Can Sciatica be the Reason Behind Knee Pain?

• admin
• April 20, 2020
• knee pain, sciatica

Knee pain is often caused by lower back pain, especially when not from an injury. The nerves that start in the lower back control muscles around your knees. Thus, the reason back problems can be the reason behind knee pain.

Sciatica is compression or irritation to these nerves. This irritation starts at the origin of the nerve. Pain then travels down the nerve. As a result, you may experience knee pain.

Knee pain is a common symptom of sciatica. Symptoms are felt in the front, back, or side of the knee. For instance, you may experience the following 5 symptoms:

1. A dull ache around the knee
2. Buckling of the knee
3. A warm sensation around the knee
4. Sharp pain around the knee
5. Weakness when extending the knee

In addition to knee pain, you can also feel it in the thigh, calf, buttocks, or foot. However, it will likely occur mostly in one leg at a time. Both knees will not be affected at once.

Sciatica develops as a result of a medical condition. Specifically, a condition that affects your lower back, such as a herniated disc. Then the condition irritates one of the following parts of your lower back:

• Discs
• Nerves
• Joints
• Tissues
• Muscles

Common Conditions That Cause Sciatica

Conditions that are known to cause sciatica include:

L4 radiculopathy: 

The compression of the L4 spinal nerve root causes sciatica. A herniated disc or spinal stenosis contributes to this. You may also get pain in your thigh and calf.

Tight hamstring:

These are the muscles at the back of the thigh. When muscles are tight, back stability is reduced. Therefore, the curvature is altered. This increases back stress and causes sciatica. Pain can then radiate to the knee.

L3 radiculopathy: 

A herniated lumbar disc causes L3 nerve compression. This part of the spine is in the lower back. This can cause pain in the knee as well as weakness. Pain can also be felt in the groin, hip, and thigh.

Patellofemoral stress syndrome: 

This is a condition where the kneecap rubs the thigh bone. This is also known as runner’s knee. You will feel a burning sensation at the edge of the kneecap. The pain will not be felt elsewhere in the leg. But, it is often mistaken for sciatica pain.

Treatment of Knee Pain Caused By Sciatica

If knee pain is caused by sciatica, treatment is required. This is accomplished by focusing on the underlying cause. And symptoms can be treated with self-care or medications. You can also relieve pain through physical therapy and exercise. In some cases, epidural steroids are injected.

In most cases, knee pain should subside with self-care. You can also try medical management and altering activities. However, if it continues or worsens, you need to see your doctor. Additionally, you want to cease activities that cause your pain level to increase.

Back problems commonly cause sciatica. And, sciatica is a common reason behind knee pain. Make sure you mention all symptoms to your doctor. So, he/she will be able to effectively diagnose. Furthermore, with regular exercise, you can prevent back injury and sciatica.

If you continue to experiencing knee pain or sciatica, call us at 888-409-8006. Our joint specialists can help. Offices are located throughout South Florida!