Ouch My Knee Hurts!!! [Part 6] Posterior Knee Pain

Posterior knee pain is very common and can be very limiting to ones daily life. Posterior knee pain could mean many things but it is important to narrow down the most likely causes. One of the most common causes of posterior knee pain are the hamstrings. 

The hamstrings are one of the biggest and most important muscles in the legs. Due to its anatomical structure the hamstrings are somewhat vulnerable to injury. The hamstring is the main muscle responsible for bending the knee. The hamstrings come from the hip and attaches to the posterior knee, making the hamstring one of the longest muscles in the body. Not only are the hamstrings very long but they are also very thin. This structure makes the hamstrings vulnerable to injury in a way that we do not see in larger more bulky muscles.  A hamstring strain to this insertion of the hamstrings (Zone 1) could cause pretty significant posterior knee pain.

The posterior knee also contains the origin of the calf (Zone 4), the gastrocnemius.  The calf is the muscle that is used to push the foot down and is integral to jumping. The calf is a very powerful muscle that is strained less often at the origin.

The popliteus is a small muscle in the posterior knee (Zone 2) which helps to “unlock” the knee during walking and running activities. This muscle can become irritated and cause some pain with knee bending and straightening. 

All of these issues are soft tissue issues that will improve with therapy and rest. Ice is also very helpful in reducing pain and irritation in the short run.  Hamstring strains could be more problematic depending on the severity of the injury. See a physical therapist for more information about your knee pain.