What Causes Knee Pain In An Elderly Person?

Posted on Sat, 5 Aug 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 5 Aug 2017 Answered on

Mon, 28 Aug 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a 67 yo woman who has had pain in the back of her knee for about 3 months. I can hardly straighten it.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Could be popliteal cyst , Osteoarthritis knee or slipped disc.

Detailed Answer:
Hi I am Dr Gopal Goel Orthopedic Surgeon.
Pain in the back of knee with difficulty in straightening it could commonly be caused by
1. swelling in the posterior part of knee joint - called popliteal cyst , in this you will feel a swelling posterioly at knee joint. Diagnosis is by Ultrasound or MRI and treatment is surgery.
2. Osteoarthritis of the knee joint causing fixed flexion deformity - you need to get an x ray to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment will depend on X ray findings.
3. Could be due to muscle spasm arising from back like sciatica. Diagnosis is by MRI Lower back .
I recommend pain killers , muscle relaxants and physiotherapy for the time being. If there is no relief then go for above steps.
Thanx for the question. Please feel free to ask any other question,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng