Why do I have a burning or shooting pain behind my knee?

Nerve pain versus knee pain

The sciatic nerve runs down the back of the thigh and divides just above the back of the knee. When a nerve root in the lower back is irritated, for example by a disc bulge, the pain can be felt along this path, behind the knee and into the calf or foot, often with tingling or numbness. It may be worse when sitting, bending or coughing, and the knee itself moves freely without swelling.

Pain from the knee joint is usually an ache, a pinch or a catch that changes with bending, squatting or walking, and often comes with swelling. Less common sources of burning pain include a Baker's cyst pressing on nearby nerves, a hamstring injury irritating the sciatic nerve, and nerve damage from diabetes.

Simple self-checks and care

• Notice whether you also have back or buttock pain, and whether sitting makes it worse
• Check the back of the knee for a lump and the calf for swelling
• Keep gently active, as walking often helps sciatica more than bed rest
• Avoid long periods sitting, and change position often
• Simple painkillers may help if they are safe for you

Red flags

• A swollen, warm, tender or discoloured calf: same-day emergency care
• Foot weakness, a dragging foot or worsening numbness
• Back pain with numbness around the groin or new bladder or bowel problems: emergency department immediately
• A cold, pale or painful foot, which can mean a circulation problem

Who to see in Doha

If the knee itself is swollen, catching or painful on movement, a knee assessment is the right place to start. Dr. Gelber examines the knee and checks the nerves and back so that a spine problem is not missed, and will refer you to the appropriate specialist if the source lies outside the knee. Imaging is chosen according to where the examination points.