When your knee starts aching, your first thought might be an injury, arthritis, or maybe a muscle strain.
But what if the pain doesn’t seem to come from the joint itself? What if it feels deep, dull, or even shifts around?
How the Sciatic Nerve Affects the Joint
Irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve, the body’s largest nerve, is called sciatica. It branches from your lower back down to your feet. It travels through the buttocks, hamstrings, behind the patella, and down the calf. So, when something presses on that nerve—usually a herniated disc or spinal inflammation—it can cause symptoms anywhere along its path.
Can it affect the knee? Yes. Especially if the discomfort is felt behind the joint and is accompanied by other symptoms.
Not All Joint Pain Is Created Equal
Here’s the catch—sciatica rarely causes pain only in the joint. If the ache is isolated at the front of the kneecap or along the inner edge, chances are it’s not a nerve issue. But if you feel a deep ache behind it, especially when paired with…
- A dull ache in the glutes
- Stiffness or sharp pain in the lower back
- Tingling or numbness in the foot or leg
- A feeling of weakness when walking or standing
…then your joint may be innocent. In that case, the real issue lies in the lumbar spine, not the leg.
Why Treating the Source Is Key
One of the most common misunderstandings we see at Lindenwoods Chiropractic is when patients focus on the symptom rather than the source.
“If someone comes in saying ‘My knee hurts,’ but it’s actually from the lower back, treating the knee won’t fix a thing. It’s like trying to patch a leak by covering the floor—it misses the point,” says Dr. Pascal Breton.
Chiropractic care looks at the whole picture. We can identify whether the pain radiates from deeper structures by evaluating spinal alignment and nerve function. From there, personalized care plans may include adjustments, movement training, or posture support to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve and reduce irritation at its source.
When to Get It Checked
If your pain just won’t go away—or it’s paired with strange symptoms in your back or legs—it’s time to stop guessing. The sooner you identify where the problem is coming from, the easier it is to get lasting relief.