What could cause pain behind knee when walking?

Every day activities can be very difficult if you have pain behind knee when walking. From climbing stairs to strolling the grocery aisles, this discomfort can slow you down and affect your quality of life. While knee pain is incredibly common — affecting about 1 in 4 adults — pain specifically at the back of the knee often points to a particular group of causes.

To find relief, it’s helpful to understand what might be going on behind the scenes — or behind the joint, in this case.

Common Causes of Pain In Back of Knee While Walking

Pain at the back of your knee (also called the popliteal area) may be caused by a variety of issues:

• Muscle overuse or strain
  • Overusing your hamstrings or calf muscles can lead to pain in the back of your knee, especially with walking or repetitive movement. This is especially common after long periods of activity or inadequate stretching.
• Tendinitis
  • Inflammation of the hamstring or calf tendons can cause irritation behind the knee, often brought on by repetitive motions or overexertion. It may feel like a deep ache or sharp tug during movement.
• Baker’s cyst
  • This fluid-filled sac develops in the back of the knee and can cause tightness, swelling or discomfort when it gets large. Walking may become difficult when the cyst puts pressure on surrounding tissues.
• Arthritis
  • Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the knee joint. While arthritis often causes front or side knee pain, it can also radiate to the back, especially when stiffness or joint degeneration is present.
• Meniscus tear
  • A torn meniscus (the cartilage that cushions your knee joint) can cause pain, catching, or locking — including in the back of the knee — especially during walking or twisting movements.
• Ligament injury
  • An injury to one of the knee’s stabilizing ligaments, such as the ACL, can result in back-of-knee pain and a sense of instability while walking.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • This serious condition involves a blood clot in the leg, often presenting as swelling, warmth, and pain behind the knee or calf. If you suspect DVT, seek immediate medical attention.

When should you see a health care provider?

Don’t ignore back-of-knee pain that is:

• Getting worse over time
• Accompanied by swelling, warmth, or redness
• Preventing you from bearing weight
• Associated with fever, chills, or recent trauma

These symptoms may indicate a more serious issue requiring professional evaluation.

How can “pain behind knee when walking” be treated?

Treatment depends on the cause, but these approaches are often recommended:

• Rest and ice
  • Taking a break from activity and using ice packs can help reduce inflammation and manage discomfort.
• Medication
  • Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen may help reduce pain and swelling. In some cases, your provider may recommend corticosteroid injections.
• Bracing or orthotics
  • Supportive braces or custom orthotics can improve joint alignment and reduce strain while walking.
• Surgery
  • In cases of meniscus tears, ligament injuries, or large Baker’s cysts, surgical treatment may be necessary.
• Physical therapy
  • Physical therapy is one of the most effective noninvasive ways to treat pain behind the knee and restore functional movement.

Why Choose Physical Therapy For Knee Pain Relief

A licensed physical therapist can evaluate your symptoms, identify the root cause, and design a personalized plan to help reduce your pain and improve how you move.

Physical therapy for behind-the-knee pain may include:

• Therapeutic exercises
  • Targeted stretches and strength-building routines help stabilize the knee joint, improve flexibility, and restore your normal walking gait.
• Manual therapy
  • Hands-on treatments like joint mobilization and soft tissue manipulation can help loosen tight muscles, improve range of motion, and relieve pain.
• Ultrasound therapy
  • Therapeutic ultrasound uses sound waves to promote healing, boost circulation, and ease inflammation deep within the joint tissues.
• Electrical stimulation
  • TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) may be used to block pain signals and provide relief during your recovery process.

Regain Your Stride With Help From Lattimore Physical Therapy

Pain behind your knee shouldn’t stop you from doing what you love. At Lattimore Physical Therapy, our experienced team can assess your knee pain and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury, arthritis, or muscle strain, we’ll guide you through a recovery plan designed to get you back on your feet — pain-free.

Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward lasting relief.