Published on: 4/28/2025
Numbness in one knee may occur when a nerve is injured or compressed. This can happen from trauma, surgery, or conditions that compress on nerves that surround the knee area.
Numbness around the knee can happen when nerves in that area do not work well. One reason might be an injury to the peroneal nerve, which runs near the knee and can be hurt by a blow or pressure. After knee surgery, sometimes the small nerves under the skin can be affected, leading to numbness. In some cases, a Baker’s cyst—a fluid-filled swelling behind the knee—may press on the posterior tibial nerve and cause numb feelings. Nerve injury or compression can also occur in chronic conditions like knee osteoarthritis, where the damage over time may affect how the nerves send signals. It is important to know that numbness is a type of symptom that might need further check-up if it continues or worsens. Even though these explanations show some common causes, each case is different. This information is meant for educational use only and is not a substitute for a professional medical evaluation.
(References)
Black R, Green C, Sochart D. Postoperative numbness of the knee following total knee arthroplasty. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2013 Nov;95(8):565-8. doi: 10.1308/rcsann.2013.95.8.565. PMID: 24165337; PMCID: PMC4311531.
Lee JH, Jun JB, Lee HS, Yun HR, Choi CH, Park SB, Hong EK, Yoo DH, Kim SY. Posterior tibial neuropathy by a Baker's cyst: case report. Korean J Intern Med. 2000 Jan;15(1):96-8. doi: 10.3904/kjim.2000.15.1.96. PMID: 10714101; PMCID: PMC4531743.
Blikman T, Rienstra W, van Raay JJAM, Dijkstra B, Bulstra SK, Stevens M, van den Akker-Scheek I. Neuropathic-like symptoms and the association with joint-specific function and quality of life in patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis. PLoS One. 2018 Jun 14;13(6):e0199165. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199165. PMID: 29902245; PMCID: PMC6002060
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