Knee Pain: Is It Just Tight Muscles or Something More?

The tendons behind the knee are very tight?

Hello, doctor.
I would like to inquire about the pain behind my knee that occurs with certain specific movements.
Is this just tightness in the muscles, or could it indicate a potential issue? Here are some examples: 1.
When I do a forward bend, I can barely reach 10 degrees, and as soon as my body leans forward, I experience pain behind my knee.
2.
Lying flat and trying to raise my leg straight up, I can only reach about 30 degrees at most.
3.
Similarly, when lying flat and raising my leg against the wall in an L-shape (like exercises women do at night), I feel slight pain behind my knee when it's against the wall, and I cannot fully extend my leg without it.
I can do about 10 squats before feeling fatigued (without pain), and I don't experience issues while walking or lifting heavy objects; it's just certain specific movements that cause significant pain.
I first noticed the pain behind my knee in high school; I didn't have any issues in middle school.
For instance, in ninth grade, I could almost reach 25 degrees in a forward bend.
In high school, I thought it was just tightness in the muscles and didn't pay much attention.
Now in college, it seems to be getting worse; I can hardly bend forward at all, and I can't perform certain abdominal exercises because they strain that area.
Could this indicate an injury to a specific part, or is it just tight muscles? Is there a need for medical attention? I used to love sprinting in elementary and middle school (100m to 200m).
I remember one time in middle school, after sprinting 200m, I had pain in my tailbone, but it only lasted a day or two, and I didn't think much of it.
I wonder if there could be any connection.

Xiang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/10/26

Dr. Yin Xinbei reply Rehabilitation

Based on the description, it is likely that the muscle is too tight.
You can apply pressure to that muscle while in a relaxed state; if there is no significant pain, there is no need to worry.
However, you can perform stretching exercises (applying heat before stretching can enhance the effect) to improve the issue of poor flexibility.

Reply Date: 2016/10/26

More Info

Knee pain, especially when it occurs during specific movements, can be indicative of various underlying issues, and it’s essential to understand the potential causes and implications. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing pain behind your knee during certain activities, such as bending forward or lifting your leg. This pain could be due to tight muscles, but it may also suggest a more significant problem that warrants further investigation.

Potential Causes of Knee Pain
1. Muscle Tightness and Imbalance: It is common for athletes and active individuals to experience tightness in the muscles surrounding the knee, particularly the hamstrings and calf muscles. Tight hamstrings can limit your range of motion and lead to discomfort when performing movements that require bending or extending the knee. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help alleviate this tightness.

2. Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons around the knee, such as the hamstring tendons, can cause pain during specific movements. This condition often arises from overuse or repetitive strain, especially in athletes who engage in activities that involve sprinting or jumping.

3. Bursitis: The knee contains small fluid-filled sacs called bursae that help reduce friction between bones and soft tissues. Inflammation of these bursae can lead to pain, particularly when bending or straightening the knee.

4. Meniscus Injury: The meniscus is a cartilage structure that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone and shin bone. A tear in the meniscus can cause pain during specific movements, especially those that involve twisting or heavy loading. Symptoms may include swelling, stiffness, and difficulty fully extending the knee.

5. Patellar Tendinopathy: Often referred to as "jumper's knee," this condition affects the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. It can cause pain during activities that involve jumping or running.

6. Previous Injuries: Your mention of tailbone pain after a sprinting incident in middle school could be relevant. While it may not seem directly related, past injuries can lead to compensatory movement patterns that may cause pain in other areas, including the knee.

When to Seek Medical Attention
Given that you are experiencing pain that limits your ability to perform certain movements, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional, such as an orthopedic specialist or a sports medicine physician. They can conduct a thorough examination, which may include physical assessments and imaging studies (like an MRI) to determine the exact cause of your pain.

Recommendations
1. Physical Therapy: Engaging in a physical therapy program can be beneficial. A physical therapist can assess your movement patterns, identify any muscle imbalances, and develop a tailored exercise program to improve flexibility, strength, and overall function.

2. Stretching and Strengthening: Incorporate regular stretching of the hamstrings, quadriceps, and calf muscles into your routine. Strengthening exercises for the muscles around the knee can also help provide better support and stability.

3. Activity Modification: Pay attention to the activities that trigger your pain and consider modifying them until you have a clearer understanding of the underlying issue. Avoiding high-impact activities may help reduce discomfort.

4. Ice and Rest: If you experience pain after certain activities, applying ice to the affected area and allowing adequate rest can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

5. Gradual Return to Activity: If you have been inactive due to pain, gradually reintroducing activities can help your body adapt and reduce the risk of further injury.

In conclusion, while tight muscles can certainly contribute to knee pain, the specific nature of your symptoms suggests that further evaluation is warranted. Seeking professional guidance will help ensure that you receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, allowing you to return to your activities with confidence.

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