Swollen hollow of the knee after jogging | Swollen hollow of the knee

Swollen hollow of the knee after jogging

If the swelling in the hollow of the knee occurs after exercise, e.g. jogging, it is often caused by overstraining or incorrect loading. The muscles that run in the hollow of the knee – clinically known as the ischiocrural muscles – can become irritated or even inflamed after excessive strain. The inflammatory process is then accompanied by swelling and pain.

An incorrect load on cartilage and ligaments, or damage to them, can also be a reason. In any case, the training should be reduced, initially even paused completely. Cooling and elevating the leg and taking anti-inflammatory drugs can help.

Swollen hollow of the knee through veins

Various diseases of the veins can cause a swollen hollow of the knee. Acute need for action here is thrombosis of the deep leg veins. Chronic processes include inflammation (phlebitis) or weakening or bulging (varicose veins, varicosis) of the veins. If this causes blood to back up – often in older people or by standing for long periods – or if an inflammatory reaction takes place, local water retention can occur. These so-called oedemas lead to swelling and require clarification.

Swollen lymph nodes in the hollow of the knee

There are normally about six lymph nodes in the hollow of the knee. Like the rest of the lymphatic system, they mainly perform defense tasks and help the body to recognize and fight germs and pathogens. Swollen lymph nodes can have a variety of causes, ranging from harmless local infections to malignant cancers (which are much rarer, however).

Swollen lymph nodes in the hollow of the knee are rather rare; in most cases, the lymph nodes of the neck or groin tend to swell up during infections. In the popliteal fossa, they are therefore more likely to indicate a local infection, e.g. after an injury. They should be clarified further, as therapy may be necessary, e.g. with antibiotics in worse cases.

They are often accompanied by other signs of inflammation such as pain, overheating, redness or fever and can be easily displaced in the tissue. In the case of cancer, enlarged lymph nodes tend not to hurt, but cannot be displaced in the tissue.