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What Causes Nervous Knees?

Published in Nerve Irritation 4 mins read

"Nervous knees" often refers to the irritation of superficial sensory nerves located around the knee, leading to uncomfortable or unusual sensations. These sensations can range from tingling and numbness to a general feeling of unease or restlessness in the knee area.

Understanding Superficial Sensory Nerve Irritation

The human knee is not just about bones and cartilage; it's also richly supplied with various nerves, including superficial sensory nerves. These nerves run close to the surface of the skin on both the inside and outside of the knee. Their primary role is to transmit sensory information, such as touch, temperature, and pain, back to the brain. When these delicate nerves become irritated or compressed, they can send abnormal signals, resulting in what might be described as "nervous knees."

Key Causes of Nerve Irritation in the Knees

Several factors can lead to the irritation of these superficial sensory nerves. Understanding these causes is crucial for identifying potential triggers and seeking appropriate relief.

1. External Pressure and Compression

Direct pressure on the knee area is a common culprit for nerve irritation. This can come from various sources:

  • Prolonged kneeling or squatting: Sustained positions that put direct pressure on the front or sides of the knee can compress the nerves.
  • Tight clothing: Restrictive pants, leggings, or hosiery that are too tight around the knee can exert continuous pressure on the superficial nerves. This is especially true for garments with thick seams or elastic bands that dig into the skin.
  • Knee braces: While beneficial for support, ill-fitting or excessively tight knee braces can compress nerves. The straps or rigid components of a brace, if not properly adjusted, can become points of irritation.

2. Surgical Procedures and Incisions

Any prior surgery or incisions around the knee can potentially affect the superficial sensory nerves.

  • Nerve damage: During an incision, nerves may be inadvertently stretched, cut, or otherwise damaged.
  • Scar tissue: As the surgical site heals, scar tissue can form. This scar tissue can entrap or put pressure on the nerves, leading to ongoing irritation and discomfort long after the initial surgery. Common sensations include numbness, tingling, or even sharp pain around the scar.

3. Structural Alignment and Biomechanics

The natural alignment and movement patterns of the knee can also contribute to nerve irritation, especially in cases of structural variations:

  • Very loose knees: Conditions like being knock-kneed (genu valgum) or bow-legged (genu varum) can alter the natural tension and movement around the knee joint.
  • Nerve stretching: In individuals with significantly loose or misaligned knees, the superficial sensory nerves may be constantly stretched as the knee moves or bears weight. This repetitive stretching can irritate the nerves over time, leading to chronic "nervous knee" sensations.
Cause Type Specific Examples Mechanism of Nerve Irritation
External Pressure Tight clothing, ill-fitting braces Direct compression or sustained pressure on nerves
Mechanical Stress Prolonged kneeling, squatting Localized pressure that can pinch or irritate nerves
Surgical Factors Post-operative incisions, scar tissue Direct nerve damage during surgery or entrapment by scar tissue
Biomechanical Knock-kneed or bow-legged alignment Chronic stretching or altered tension on nerves due to joint position

Managing and Preventing Nerve Irritation

Addressing "nervous knees" often involves identifying and mitigating the underlying cause of nerve irritation.

  • Clothing and Braces: Opt for loose-fitting clothing around the knees. If using a knee brace, ensure it's properly fitted by a professional and avoid over-tightening.
  • Positional Changes: Avoid prolonged kneeling or squatting. If your job requires these positions, take frequent breaks and use knee pads for cushioning.
  • Post-Surgical Care: If sensations arise after surgery, discuss them with your surgeon. Physical therapy may help with scar tissue management and nerve gliding exercises.
  • Biomechanical Issues: For alignment problems like knock-knees or bow-legs, a healthcare professional can assess if physical therapy, orthotics, or other interventions might help improve knee mechanics and reduce nerve stretching.

By understanding that "nervous knees" typically stem from the irritation of superficial sensory nerves due to various pressures, surgical impacts, or structural alignments, individuals can better manage and prevent these uncomfortable sensations.