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What would cause a painful spot on the outside lower area of the knee?

Posted by sassione13

I have an extremely tender spot on my leg just to the outside and below my knee. When I kneel on it, it feels like I'm kneeling on a rock against a nerve. There is a slight bump there and this weekend it would hurt if I just bumped the area against something.  Any ideas as to what might be causing this?

I'm not exactly sure when it started.  I remember feeling this a while ago but thought maybe I had knelt on a rock and bruised that spot.  However, now it is exquisitely tender if I kneel on it.  There is no heat or redness in the area and just a small bump was found when I did some palpation and comparison to the other knee area.

Answers (4)
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Hi Sassione13,

I believe I have several of exactly the same little spots in the skin below my knees. Your description suits mine too... Kneeling on them brings excruciating local pain, but it doesn't affect the joints or bones at all. Little dry lumps (6mm) are evident are in the skin, so I don't think it's Prepatellar Bursitis.  I wondered if they were some type of subsurface warts or maybe skin cancers, as there is nothing to squeeze. .I've never spoken to a doctor about them, but I'd really like to know what they are.

Hi Sassione13, I decided to search the web because I have exactly the same problem, and that's how I found your entry. You described it perfectly well. If I kneel or bump my knee in that spot, the pain is so sharp it makes the hairs in the back of my head stand, no kidding. When I stretch out my leg, two soft bumps appear, and I think they're getting bigger. I don't know how long it's been since you posted your comment and I'm wondering if you have any further info. I'll continue to look and see what comes up.  Good luck!

Hi Sassione13,

Your best bet would be to make an appointment with an orthopedic doctor. They are well-versed in this area and should be able to help you figure out what is going on.

 Take care,


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