What Causes Pain in the Back of Your Knee?

Pain in the back of your knee typically stems from injury to muscles, tendons, or ligaments in the posterior knee region. Common causes include Baker's cysts (fluid-filled swellings behind the knee), hamstring strains, and injuries to muscles or tendons at the back of the knee. Arthritis, meniscus tears, and posterior cruciate ligament damage can also trigger pain behind the knee. Other possible causes include a blood clot in a deep leg vein, nerve compression, or an overuse injury from activities such as running or cycling. Seek urgent medical care for pain accompanied by new one-sided leg swelling, warmth or redness, or for chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, fainting, or a rapid heartbeat. The location and type of pain may offer clues, but sharp or dull pain alone cannot determine whether the cause is a recent injury or a long-term condition.