Definition
Pain in the calf can often be attributed to complaints in the hollow of the knee and in the entire area of the knee joint. The knee joint is a complex composition of a hinge joint and injury-prone joint cartilage and ligaments that give the joint stability. Sports such as skiing in particular place an enormous strain on the menisci, collateral and cruciate ligaments.
Causes
The causes of pain in the calf and the hollow of the knee can be varied. In addition to muscles, bones, joints, cartilage and ligament structures, vessels and nerves in the area of the hollow of the knee can also be affected. However, orthopedic problems are most frequently found in the knee.
Particularly common is stabbing pain when walking in the hollow of the knee, which can be traced back to the calf. It is not uncommon for individual muscles to be overexerted. In the course of time, the muscle can be irritated by an incorrect movement or a strong new type of strain.
Such complaints can occur quickly during initial jogging after long abstinence from sport. An injury to the knee joint may also be present. This often affects the menisci, the two cruciate ligaments or the inner and outer ligaments.
After excessive rotational movements in the knee, the cruciate ligaments can tear, which can lead to instability and considerable pain in the hollow of the knee. Many people have a so-called “Baker cyst” in the knee. This is a bulging of the joint capsule, which manifests itself as a palpable fluid-filled bladder in the hollow of the knee.
During movement and pressure it can cause pain in the hollow of the knee, especially if it is inflamed or even torn. In advanced age, arthrosis, i.e. wear and tear of the knee joint, must also be considered. This can also be accompanied by a Baker cyst and contribute to the pain.
More rarely, pain in the calf and the hollow of the knee can be attributed to thrombosis of the leg veins. Blood clotting is more common in old age, in cases of long periods of physical inactivity, clotting tendencies and many other conditions. They can block the vein in the leg and lead to a painful inflammation.
This is an acute, sometimes dangerous disease. Many people have a so-called “Baker cyst” in the knee. This is a bulging of the joint capsule, which manifests itself as a palpable fluid-filled bladder in the hollow of the knee.
During movement and pressure it can cause pain in the hollow of the knee, especially if it is inflamed or even torn. In advanced age, arthrosis, i.e. wear and tear of the knee joint, must also be considered. This can also be accompanied by a Baker cyst and contribute to the pain.
More rarely, pain in the calf and the hollow of the knee can be attributed to thrombosis of the leg veins. Blood clotting is more common in old age, in cases of long periods of physical inactivity, clotting tendencies and many other conditions. They can block the vein in the leg and lead to a painful inflammation.
This is an acute, sometimes dangerous disease. Thrombosis is an acute coagulation of blood in a blood vessel, resulting in a so-called “thrombus” that can block the vessel. In most cases, the thrombosis develops in the leg due to several unfavorable factors.
The formation of thrombosis is influenced by a low blood flow rate, as well as additional clotting tendencies and previous damage to the blood vessel. Low blood flow occurs in the lower leg region more often due to gravity, after sitting and standing for long periods of time or when lying in bed. In addition, blood clotting is strongly promoted by old age, the contraceptive pill, smoking, obesity, cancer and pregnancy.
In severe cases, a blood clot in the leg can come loose and be washed via the heart into the lungs, where it can cause a pulmonary embolism. In severe cases of thrombosis this is a dangerous complication. A Baker’s cyst is a bulging of the joint capsule, which can occur as a result of increased pressure in the joint or due to inflammation and wear and tear.
The cyst is therefore also filled with synovial fluid and is often palpable in the hollow of the knee. The cyst can go unnoticed or be painfully noticeable. Even in a healthy state, pain can occur when bending and stretching the knee due to the supposedly bulging foreign body.
Especially in case of an inflammation, strong pain in the hollow of the knee may occur. A tear of the cyst is also possible.The cyst can then be removed surgically. Inflammation of the tendon in the knee usually develops mechanically.
Due to certain movement sequences, the tendon rubs against anatomical structures and is thus irritated. Gradually, the tendon swells up, becomes increasingly painful and is overheated. This is known as an inflammation.
This can occur after many years of training in endurance sports or due to incorrect and excessive strain in new sports activities. It is particularly important to spare the affected muscle for a certain period of time. Even after the pain has subsided, the tendon still needs time to heal completely.
Falls can cause injuries to the legs and knees. Although the tendons and ligaments of the knee are robust and stable, the heavy weight load can cause tears and injuries even with slight jerking. Sports involving rapid acceleration, jumps or heavy pressure and pulling loads on the lower leg pose the greatest risk of knee injuries.
In addition to common sports such as soccer and basketball, the knee is also seriously affected by tennis and skiing. In an existing Baker’s cyst, even a trivial fall can cause pain or cause the cyst to tear. Often this cyst has to be removed surgically.
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