Numbness in the knee

Numbness in the knee can be caused by different reasons and can have different characteristics. It is often associated with a disruption of normal nerve function or blood supply to the area.

Causes of the numbness in the knee

Here are some of the possible causes of numbness in the knee:

1. Nerve compression: Compressionof the nerves running through the knee can cause numbness. This can be caused, for example, by a dislocated or depressed nerve, a herniated disc or other mechanical factors.
2. Nerve damage: Injury or damage to nerves in the knee area, such as the nerves innervating the femoral nerve, can cause numbness.
3. Vascular problems: Blood supply problems, such as thrombosis or vascular disease, can cause numbness and tingling in the knee.
4. Osteochondrosis or herniated disc: Spinal problems such as osteochondrosis or a herniated disc in the lumbar spine can cause compression or irritation of nerves, which can lead to numbness in the knee.
5. Tibial nerve syndrome (sciatic nerve syndrome): This syndrome, associated with compression of the sciatic nerve, can cause numbness and pain spreading down the leg, including the knee area.
6. Osteoarthritis or other knee conditions: Joint diseases of the knee, such as osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis, can cause numbness, especially if they are accompanied by inflammation and swelling.
7. Diabetic neuropathy: People with diabetes may experience neurological symptoms, including numbness in the legs and knee, due to nerve damage.
8. Poor circulation from a sedentary lifestyle: Prolonged sitting or lack of circulation in the legs can cause numbness and tingling in the knee.
9. Psychosomatic factors: Stress and anxiety can cause physical symptoms, including numbness, without an organic cause.

Symptoms

Below are some possible symptoms that may accompany numbness in the knee:

1. Numbness and tingling: These are the main symptoms and sensations you feel in the knee area.
2. Pain: There may be pain, which can be sharp, dull, aching, or burning. The pain may occur together with numbness or separately.
3. Weakness: You may feel weakness in your leg associated with numbness. This may make it difficult to move or maintain normal strength in the leg.
4. Deterioration of sensitivity: In addition to numbness, you may notice a decrease in sensitivity in the knee area, which means you feel less touch, pressure, or temperature changes.
5. Muscle cramps or contractions: There may be non-spontaneous muscle cramps or contractions in the knee area.
6. Decreased coordination of movement: Due to numbness and weakness, decreased coordination of movement and inability to perform some leg movements may occur.
7. Additional symptoms: Depending on the cause of the numbness, there may also be other symptoms such as lower back pain (for spinal problems), redness or swelling (for inflammation), restlessness or anxiety (for psychosomatic factors), and others.

It is important to remember that numbness in the knee can be the result of a variety of medical conditions, including neurological problems, injuries, inflammation, or even stress factors.

Diagnostics of the numbness in the knee

Numbness in the knee area can be caused by a variety of reasons, and a medical examination is necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Here are some of the possible causes of knee numbness and what tests may be required for diagnosis:

1. Neurological causes:

   • Nerve compression: For example, compression of the sciatic nerve can cause numbness in the knee. Electromyography (EMG) and neuroimaging may be required for diagnosis.
   • Spinal cord lesions: Lesions or injuries to the spinal cord can cause numbness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) can be used to visualize the spinal cord.

2. Orthopedic causes:

   • Osteoarthritis of the knee: An X-ray or MRI of the knee may be needed to diagnose osteoarthritis.
   • Soft tissue injuries or trauma: Contusions, sprains, strained ligaments and tendons can cause numbness. X-rays, MRI or ultrasound may be required.

3. Vascular causes:

   • Vascular insufficiency: Circulatory problems can cause numbness. Angiography may be used to assess the condition of the blood vessels.

4. Rheumatologic causes:

   • Rheumatoid arthritis: Laboratory tests and an examination by a rheumatologist may be required to diagnose this rheumatic disease.

5. Other reasons:

   • Diabetes mellitus: Diabetes mellitus can cause numbness due to neuropathy. Blood tests may be required for diagnosis.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis of numbness in the knee involves identifying the various causes that may be causing the condition. The doctor will examine the patient, take a history (gathering medical and life history), perform a physical examination, and possibly additional laboratory and instrumental tests to determine the underlying cause of the numbness. Below are some of the possible causes and differential diagnosis methods:

1. Neurological causes:

   • Nerve compression: Excluding nerve compression in the lumbar region or femoral nerve may require an MRI or CT scan of the spine.
   • Intercostal neuralgia: The diagnosis of intercostal neuralgia is made on the basis of clinical symptoms and exclusion of other possible causes.

2. Medical Conditions:

   • Diabetes: Performing blood tests for glucose levels and glycosylated hemoglobin can help diagnose diabetic neuropathy.
   • Vascular problems: Avascular ultrasound (Doppler) or angiography may be needed to evaluate the condition of the blood vessels.

3. Osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis:

   • X-rays or MRI of the knee: These studies can help determine the condition of the joints and identify signs of osteoarthritis or inflammation.

4. Injuries:

   • X-rays or CT scans: Studies may be used to detect injury to the bones of the knee or joints.

5. Psychosomatic factors:

   • Consultation with a psychotherapist or psychiatrist: To evaluate psychosomatic causes of numbness and stress if such factors are suspected.

6. Inflammatory processes:

   • Blood tests: To assess the level of inflammation and other indicators such as C-reactive protein and COE.

7. Vascular problems:

   • Vascular ultrasound (Doppler): May be performed to assess blood flow and detect vascular problems.

Differential diagnosis requires careful analysis of symptoms and appropriate tests to identify the cause of numbness in the knee. The doctor will decide which tests are necessary depending on the clinical picture and suspected risk factors.

Treatment of the numbness in the knee

Numbness in the knee can be caused by a variety of reasons, and treatment depends on the underlying disease or condition that is causing the symptom. Before beginning treatment, it is important to see a doctor to diagnose and determine the exact cause of the numbness. Here are some of the possible causes and treatments:

1. Nerve compression: If the numbness is due to nerve compression in the knee area (such as when the sciatic nerve or medial patellar nerve is compressed), treatment may include physical therapy, muscle stretching, medications to reduce inflammation and pain.
2. Osteoarthritis of the knee: If numbness is caused by osteoarthritis of the knee, treatment may include non-medication methods such as physical therapy, muscle strengthening exercises, wearing special braces, and the use of anti-inflammatory medications and hyaluronate injections.
3. Trauma or injury: If the numbness is due to an injury or trauma to the knee, treatment may include rehabilitation, physical therapy, wearing a bandage or support, and taking analgesics to relieve pain and inflammation.
4. Neuropathy: Neuropathy (nerve damage) can also cause numbness. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the neuropathy and may include drug therapy to manage symptoms and correct the underlying disease.
5. Other Causes: Numbness in the knee can also be caused by other causes such as vascular disorders, infections, tumors, and other conditions. Treatment will depend on the specific cause.