Pain in the hollow of the knee after sitting for a long time
If pain in the hollow of the knee occurs after sitting for a long time (e.g. in an airplane), this may be a first indication of leg vein thrombosis. The lower leg of the affected leg then often appears overheated and swollen (see above). The physician can then assess the risk of such a thrombosis by specifically asking about other triggering factors and, if necessary, initiate further diagnostic steps.
Cartilage damage below the kneecap can be another cause of popliteal pain after sitting with a bent knee. Typically, the knee feels stiff and painful at first when standing up, e.g. after long car journeys as a passenger in the back seat or after a visit to the cinema, but the knee “shrinks” after a few steps and the pain disappears. An orthopedic surgeon can confirm the suspicion by means of functional tests, and imaging measures such as an X-ray or MRI examination can be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Pain in the hollow of the knee after stretching
If pain occurs in the hollow of the knee after stretching, the reason may be overstrain or pulled muscle. The most probable cause is a pulled muscle in the gastrocnemic, soleus or plantar biceps. These three muscles form the calf and have their origin in the hollow of the knee. If a painful hyperextension or a pulled muscle occurs, pain in the hollow of the knee can occur under further strain (in this case after stretching and thus stretching the muscles).
Pain in the hollow of the knee after pregnancy
Besides smoking and taking the pill, pregnancy is also considered a risk factor for the development of leg vein thrombosis. If pain in the hollow of the knee occurs after a pregnancy, this possibility should at least be kept in mind. If the pain is accompanied by overheating and swelling of the lower leg of the affected leg, leg vein thrombosis becomes increasingly probable and should be clarified by a doctor immediately. On the other hand, however, it should also be mentioned that the expectant mother gains an average of about 10 kilograms in weight during pregnancy, which is an unusually high burden on the knee joints. Therefore, during pregnancy the knees are more frequently overstrained, which can cause pain very similar to that of a leg vein thrombosis.
All articles in this series:
- Pain in the hollow of the knee
- Associated symptoms of pain in the hollow of the knee
- Diagnosis of pain in the hollow of the knee
- Pain in the hollow of the knee when jogging
- Pain in the hollow of the knee after sitting for a long time
- Pain in the hollow of the knee in children
- Pain in the hollow of the knee and thigh
- Pain in the calf
- Which doctor treats pain in the hollow of the knee?