8. Lack of Strength
Just as with flexibility, you need to make sure your knees are strong enough to support you and prevent injury.
Lack of strength in the knees can lead to dislocations, torn ligaments and cartilage, and degeneration over time (12).
To strengthen your knee, you’ll want to focus on exercises that build leg muscles and focus on stability.
9. Baker Cyst
Also known as a popliteal cyst, a Baker cyst is caused by fluid in the knee joint protruding into the back of the knee. Baker cysts are actually very common and may be caused by any kind of inflammation in the knee, including arthritis (13).
These cysts do not always cause pain: one of the most common complaints with a Baker cyst is general tightness when straightening the leg and knee swelling.
Monitor a Baker cyst closely, as they can rupture. When this happens, the fluid from the cyst can travel into the lower muscles of the leg, causing bigger problems.
Treatment options for Baker cysts range from ice and anti-inflammatories to cortisone injections, cyst aspiration, or arthroscopic surgery.