The knee is one of the most important joints in your body, and this is especially true because it’s vital to normal activities like walking, sitting and jumping. When you’re feeling pain in the back of your knee, there are several conditions that could be to blame, many of which can be treated with physical therapy.
1. Leg cramps
One reason that people seek treatment for pain in the back of the knee is they’re having frequent leg cramps. A cramp is a sudden and uncontrollable tightening of a muscle, and this issue can easily affect the muscles in the back of your thigh or calf. In turn, these cramps can cause you to feel pain behind your knee.
Various factors can lead to frequent leg cramps. For instance, people who overuse their leg muscles during running and other activities can be at greater risk of cramps. Also, not getting enough water can cause this type of muscle issue. Nerve problems in your legs like fibromyalgia or sciatica can also lead to leg muscle cramps.
2. Hamstring strain
Sports injuries can also be the reason you need treatment for back of knee pain. One excellent example of such an injury is a hamstring strain. The hamstring is a group of muscles in the back of your thigh that help bend your knee. When these muscles are overstretched, this is called a hamstring strain, and a common symptom of this injury is pain at the back of your knee. This injury is most common for sports players who run fast, and this means athletes that play football, track and soccer are at higher risk for hamstring injuries.
3. Osteoarthritis
Another common reason people seek treatment for back of knee pain is osteoarthritis. This condition is when the cartilage in the knee wears out over time, and it allows the bones of the knee to rub together. This rubbing can lead to pain, inflammation and swelling. In many cases, the pain can feel like it’s at the back of your knee, and many people seek physical therapy to treat their pain.
Get back of knee pain treatment at Excel Sports & Physical Therapy
Our Excel Sports & Physical Therapy team has lots of experience helping people with knee pain. Using our free screenings, we can help you figure out the root cause of your pain. Then, our team can create a personalized treatment plan to address your pain, and your plan can include multiple therapy techniques, such as:
Are you ready to find out how we can help you with your knee pain? Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.