Knee pain, but not the kneecap. It's the other side.

Last few days/week I've noticed it's been really sore on the backside of the knees. At first I thought I crawled around the driveway too much but after a day or two it hasn't gone away.

I feels nothing doing normal stuff, walking, standing, driving. But when I stand up or sit down in a chair, ouch. Going down steps is fun too. Everything I've read talks about injuries and kneecap stuff. This is all on the backside of the knee area.

Any ideas? Ibuprofen? Coworker suggested new kicks (my New Balance's are about 2 years old)

I would certainly replace your shoes and see if that helps. I get knee issues (front side) and plantar fasciaitis pain when I wear out a pair of shoes. It's a cheap thing to try.

I've always heard pain at the back of the knee was caused by having your bike seat too high while pedaling. But if you're not a cyclist that may not be helpful. OTOH, it means that repetitive motion over extensions could be contributing, so it's something to think about.

I've had this type of pain for years. Changing shoes helps a little occasionally.

What have medical professionals said? Arthritis.

Grtechguy wrote: Arthritis.

Yay.

If you're on your feet all day, shoes burn out in 3-6 months. I go through a pair of asics about 3 times a year. A lot of the pain in my case comes from a combination of impact on my heels and stretching of my calves from lifting and throwing heavy objects all day. Stretching after helps me if I'm doing a lot of work. Ibuprofen and a banana to help your body recover is good too.

I still get that back of knee pain occasionally and associate it most w/ tight hamstrings and calves. If I let it go too long the front of knees will ache too, recently brought on by what I believe was change to cooler weather and less activity.

Learned after knee 'scope surgery in PT the exercises to reduce knee pain. Half a dozen exercises tailored to your condition oughta help, Google that. Hamstring and calf stretches usually work for me. YMMV.

What others have said about good shoes, insoles too. After 55, my arches were in a bad way. Learned the hard way if feet ain't happy the ankles, knees and hips ain't happy, back too. Dr. Scholl Orthotic arch supports (Wal-Mart machine) worked for me and are in all my work boots now. YMMV.

49 and not getting younger, think it's new shoe time. See what happens from there.

Tried ice?

Find the knee stabilization or exercises online. Do them.

^this^

Stronger muscles stabilize joints. You also probably lack flexibility, almost certainly have tight calves. You gastrocnemius crosses your knee, hence will impact that area. Ice is almost invariably a good idea for joint pain.

You don't look fat from where I am sitting, but maybe you could lose a few pounds, that will help too

What are you doing crawling around the driveway?

Shoes and stretches/exercises. Calf stretches are the most relieving for me.

Keep hydrated too

Hey this is what I do for a living. Kinda hard to tell from what you just told me but it sounds like you strained your hamstring. Hamstrings are a pain and take forever to heal. Once you feel better I would start on working on stretching and strengthen them. I wouldnt say arthritis because that is more medial pain or joint capsule in most cases.

Thanks for the advice from all, starting with new Sketchers today. Pretty damn comfy I have to say, hoping for the best.

In Florida you can get 30 days of Physical Therapy covered by insurance without a referral-you can go straight to PT without a family doc sending you there. If your state has similar rules it might be worth going in for an eval to see if there is anything they can do to help.