Pain behind the knee when bending can make simple movements like walking, sitting, or climbing stairs uncomfortable or even painful. This type of pain often signals an underlying issue involving muscles, tendons, nerves, or the knee joint itself. Understanding what causes pain behind the knee when bending is essential for choosing the right treatment and preventing long-term problems.
What causes pain behind the knee when bending?
Several conditions can cause pain in the back of the knee, especially during bending or squatting. The most common causes include:
- Hamstring strain — overstretching or tearing of the muscles behind the thigh, often from sudden movement or overuse.
- Baker’s cyst — a fluid-filled sac that forms behind the knee due to joint inflammation.
- Meniscus tear — damage to knee cartilage that causes pain, stiffness, or locking.
- Tendonitis — inflammation of tendons connecting muscles to the knee joint.
- Ligament injuries — trauma from accidents or sports affecting knee stability.
- Sciatica or nerve compression — nerve irritation can refer pain to the back of the knee.
- Car accidents or workplace injuries — trauma may cause hidden knee or soft tissue damage.
Symptoms that may accompany pain behind the knee
Depending on the cause, you may also experience:
- Swelling or tightness behind the knee
- Pain that worsens when bending or squatting
- Stiffness after sitting or resting
- Weakness or instability in the leg
- Clicking, popping, or locking sensations
How to relieve pain behind the knee at home
For mild cases, the following self-care strategies may help:
- Rest and avoid movements that aggravate the pain
- Ice therapy to reduce inflammation and swelling
- Compression using a knee sleeve or wrap
- Elevation to minimize fluid buildup
- Gentle stretching of the hamstrings and calf muscles
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate
These methods may provide temporary relief but won’t correct structural or injury-related causes.
When pain behind the knee is serious
You should seek medical attention if:
- Pain lasts longer than 1–2 weeks
- Pain began after a car accident or workplace injury
- There is significant swelling or stiffness
- You have difficulty bending or straightening the knee
- The knee feels unstable or gives way
- Pain radiates into the calf or thigh
Medical treatments for pain behind the knee
At Allied Neurology & Interventional Pain Practice, we offer advanced, non-surgical treatments to address the root cause of knee pain, including:
- Diagnostic imaging to identify meniscus tears or cysts
- Geniculate nerve blocks for targeted knee pain relief
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy to promote tissue healing
- Trigger point injections for muscle-related pain
- Radiofrequency ablation for chronic knee pain
- Rehabilitation therapy to restore strength and flexibility
Expert care for knee pain
Pain behind the knee when bending can worsen without proper diagnosis and treatment. At Allied Neurology & Interventional Pain Practice, Dr. Dariusz Nasiek, MD, brings over 35 years of experience diagnosing and treating complex knee and nerve-related pain using advanced, minimally invasive techniques.
Struggling with pain behind your knee? Call 201-894-1313 or schedule your consultation today for expert evaluation and lasting relief.
