Published on: 4/28/2025
Numbness and tingling in the knee can be due to problems with the nerves, often related to conditions like osteoarthritis or issues with nerves such as the common peroneal nerve.
When you feel numbness and tingling in your knee, it might be because the nerves in that area are not working properly. One possibility is neuropathic pain, which means the nerves are sending unusual signals even without a strong injury. Studies have looked at how conditions like knee osteoarthritis can sometimes lead to nerve pain, causing sensations like tingling. In other cases, a specific nerve near the knee called the common peroneal nerve might be involved. This nerve runs close to the skin and can be compressed or irritated by injuries, pressure, or even changes in the knee structure. When this nerve is not working as it should, it can lead to tingling, numbness, or even weakness. It is helpful to understand that these symptoms may show up before any visible injury because nerve problems can be subtle. If someone experiences these sensations, it might be a sign to have a healthcare provider check the knee out. They can assess whether changes in the knee, nerve issues, or other causes are responsible and work with you to decide on the best way to manage the symptoms.
(References)
Fernandes GS, Valdes AM, Walsh DA, Zhang W, Doherty M. Neuropathic-like knee pain and associated risk factors: a cross-sectional study in a UK community sample. Arthritis Res Ther. 2018 Sep 27;20(1):215. doi: 10.1186/s13075-018-1717-6. PMID: 30261907; PMCID: PMC6161431.
Capodici A, Hagert E, Darrach H, Curtin C. An overview of common peroneal nerve dysfunction and systematic assessment of its relation to falls. Int Orthop. 2022 Dec;46(12):2757-2763. doi: 10.1007/s00264-022-05593-w. Epub 2022 Sep 28. PMID: 36169699; PMCID: PMC9674763.
Polat CS, Doğan A, Sezgin Özcan D, Köseoğlu BF, Koçer Akselim S. Is There a Possible Neuropathic Pain Component in Knee Osteoarthritis? Arch Rheumatol. 2017 Apr 24;32(4):333-338. doi: 10.5606/ArchRheumatol.2017.6006. PMID: 29901006; PMCID: PMC5868471.
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