Table of Contents
What causes tightness behind the knee?
Tightness behind the knee is often caused by tightness in the hamstring or calf muscles. The hamstring muscles run down the back of the thigh attaching behind the knee, and one of the calf muscles, gastrocnemius, starting from the back of the knee, travels down to the heel.
Why does the back of my knee hurt after falling?
A knee sprain – a fall or sporting injury can also cause one of the ligaments in your knee to tear. This can result in instability, swelling and pain – sometimes at the back of the knee. One possible culprit is the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL), which runs in a cross-shape at the rear of your joint.
How do you deal with tightness behind the knee?
Tips for quick relief
- Rest the knee until it heals.
- Hold ice on it for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Wear a compression bandage to support the knee, but make sure it’s not too tight.
- Elevate the injured knee on a pillow or several pillows.
- Use crutches or a cane to take weight off the knee.
Can you sprain the back of your knee?
If you have a PCL sprain, the back of your knee may hurt, and it might be worse if you try to kneel on it. For LCL and MCL sprains, your knee may seem as though it wants to buckle toward the opposite direction from the injured ligament and will likely be tender where the injury happened.
What muscle is behind your knee?
The popliteus is a small triangular muscle located at the back of your knee. It originates from your outer thigh bone (femur) and your meniscus and attaches to the back of your lower leg bone (tibia). Though it’s small in size, it has a huge role in knee function!
When should I go to the doctor after falling on my knee?
Make an appointment with your doctor if your knee pain was caused by a particularly forceful impact or if it’s accompanied by: Significant swelling. Redness. Tenderness and warmth around the joint.
How long should knee pain last after a fall?
Your recovery time will depend on the severity of your injury and whether surgery is required. A sprained knee, for example, may heal completely in 2 to 4 weeks. However, complete recovery following surgery for a torn ligament may take 6 to 12 months.
What kind of injury can you get from falling on your knee?
anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) medial collateral ligament (MCL) lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
What tendon is behind the knee?
The largest tendon in the knee is the patellar tendon, which covers the kneecap, runs up the thigh, and attaches to the quadriceps.