What Causes Two Sudden Episodes Of Sharp Pain In The Area Behind The Knee Leading To The Inability To Support Myself Or Walk?

Posted on Sun, 29 Apr 2018

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

Sun, 29 Apr 2018 Answered on

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : Thursday evening, after sitting and watching TV, I stood up and had a sudden pain in the area behind my knee or upper calf area. I stayed off of it most of Friday, icing and elevating. I have also tried heat. It doesn't seem as bad today, but it still persists. I am walking slowly and then all of a sudden a sharp pain hits and it almost takes my breath away. I don't have a pain otherwise. It is just a sudden pain than stops me instantly. I have not been doing anything different. We did fly last Saturday (2 1/2 hour flight).

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Considerations

Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.

Regarding your symptoms there are essentially two possibilities. It is possible that you strained one of your calf muscles which can cause occasional sharp pains or aches.

The other concern as you are aware would be that of a possible blood clot. I would say that if your symptoms persist beyond the next 24 to 48 hours I was suggest that you contact your primary care doctor to schedule a physical examination. If your doctor believes it is warranted he may send you for a lower extremity ultrasound which can rule out a possible blood clot.

thank you again for sending the question.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad