What is behind my knee called?

The popliteal fossa (sometimes referred to as hough, or kneepit in analogy to the cubital fossa) is a shallow depression located at the back of the knee joint.

What is the area behind the knee called?

The Popliteal Fossa is a diamond-shaped space behind the knee joint. It is formed between the muscles in the posterior compartments of the thigh and leg. This anatomical landmark is the major route by which structures pass between the thigh and leg.

What is back of leg behind knee called?

Pain in the back of the knee, called the popliteal fossa, is common, but there is a wide range of causes, ranging from ligament injury to arthritis. Read More.

What is the bulge behind my knee?

Swelling on the back of one knee may be a Baker's cyst. A Baker's cyst can form when joint-lubricating fluid fills a cushioning pouch (bursa) at the back of your knee. A Baker's cyst is a fluid-filled cyst that causes a bulge and a feeling of tightness behind your knee.

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

Deep vein thrombosis, tendonitis, muscle spasm, and a Baker's cyst are some of the reasons of discomfort below or behind the knee and calf. Although these are frequent illnesses that might cause discomfort, other medical disorders can also cause discomfort in certain areas of the legs.

What is Causing the Pain Behind Your Knee, How to Tell

Why do the tendons in the back of my knee hurt?

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.

Why am I getting pain behind my knee?

Osteoarthritis is a common cause of pain behind the knee. Typically, arthritis causes bone spurs leading to inflammation at the back of the knee. Often, you feel tight and restricted in the movement of the knee joint. Generally, the best form of treatment for knee arthritis is exercise and load management.

What are the two things behind your knee?

The posterior cruciate ligament(PCL) located just behind the ACL limits the backward motion of the tibia. All of these ligaments provide stability and strength to the knee joint. The meniscus is a thickened cartilage pad between the two joints formed by the femur and tibia.

What is the muscle or bone behind your knee?

Gastrocnemius in the lower leg also helps flex the knee, and sartorius, gracilis, and popliteus help flex and rotate the joint. Extension of the knee occurs primarily by the quadriceps femoris muscles—rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, and vastus medialis.

What muscle or ligament is behind the knee?

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).

This ligament is in the back of the knee. It controls backward movement of the shin bone.

How do you relieve muscle pain behind the knee?

How do u know if u have a Baker's cyst?

See your GP if you have a lump behind your knee that's causing problems and does not clear up on its own. They'll usually be able to diagnose a Baker's cyst by examining the back of your knee and asking about your symptoms. Your GP will ask you whether you have any associated health conditions, such as arthritis.

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.

What does patellar tendon pain feel like?

Symptoms of patellar tendinitis include: Pain or dull ache at the top of the shinbone, right under the kneecap. Stiffness, which may make it hard to extend the knee. Worsening pain with certain movements, such as when you squat or walk down stairs.

Why does it hurt behind my knee when I straighten my leg?

The back of the knee may hurt when a person straightens their leg because of a variety of issues, including blood clots, muscle or tendon injuries, arthritis, or cysts. Physical therapy, rest, and pain medications are common treatments for many of these causes, but sometimes a person will need surgery treat the issue.

Can you pull a muscle behind your knee?

These muscles allow you to bend your knee. Injuring one of these muscles is called a pulled hamstring or a hamstring strain. A hamstring strain happens when the muscle is stretched too far. The muscle can completely tear, which can take months to heal.

What does MCL tear feel like?

MCL injuries hurt. Most people feel pain along the inside edge of the knee, and they also have swelling. You might hear a pop when the damage to the knee takes place, and your knee may lurch to the side. You may find it hard to walk, or feel like you can't put pressure on the leg with the hurt knee.

Can you still walk with a torn ligament in your knee?

In most cases, the injured person can still walk with the torn knee ligament. But the movement will be severely limited, not to mention painful. Surgery may be the best route to a pain-free life, with amazing success rates.

What happens if a Baker's cyst is left untreated?

Baker's cysts aren't dangerous and they may go away on their own. But occasionally they burst, and if that happens, synovial fluid can leak into the calf below, causing pain, swelling, and reddening.

Will a Baker's cyst eventually go away?

A Baker's cyst can sometimes go away on its own and it doesn't always cause pain. However, it's important to have the condition diagnosed by your healthcare provider to make sure it isn't a more serious medical condition. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/04/2020.

What is the best treatment for Baker's cyst?

Should you massage the back of the knee?

One such treatment is knee massage. Several different studies have found that massaging a sore or arthritic joint can have a number of benefits including: Bringing blood flow to the joint. Improving circulation in the area.

How do you loosen tight tendons behind the knee?

Stand on one leg. Keep your hands on your hips. With a soft bend behind the knee, hinge forward on one leg as the opposite leg extends backward behind you. Do this until you feel a full stretch in the hamstring of the leg you're standing on.