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Patient Questions  /  Pain behind the knee

Knee

Why Does the Back of My Knee Hurt?

Common causes include a Baker's cyst (a fluid pocket behind the knee, often linked to arthritis or a meniscus tear), an irritated hamstring or calf tendon, a tear in the back part of the meniscus, or arthritis. Rarely, pain behind the knee is a blood clot. Calf swelling, warmth or redness needs urgent care.

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Common causes

  • Baker's cyst. Extra fluid from an irritated knee collects in a pocket at the back. It can feel tight or full, especially when you bend or straighten the knee fully.
  • Hamstring or calf tendon irritation, often after running, hills, sprinting or a jump in activity.
  • A meniscus tear. The meniscus is a cushion inside the knee. Tears near the back can hurt with deep squatting or twisting, sometimes with catching.
  • Knee arthritis, which can cause stiffness and ache at the back of the knee.

What usually helps

  • Calm the knee. A Baker's cyst often settles when the problem inside the knee is treated.
  • Avoid deep squats and kneeling for a while if they bring on the pain.
  • Keep the knee moving with gentle bending and straightening.
  • Strengthen the thigh, hamstring and calf muscles gradually.
  • Return to running or sport step by step.

When to see a doctor

Get medical care promptly if you have:

  • Calf pain, swelling, warmth or redness, especially after surgery, a long trip or time in bed: get urgent care to rule out a blood clot
  • Sudden swelling or bruising down the calf, which can be a burst cyst but needs a clot ruled out
  • A knee that locks, gets stuck or won't straighten
  • Pain after a pop or twist, or you can't put weight on the leg
  • A hot, red, swollen knee, or knee pain with fever

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A physical therapist can check your knee to find where the pain behind it is coming from, then set up an exercise plan to reduce irritation, improve motion and build strength so you can get back to walking, stairs and sport.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Read our full guide: Torn meniscus →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026