What Causes Sharp Pain In Left Leg Behind Knee?

Posted on Mon, 20 Apr 2015

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

Mon, 20 Apr 2015 Answered on

Thu, 7 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am experiencing a sharp pain at times in my left leg right behind my knee. There is no swelling or redness and it is not warm to the touch. I do not feel anything unusual behind the knee. This does not happen very frequently but catches me completely off guard when it does occur. Most of the time it happens when I am sitting and then stand up. When it occurs I cannot put weight on that leg. It lasts only a minute or so. I have found that if I sit back down and stomp the foot it basically goes away. There is no pain in the normal course of the day unless this should occur. I am very active, walk three miles 3 to 5 times a week. It has never occurred when I'm exercising. I do have arthritis but it affects my other knee and my fingers are actually aching while I am typing this. Also, I have noticed lately that my neck is a little stiff and sore, also on the left side. I am a female and 66 years old. Any help you could render would be appreciated. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It could be spreading of arthritis.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.

No swelling, warmness or redness excludes vascular cause of your symptoms.

It could be spreading of arthritis that affects other articulations, one possible cause of the pain.

Other causes of episodic pain behind the knee include posterior meniscus tear and knee sprain.

I suggest you to discuss with an Orthopedic surgeon about these possible causes of your pain and tests needed to achieve a correct diagnosis.

A helpful imaging tool to evaluate correctly knee problems is MRI.

Treatment depends upon diagnosis.

Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T