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Last updated: October 8, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for Behind the Knee Pain

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Baker's Cyst: This is a fluid-filled swelling that causes a bulge and a feeling of tightness behind the knee. It is the most common cause of pain behind the knee and is often associated with knee arthritis or a knee injury.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Hamstring Strain: A common injury, especially in athletes, where the muscles at the back of the thigh are stretched or torn, leading to pain behind the knee.
  • Popliteus Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendon that connects the popliteus muscle to the bone, causing pain at the back of the knee.
  • Cystic Meniscal Tears: Tears in the cartilage of the knee joint can cause fluid-filled cysts to form, leading to pain behind the knee.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in the deep veins of the leg, which can be life-threatening if it breaks loose and travels to the lungs. It often presents with swelling, redness, and pain in the leg, including behind the knee.
  • Popliteal Artery Aneurysm: A bulge in the artery behind the knee, which can lead to clotting or rupture, causing severe pain and potentially life-threatening complications.
  • Osteosarcoma or Other Bone Tumors: Although rare, bone cancers can cause pain behind the knee and must be considered to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Ganglion Cyst: A lump under the skin that occurs when fluid leaks from a joint or tendon, sometimes found behind the knee.
  • Lipoma: A benign tumor made up of fat tissue, which can occur almost anywhere, including behind the knee, and may cause discomfort or pain if it presses on nearby structures.
  • Neurogenic Tumors: Tumors that arise from nerve tissue, such as neurofibromas or schwannomas, can cause pain behind the knee if they compress or infiltrate nearby nerves.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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