You bend your knee much more on a daily basis than you probably realize, from sitting down on a chair to climbing stairs in your home. But if you feel pain behind your knee when it’s bent, it can cause you discomfort throughout the day that can interfere with your overall quality of life. 

There are several potential reasons why the back of your leg hurts behind the knee when you bend it. By learning about the possible causes of the pain, you can determine when it’s time to talk to your doctor about treatment options that can help, such as physical therapy.

Why your leg may be hurting behind the knee when it’s bent

If you feel an ache behind the knee when you bend it, it’s possible that you’re also experiencing other co-occurring symptoms, including limited range of motion and instability. There are a variety of conditions and injuries that may be able to explain the ache, including:

• Hamstring injury — There are three muscles in the back of your thigh, called a hamstring. It works to allow you to extend and bend your knee. If you strain or tear any of the muscles, you’ll experience pain when you bend your knee, as well as swelling, a popping sensation and stiffness. The muscles can be injured from sudden movements or overstretching.
• Tendinitis — Not only can you tear the muscles in the hamstring, but you can also develop inflammation in the tendons that connect the muscles to the lower legs, pelvis and knee. Hamstring tendinitis is usually caused by overuse or a sudden injury. Along with pain behind the knee, you may also experience stiffness and swelling.
• Baker’s cyst — You can develop a growth called a Baker’s cyst behind the knee that’s filled with synovial fluid, which is used to lubricate your joints. It can grow in the space behind your knee, known as the popliteal fossa. The cyst can cause pain behind your knee during bending movements due to the swelling, as well as stiffness or tightness.

If you’re experiencing persistent or worsening pain behind the knee when it’s bent, talk to your health care provider about your concerns. They will carry out a physical examination and complete diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, to determine the cause.

Excel Rehab & Sports can help when bending your knee causes pain

Pain from bending your knee shouldn’t just be brushed off, as it may be a sign of a medical condition or injury that requires further treatment. When you’re ready to determine the likely cause of the pain and reduce it with exercises and manual therapy, Excel Rehab & Sports is here to help.

Call us or request an appointment today for pain in your leg behind the knee when you bend it.