Our knees are vital, weight-bearing joints that work hard every day. Keeping them healthy is crucial. Since they’re always in use, it’s no surprise they often ache. Sciatica might be to blame if you’re experiencing persistent knee pain without any clear injury. This condition can greatly affect your daily life, so you should get it checked out promptly.

At WellMed, we can help you evaluate whether sciatica is causing your knee pain and what you can do about it. By identifying the source of your pain, we can determine the best strategies to manage it and improve your daily life. Understanding the causes of your knee pain can bring relief, as it empowers you with the knowledge to take control of your health. Continue reading to learn more about what causes this type of discomfort and how to spot it.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is irritated, injured, or compressed. The sciatic nerve is the largest in the body. It runs down the lower back to both sides of the back of the thigh. When injured or irritated, you can feel sciatica nerve pain shooting all the way down to your feet. Sciatica commonly presents when pressure from a bulging or herniated disk in the spine presses on the nerve. However, there are other reasons the sciatic nerve may become irritated, including:¹

• Poor posture
• Tumor
• Obesity
• Extended time sitting in one position
• Blood clot
• Arthritis

These factors can contribute to the development of sciatica by directly compressing the nerve or creating conditions that exacerbate nerve irritation. Identify the underlying cause early on to treat sciatica effectively. Taking proactive steps to address these triggers empowers you to take control of your own health. Preventing chronic pain is crucial, especially as you age, so that you can maintain your physical strength and mobility, which ultimately helps prevent the need for assistive devices like canes and walkers.

How does sciatica lead to knee pain?

Sciatica can lead to knee pain due to the path of the sciatic nerve. This nerve extends from the pelvis, runs behind the thigh, and reaches the back of the knee. If the sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed, it can affect the peroneal nerve, which influences sensation in the knee. This may result in symptoms such as:²

• Constant dull ache
• Occasional sharp pain
• Difficulty straightening the knee
• Weakness in the knee
• Sudden buckling of the knee
• Numbness

While you might feel pain in your knee, the real problem starts in your lower back. That’s why treatments focus on the spine, not just the knee pain.

How is sciatica diagnosed?

Diagnosing sciatica typically involves a combination of physical examinations and a medical history review. Your doctor will usually start by asking about your symptoms and the nature of the pain you’re experiencing. They’ll want to know about its intensity, what triggers it, and if any positions or activities make it better or worse.

During the physical exam, your doctor might test your reflexes, muscle strength, and other nerve functions to assess whether the sciatic nerve is involved. This could include simple activities like walking on your toes or heels, squatting, or lifting your legs one at a time while lying on your back.

If your symptoms and exam suggest sciatica, your doctor may recommend imaging tests such as an MRI, CT scan or X-rays. These tests help visualize the structure of your spine and can pinpoint abnormalities that may be pressing on the sciatic nerve, such as a herniated disk or arthritis.³

If the diagnosis is still unclear, or your pain persists despite treatment, your doctor might suggest a nerve conduction study. This test measures the speed of conduction of electrical impulses through your nerves and can help identify nerve damage or pinching.

Treatment options for sciatica

Managing sciatica pain at home can help you feel better and move more easily. Here are some simple steps you can follow:⁴

• Apply heat or ice: Put ice packs on the area where you feel pain to help reduce swelling and numb the pain. Do this for the first 48-72 hours after the pain starts. After that, switch to heat packs to help relax your muscles and increase blood flow.
• Stay active: Lying down for too long can worsen the pain. Try to walk around a little or do some easy stretches. This keeps your back muscles flexible and can help with the pain.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with pain and swelling. Make sure to talk to your doctor about which pain relievers would be the best choice for you, and take them as directed to avoid causing any damage to other organs.

If home treatments for sciatica aren’t enough, a doctor may suggest several other options to help manage your symptoms more effectively. Here are some possibilities:

• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting your spine and to improve your posture. These exercises can help relieve sciatic nerve pressure.
• Prescription medications: Depending on the severity of your pain, the doctor might prescribe stronger painkillers, muscle relaxants to ease muscle spasms, or anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling.
• Epidural steroid injections: For severe sciatica, a corticosteroid injection into the area around the spinal nerve can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. The relief can last from a week to a year.
• Manual therapy: Techniques such as chiropractic adjustments or osteopathic manipulation can help align your spine and potentially relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.
• Acupuncture: Some people find relief through acupuncture, where thin needles are inserted into specific points on the body to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Surgery: If a herniated disc or arthritis severely compressing the nerve is the cause of sciatica, and symptoms do not improve with other treatments, surgery might be an option. Surgical procedures like microdiscectomy or lumbar laminectomy can remove the portion of the disc or bone pressing on the sciatic nerve.

Each option has benefits and risks. The best choice depends on the individual’s specific condition and overall health. Your doctor will help you understand which treatment might be most effective.

Get help for your knee pain

At WellMed, we’re here to help you determine whether sciatica is causing your knee pain and explore the best ways to address it.

Don’t let sciatica control your life. See your doctor and take the first step towards reclaiming your health and well-being. Let us help you live pain-free and return to the activities you love.