So why does the back of my knee hurt so much?

[PeachesMcLean]

Another knee question. Sorry. I've tried kneeguru.co.uk but not getting anywhere, so it's back to trusty MN.

It's at the back of my knee, in the soft bit, and it hurts when I've had my leg bent for more than a minute or so. So I can't sit on the sofa with my legs tucked up, cos it starts to hurt and then when I get up, I can't straighten it and have to hobble round for ages till the pain goes. The other leg's fine.

Mostly I'm just curious as to what on earth I've done to it. But will stretching it help or make it worse? (not making much difference so far...)

Am I just getting old?

Hi there - it sounds like you might have a Baker's cyst (politeal bursitis). (you can google that one without ending up in a huge panic!). If so, stretching your hamstrings (back of thighs) and calf muscles will help to take the pressure of the bursa and help it 'de-inflame'.... Also ice pack the area for 10 mins at a time but allow it to warm up fully inbetween (approx. 10 mins again).

Well thank you! OMG I've got something with a name! and yes, I have just googled it - I don't think I've got arthritis, that's next week's hypochondria now

Am stretching my leg as we speak. Will probably go away again in due course, I'm sure.

How exciting!!