A burning sensation at the back of the knee can be an uncomfortable sensation. This discomfort often feels like heat, stinging, or deep aching, ranging from mild irritation to severe pain. While many instances of burning knee pain are benign and resolve with simple care, some underlying causes can be more serious, making it important to understand their potential origins and find appropriate relief.
Common Musculoskeletal and Nerve Causes
Burning pain behind the knee frequently stems from issues within the musculoskeletal system or nerve pathways. Overexertion or injury to the hamstring muscles, calf muscles, or the popliteal tendon can lead to muscle strain or tendonitis, causing localized burning pain. These tissues can become inflamed from repetitive activities or sudden stress.
A Baker’s cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, is another common cause of burning behind the knee. This fluid-filled sac forms from excess joint fluid, often associated with conditions like arthritis or meniscus tears. The cyst can create pressure and a burning sensation, particularly when bending or straightening the knee.
Nerve compression can also contribute to this pain. Nerves like the tibial or common peroneal nerve, near the knee, can become irritated or entrapped. This irritation might result from direct pressure, injury, or swelling, leading to burning pain, tingling, or numbness that can radiate from the lower back or within the knee. A ligament sprain, especially involving the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), can cause inflammation and pain that may be perceived as a burning sensation.
Vascular and Inflammatory Conditions
Beyond musculoskeletal injuries, certain vascular and inflammatory conditions can cause burning pain behind the knee. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition: a blood clot in a deep vein. Symptoms include throbbing pain, often in the calf or thigh, swelling, warmth, and redness or darkened skin around the affected area, with a burning sensation sometimes present. A DVT requires immediate medical attention due to the risk of the clot traveling to the lungs.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) can also cause a burning feeling in the calves and behind the knees. This condition arises when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, leading to symptoms like pain, numbness, or burning, especially during physical activity like walking. This discomfort, known as claudication, typically subsides with rest as the muscles’ demand for blood decreases.
Various forms of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout, can cause inflammation in the knee joint, leading to pain, swelling, and a burning sensation. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, involves the wearing away of cartilage, resulting in bone-on-bone contact and burning pain. Bacterial skin infections like cellulitis can also cause warmth, redness, swelling, and a burning sensation in the affected area.
When Medical Attention is Needed
While some instances of burning knee pain can be managed with self-care, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation. Seek immediate medical attention for sudden severe pain, significant swelling, or noticeable redness and warmth around the knee. Inability to bear weight on the affected leg, a visible deformity of the knee joint, or a “popping” sound at the time of injury also indicate a need for urgent care.
Medical consultation is advisable if the burning pain is accompanied by fever or other signs of systemic illness, suggesting an underlying infection. Symptoms that align with deep vein thrombosis, such as persistent leg pain, swelling, warmth, and skin discoloration, require immediate medical assessment. Any burning pain that persists despite rest and self-care, or worsens over time, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, especially if it interferes with daily activities or sleep.
Managing and Preventing Discomfort
For burning knee pain not stemming from serious underlying conditions, several self-care and preventive measures can help. The RICE method—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation—is recommended for acute injuries and inflammation. Resting the knee helps prevent further injury, while applying ice for 15-20 minutes at a time can reduce swelling and pain. Compression with a bandage can help limit swelling, and elevating the leg above heart level promotes fluid drainage.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. These medications can provide short-term relief, but should be used as directed. Incorporating gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for the muscles surrounding the knee can improve flexibility and provide better support to the joint. This targeted movement can help stabilize the knee and reduce strain.
Choosing proper footwear is another preventive step; supportive shoes with good arch support and cushioning can maintain body alignment and reduce stress on the knees. Avoiding worn-out shoes or those lacking adequate support helps minimize uneven pressure and joint strain. Maintaining a healthy weight also significantly reduces the load on the knee joints, reducing stress on cartilage and inflammation. Even a modest weight loss can substantially reduce pressure on the knees, improving comfort and overall joint health.