Differential Diagnosis for Posterior Knee Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Baker's Cyst: A fluid-filled cyst that causes a bulge and a feeling of tightness behind the knee, often associated with knee arthritis or injury. This is the most common cause of posterior knee pain.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Hamstring Strain: A common injury that occurs when the hamstring muscles are stretched or torn, leading to pain and swelling in the posterior knee.
- Gastrocnemius Strain: A strain of the calf muscle can cause pain in the posterior knee, especially when the knee is flexed.
- Popliteus Tendinitis: Inflammation of the popliteus tendon, which connects the popliteus muscle to the lateral femur, can cause posterior knee pain.
- Cystic Meniscal Tears: Tears in the meniscus can cause fluid-filled cysts to form, leading to posterior knee pain.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in the deep veins of the leg can cause posterior knee pain, swelling, and warmth. This is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.
- Popliteal Artery Aneurysm: A bulge in the popliteal artery can cause posterior knee pain, swelling, and weakness in the leg.
- Tumor: A tumor in the posterior knee, such as a sarcoma, can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
Rare Diagnoses
- Popliteal Cystic Adventitial Disease: A rare condition where a cyst forms in the adventitia of the popliteal artery, causing posterior knee pain and claudication.
- Ganglion Cyst: A rare type of cyst that can form in the posterior knee, causing pain and limited mobility.
- Osteochondroma: A rare type of bone tumor that can cause posterior knee pain and limited mobility.