any ideas???

[zoe8401]

I am seeing my GP for pain in my right knee. I am overweight and have recently applied myself to a regime of gymwork and body combat classes. I dont recall injuring my knee but have developed pain in the back of my knee (the outer side) i struggle to kneel on it as it sends sharp pains through my knee and squatting/ getting in the bath causes pain too (like the front of my knee is going to split open) bizarrely gymwork and walking about are pain free. i also get sharp pain/ weakness when i stand after being sat for a while.....my GP suspects a Bakers cyst but so far all the information on the www says that they are normally visible. there is no swelling at the back of my knee at all!!!

[Heidi]

Hi
Yeah it doesn't sound like a bakers cyst! Swelling is an integral part of the problem.

I would suggest you have a look at this page:

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/knee/patellofemoral_pain_syndrome.php

Knee pain which comes on gradually and is not always in the same place is often term patellofemoral pain syndrome. This is typical in women especially and also people who are overweight and start to exercise.

It tends to be due to muscle imbalances, sometimes biomechanical problems like overpronation too. It can be sorted, usually with a combination of exercises to stretch any tight areas (often the other thigh and groin) and strengthen weak areas (inner thigh and outer hip/glutes) and correction of any biomechanical problems.

Hope this helps!