What could cause knee pain with numbness in the lower leg?

When nerves are irritated or compressed, they can send mixed signals that cause pain and numbness. One common condition is sciatica, where the sciatic nerve — running from the lower back down through the leg — can become pinched or inflamed. This can lead to pain that starts around the back and radiates towards the knee and lower leg along with tingling or numbness. Another possibility is an injury to the peroneal nerve, which wraps near the knee and controls feeling in part of the lower leg. This nerve may be compressed due to trauma near the knee or even from something like prolonged pressure from sitting or crossing the legs. Both conditions can result in discomfort around the knee area and changes in sensation in the leg. Treatments often start with rest, physical therapy, or medications to reduce inflammation and pain. If these symptoms continue, a doctor might suggest further testing to pinpoint the exact nerve causing the issue and recommend targeted therapies.