Question:
Intense pain in the popliteal area when applying backward pressure on the tibia
Dear Sir/Madam,
I experience intense pain in the popliteal area when applying backward pressure on the tibia, when the knee is more or less relaxed and flexed 90 degrees. This happens while sitting on my knees but also in contact situations while playing rugby.
The pain diminishes after a few minutes , and I am able to walk again. Soreness lasts 2 days.
I have no problem fully flexing, extending or rotating my knee. Pressure pain (palpation) in the popliteal area.
What structures could be responsible.
Kind regards
Gijs
Asked by gijsb - 1 answer - 2 years 27 weeks ago
Hi Gijs,
This sounds like a Posterior Cruciate Ligament injury....if you have no restriction on movement and no signs of instability (IE leg giving way, louds clunks) it is not likely to be complete rupture. However, if you want to play contact sport you should get it checked out, as there is a potential for more disabling injury if your joint is not protected.
The pain you get for a few days after stressing it is an inflammatory response to stretching a damaged tissue, just like if you stretched a twisted ankle.
Best wishes,
Submitted 2 years 26 weeks ago by fitphysio