Tendon snapping past head of fibula on outside of left knee when squatting or sitting

[skibuddy]

Hi,

This is my first post so go easy

For the last 9 months the large tendon that connects my hamstring to the top of the fibula on the outside of my left knee has been snapping past the head of the fibula when I bend my knee 90 degrees under load. It doesn't hurt but is uncomfortable. Either sitting, squatting (keeping knees over feet) or lunging exhibits the problem.

In the last 3 months I've noticed this become more severe, however I have been incorporating more leg strengthening exercises into my gym routine in the belief my glutes needed to be strengthened. I'm now not sure whether this has caused more tightness and made the condition worse.

Running is OK but usually at 5km I start to feel a little stiffening on the outside of the left knee and also at the rear of the knee on the inside. If I run further I have sometimes experienced acute pain/soreness to the point I have to stop and almost limp a little.

I've looked on the internet and ITB is often mentioned but I'm not sure this accounts for the snapping tendon. Additonally I also get a mild clicking (more felt than heard) from the inside rear of the left knee when I straighten the knee from a standing flexed position. Not sure if this is related but wanted to list all the symptoms.

My right knee has no problems and it's noticeable that the left knee has a more pronounced bony head to the fibula than the right. I'm not sure if this is the cause (unless it's grown in the last 9 months ) but seems to perhaps contribute.

Any help advice appreciated, especially if someone can name the condition (and the actual tendon that's at fault) and provide insight to treatment. I'm intending to visit my GP for a referral (private healthcare through work) but wanted to get an idea of what I'm dealing with first based on others experience.

TIA

Andy

[Heidi]

It may be IT band syndrome (clicking can occur) or it may be a problem with the Biceps Femoris tendon - the outer one of the 3 tendons.
Increasing leg exercises may have contributed, especially if not also increasing flexibility work.
Try lots and lots of stretching and some deep tissue massage if you can.

[skibuddy]

Thanks for the advice. I'll give it a go to see if I can get some improvement