any injuries, but there was no pain, and there was no significant pain around the knee area—just a slight ache.
I resumed exercising without much issue, but the day after working out, the discomfort worsened, and I couldn't fully straighten my leg (not intentionally).
After resting for a day or two, I returned to my previous condition where I could walk normally and straighten my leg (but not intentionally).
After a week, I could intentionally straighten my leg, but compared to the other leg, there is still a noticeable difference; it feels a bit tight, particularly at the back of the knee where the thigh and calf connect.
Please give me some advice, thank you!

Zhang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/06/28

Dr. Cai Shanglin reply Orthopedics

It is essential to warm up adequately before engaging in any exercise, and wearing appropriate clothing and footwear is also necessary.
As for the symptoms, they may indicate tendinitis or arthritis.
Although it is not very severe and can be alleviated with rest, the recurring episodes within this week suggest that there is still a certain degree of inflammation in the tendon or joint.
It is advisable to visit a nearby hospital or clinic for an examination to determine if further medication or physical therapy is needed.

Reply Date: 2016/06/28

More Info

Discomfort behind the knee can be a common issue, especially after physical activities like playing sports. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing pain and tightness in the area where the thigh and calf connect, particularly when trying to fully extend your leg. This discomfort can be attributed to several potential causes, and understanding these can help guide your recovery.

Possible Causes of Pain Behind the Knee
1. Hamstring Strain: The hamstrings are a group of muscles located at the back of the thigh. If you engaged in activities that involved sudden movements or changes in direction, it’s possible that you may have strained one of these muscles. A strain can lead to pain, tightness, and difficulty fully extending the leg.

2. Gastrocnemius Strain: The gastrocnemius muscle is located in the calf and crosses the knee joint. If this muscle is strained, it can cause discomfort behind the knee, especially when attempting to extend the leg.

3. Baker's Cyst: This is a fluid-filled cyst that can form behind the knee, often as a result of other knee issues like arthritis or meniscus tears. While you mentioned that there is no significant pain in the knee itself, a Baker's cyst can cause a feeling of tightness or discomfort behind the knee.

4. Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons around the knee, such as the hamstring or calf tendons, can lead to pain and discomfort, particularly during movement or after physical activity.

5. Ligament Issues: Although you did not mention any significant pain in the knee joint, it’s worth considering that minor ligament strains or sprains can also cause discomfort behind the knee.

Recommendations for Management
1. Rest and Ice: Since you mentioned that the discomfort worsens after activity, it’s important to allow your leg to rest. Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

2. Gentle Stretching: Incorporating gentle stretching exercises for the hamstrings and calves can help improve flexibility and reduce tightness. Be cautious not to overstretch, especially if you feel pain.

3. Strengthening Exercises: Once the acute pain subsides, consider engaging in strengthening exercises for the hamstrings and quadriceps. This can help stabilize the knee and prevent future injuries. Exercises such as leg curls and straight leg raises can be beneficial.

4. Gradual Return to Activity: As you recover, gradually increase your activity level. Avoid high-impact sports until you feel comfortable and pain-free. Listen to your body and stop any activity that causes discomfort.

5. Physical Therapy: If the discomfort persists or worsens, consider consulting a physical therapist. They can provide a tailored rehabilitation program that focuses on strengthening and flexibility, as well as manual therapy techniques to alleviate pain.

6. Consult a Physician: If you continue to experience pain or if it significantly affects your daily activities, it may be wise to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend imaging studies, such as an MRI, to rule out any underlying issues.

Conclusion
In summary, discomfort behind the knee can arise from various causes, including muscle strains, tendonitis, or even joint-related issues. Given that your symptoms have improved over time, it’s a positive sign, but it’s essential to continue monitoring your condition. Implementing rest, ice, gentle stretching, and strengthening exercises can aid in your recovery. If symptoms persist, seeking professional advice is crucial to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Remember to listen to your body and avoid pushing through pain, as this can lead to further complications.

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