Many truckers have already experienced pain or discomfort behind the knee. Although there are different causes, they generally happen due to a great effort or overload on the muscle, it can also be caused by being in the same position for many hours, such as driving a truck. It is very important that the truck drivers have a medical evaluation to obtain a diagnosis and to know what the most appropriate treatment will be for their case.

The most frequent causes are:

1- Osteoarthrosis – It’s a condition that occurs when the cartilage that works as a shock absorber for the ends of the bones wears out. Something that can occur in different parts of the body, but when it occurs in the knee, the back of that area is greatly affected.
It’s related to: Previous injuries, overweight, advanced age, stress that occurs repeatedly on the joint in the area.

2- Bursitis or Tendinitis - Bursitis occurs when the synovial sac of a joint becomes inflamed, and tendinitis occurs when the tendons become inflamed.
It’s related to: An overexertion such as intense physical exercises or driving for many hours can favor the development of these conditions.

3- Varicose veins – It happens when the veins dilate due to a retention of blood caused by the lack of capacity of the valves to carry out the venous return to the heart. It most commonly occurs in the legs and when located in the popliteal area it can cause pain in the back of the knee.

4- Injury of the cruciate and lateral ligaments – Two of the ligaments that are part of the 4 ligaments that work joining the femur with the tibia.
It’s related to: a blow to the knee, excessively extending the joint or an abrupt change of direction running or turning.

5- Injury to the menisci: It occurs when these cartilages, responsible for cushioning the space between the patella, tibia and femur, suffer some type of tear or breakage.
It’s related to: Sudden movements, mainly rotating or lateral.

6- Baker`s cyst – It happens when the cyst, which contains synovial fluid, increases in volume because it is full of fluid.
It is related to: arthritis, knee pathologies, cartilage wear or meniscal injury.

Most of the causes of these pains in the posterior area of the knee, through which many tendons, muscles, the popliteal artery and the popliteal vein pass, are related to the musculoskeletal system.

So, truckers, if you feel this type of pain and suspect any of these causes, the most appropriate thing to do would be to seek the evaluation of a specialist in orthopedics and trauma. And in the case of varicose veins, you should see a cardiovascular doctor. The treatment will be directly related to the cause of the pain. It’s advisable that truckers visit their doctors every 6 months for complete check-ups.