Why does my knee hurt so much?

Why does my knee hurt when I go down stairs?

• General/causes: So I have been having problems with my knee, it's been going on/off with this problem. Usually the problem arises again after someone jumps on my back or I twist my leg slightly on accident. Original symptoms It started about two months ago after I hopped off of something small (had been hopping off of a few things that day, and forced to give some piggy back rides too) When my knee would bother me, I would have to go down one stair at a time so my knee wouldn't bend, but going up stairs was no problem at all. If I tried to walk down the stairs normally my would have a severe pain in my knee, felt more like below my knee (not behind). Also, when this would happen the inside lower section of my knee cap would be extremely sensitive to any pressure. Current symptom Now my knee has been giving me problems for over a week, after my brother jumped on my back for a 15 second piggy back ride, though it has not been as severe as before. I can walk up and down stairs with only a slight pain. but at the same time moving something as simple as my blanket at night with my leg will hurt some. Extra info and extra question I'm a 20 year old, 110-120 pound male. I decided to look up a little about the knee and I'm wondering if I could have torn part of my ACL. And I will be seeing a doctor at the end of October and will ask for his opinion too.

• Answer:

  That sounds like the tendon for your kneecap has recoiled after some of that horse play. to get it to release back to it's normal length do this: Sit on a chair with your leg extended out in front of you almost all the way. Take your hands and wrap them around your leg for more leverage for this part. Place both thumbs in the top middle and about 2 inches behind the knee. Press down on the top of your leg hard and hold. Relax now, take a deep breath and exhale and don't tense up any part of your body. After 30 seconds, slowly slide that foot backwards until it is completely under the chair as far as it will go. Then remove the pressure but hold your leg there for one minute longer.