Pain on outside of left knee

[woody501964]

I have a continued intermittant pain on the outside of my left knee, the pain feels like it's over the tibia bone.
I've had x -rays which show no problems, I've had sports massage which has helped but the pain still returns, I do alot of stretching exercises and have discovered if i stretch my quads out this pain can appear but when i stretch my hamstrings (by supporting my foot on a small box and leaning forward to stretch the hamstrings) the pain disapears almost straight away.

I do alot of walking especially hills and if this pains hits while i am out a hamstring stretch can sort it out but does anyone know what is causing this and how i can stop it for good - please help.

[Heidi]

Hi
So if stretching the hamstrings helps then it is either a problem with a hamstring tendon on the outside of the knee, or a muscle imbalance problem where tight hamstrings are a contributor to the problem.
I would work on increasing the flexibility of the hamstrings on a more long-term basis, with a combination of very regular stretching and sports massage.
If this has no benefit in 3-4 weeks then I would advise you to visit a professional to make sure that it is not something more severe.

[mark315]

I have this pain also on the outside of the left knee and a little bit into my thigh .I think its because my football team do alot of road running up hills that just seem to get bigger and bigger during pre-season are there any supports and things I can buy as I know it helps my football and I don't want to have to miss this part

[Heidi]

Hi
Is it possible that it is IT band syndrome? Read some more here: http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/knee/irunnersknee.html
If it is this then an IT strap can be helpful. You can find these here: http://www.return2fitness.co.uk/Supports_And_Braces/Knee_Supports/itcompband
They help compress the band to take the strain off it and also increase blood flow to aid healing.