

You should also avoid wearing too-tight compression stockings, or those that give your feet the pins-and-needles feeling. Avoid wearing tight clothing, like tights, certain pants, and leggings.Instead, keep your feet flat on the floor, or elevate them on a chair or bench. Avoid crossing your legs for long periods of time.To prevent knee numbness and related symptoms: A surgeon can remove damaged disk material or a portion of bone that’s pressing on the nerves. If knee numbness is the result of an injury or compression on the spinal nerves due to a herniated disk, a doctor may recommend surgery. These medications include gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica).ĭoctors may also prescribe corticosteroids or antidepressants, which can help reduce nerve pain in those with fibromyalgia. In addition to home care measures, a doctor may prescribe certain medications, depending on your medical condition.įor example, a doctor may prescribe medications to improve nerve transmission in people with fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathy. Resting the affected knee, especially if it’s visibly swollen.Elevating the legs to promote blood flow back toward the heart and reduce swelling.Icing the knee with a cloth-covered ice pack for 10-minute intervals.Taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve).A doctor’s goal is to usually treat with conservative measures before recommending more invasive surgical approaches.įor example, some at-home tips to reduce knee numbness and inflammation can include: Treatments for knee numbness usually depend on the underlying cause. Research shows that most people who have surgery-related knee numbness experience it on the outer portion of the knee. A surgeon may accidentally injure the saphenous nerve located near the kneecap during surgery. Some patients who have had a total knee replacement may experience knee numbness. As the condition worsens, some people find their legs feel weaker. Narrow spinal canals, a spinal disc that’s out of place, or arthritis where the spinal bones can start to rub together are all common causes of radiculitis.īecause the nerves that leave the spine can run down the leg, it’s possible inflammation in the back can lead to tingling and numbness in the knee as well. Radiculitis is inflammation of one or more of the nerves that exit the spinal column. Some people with fibromyalgia have tender points, which are areas of the body that may feel painful, numb, or reactive to touch.

It doesn’t damage the joints like arthritis does, but it can cause similar symptoms that include muscle pain and numbness. Fibromyalgiaįibromyalgia is a condition that causes muscle pain and fatigue for unknown reasons.


In some people, these symptoms extend to the knees. They include tingling, numbness, weakness, and pain. While there are different types, peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves of the feet and legs.ĭiabetic neuropathy symptoms usually start in the feet. Having diabetes can lead to nerve damage that doctors call diabetic neuropathy. In addition to pain, a person can experience numbness and tingling. Some people with arthritis experience altered sensory perception. It especially affects the knee joints because they’re subject to a lot of wear and tear from daily activities and exercise. ArthritisĪrthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and swelling in the joints. InjuriesĪcute injuries to the kneecap, leg, and behind the knee can all cause knee numbness.įor example, an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury can cause swelling and inflammation that leads to knee numbness.Ī 2013 study found that people who accidentally burn the back or front of their knee applying heating pads or hot water bottles can also experience knee numbness. Even crossing your legs for too long can cause knee numbness. Compression in stirrups, such as for a pelvic exam or surgery, can press on nerves. If the clothing is too tight and cuts off a person’s circulation or presses on a cutaneous nerve, numbness can result.Ī person can also experience temporary knee numbness due to the position of their leg. This is true when a person wears tight clothing, knee braces, or compression hose that extend up the thigh. Sometimes, outside forces pressing on the leg and knee can lead to numbness. Damage and compression to these nerves can cause numbness. Many nerves are present in your body that are responsible for initiating movements and sensing touch, temperature, and more.
