Diagnosis |
REFERRED KNEE PAIN
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| Definition |
Pain felt in the knee NOT caused by
a problem in the knee. |
Details |
Sometimes, pain that is perceived to be
around the knee may be caused by something other than a problem in
the knee. This is known as referred pain. |
| Causes |
Referred knee pain may be the result of a
herniated disc in the back, arthritis in the hip or even clots in
the leg. It is important to distinguish pain that arises from knee
pathology from other potential causes. Referred pain may also
coexist with a problem in the knee. A pinched nerve for example may
result in pain behind the knee and a torn piece of cartilage inside
the may cause pain in the front of the knee. These two problems
together can lead to pain that is felt all over the knee.
Model
of Lumbar (low back) Disc Herniation
Pinched
Nerve in Back (Lumbar Radiculopathy) Outline |
| Diagnosis |
Referred knee pain must be a diagnosis of
exclusion meaning that other causes of pain must be ruled out first.
So, initially your doctor may carefully evaluate you for problems
associated with your knee. A detailed history asking about back, hip
or leg pain will also be done looking for other causes. If a
specific anatomic area (such as the back) needs further evaluation,
x-rays or perhaps MRI scanning may be done.
X-ray
of Hip Arthritis
MRI
of Lumbar Spine |
| Treatment |
Treatment of referred pain is based on
the problem that is causing the pain. A clot in the leg causing pain
in the back of the knee requires immediate intervention, possibly in
the form of blood thinning medication. Pain in the front of the knee
from hip arthritis may lead to surgery if needed. A low back strain
or a disc herniation that causes knee pain may require physical
therapy and antiinflammatory medication initially. |
| Prevention |
Prevention of referred pain again is based on the specific
problem. For example, hamstring stretching may ease or prevent some
cases of acute low back strains.
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