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What Causes Sudden Numbness In The Knees?
About 4 weeks ago, my knee suddenly gave way. Since then, my Dr. Is advising PT for a possible pinched nerve. The therapy is not helping and I have a burning pain at the bottom of my kneecap and down the inside of the leg. It is helped by rest, but, when I resume moderate activity, becomes severe again. Also have a numbing felling in back of knee. X-RAYS showed no damage to knee
posted on
Thu, 16 Nov 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 3 Jul 2018
Answered on
Sat, 7 Jul 2018
Last reviewed on
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
The numbness and the burning sensation you are describing might be caused by a pinched nerve (in your case very likely is the L4 nerve) in the lower back or in the way of the nerve to the foot. This is the reason the doctor has recommended PT.
Sometimes it takes time for the PT to work and sometimes if you do not see improvement you will need to talk with your PT so he readjusts the exercises. If still your PT is not able to help you will need to talk with your doctor.
There are some tablets for neurological pain (gabapentine or carbamazepine) but this should be prescribed by your doctor if he thinks they are needed and safe in your case.
Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Kind regards,
Antoneta Zotaj, MD
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
The numbness and the burning sensation you are describing might be caused by a pinched nerve (in your case very likely is the L4 nerve) in the lower back or in the way of the nerve to the foot. This is the reason the doctor has recommended PT.
Sometimes it takes time for the PT to work and sometimes if you do not see improvement you will need to talk with your PT so he readjusts the exercises. If still your PT is not able to help you will need to talk with your doctor.
There are some tablets for neurological pain (gabapentine or carbamazepine) but this should be prescribed by your doctor if he thinks they are needed and safe in your case.
Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Kind regards,
Antoneta Zotaj, MD
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