Back Knee Pain Diagnosis Chart
The following is the chart that focuses on pain at the back of the knee.
A. Red:- (Pain Behind The Knee)
- Baker’s Cyst: A cyst is a collection of pus (infected skin cells and germs). Baker’s cyst occurs due to inflammation of the popliteal bursa and is the most common cause of pain, redness, and swelling behind the knee.
- Arthritis: Various types of arthritis can cause pain in the back of the knee. It occurs due to degeneration or wear and tear of the knee cartilage and bones. This condition causes severe pain and stiffness in the morning.
- ACL Tear: Anterior cruciate ligament is prone to injury and trauma due to sudden twisting or force through the knee.
- PCL Tear: Although less common than ACL injury, posterior cruciate ligament is also prone to injuries and can cause pain and swelling in the back of the knee.
B. Yellow:- (Posteromedial Knee Pain)
- Hamstring Tendinopathy: Semimembranosus or semitendinosus are the two hamstring muscles on the inner side of the knee. Inflammation or degeneration of these muscles causes severe pain in the posteromedial region of the knee joint.
C. Blue:- (Posterolateral Knee Pain)
- Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy: Tear in the biceps femoris is a common cause of pain in the posterolateral side of the knee. It is most common in runners and can cause inflammation and pain.
D. Purple:- (Lateral Pain Below The Knee)
- Lateral Head of Gastrocnemius Injury: Gastrocnemius is a superficial calf muscle prone to injuries and trauma. Tears of this muscle or associated ligaments and cartilages can cause pain and swelling in the lateral part of the posterior knee.
E. Pink:- (Medial Pain Below The Knee)
- Medial Head of Gastrocnemius Injury: Tears of this muscle usually occur during sports, such as basketball and soccer. It causes pain in the medial side of the posterior knee.
F. Green :- (Pain Below The Knee)
- Calf Tear: Tearing or overstretching of one of the calf muscles can cause pain, immediate swelling, and bruising below the knee.
- Calf Muscle Cramps: Cramping and sudden spasm of the calf muscles is very common among athletes. It often causes severe pain below the posterior knee; however, the pain usually subsides within a few minutes.
- Housemaids Knee: It is a term referred to localized swelling at the front of the knee. It occurs due to inflammation of the prepatellar bursa and commonly involves housemaids and other people who spend lots of time kneeling.
- DVT: Deep venous thrombosis happens secondary to a blood clot in one of the deep leg veins. DVT is a medical emergency that can cause intense pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the local area.