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Spinal Stenosis & Knee Pain

According to the USC Center for Spinal Surgery, spinal stenosis is a major cause of pain and discomfort in our society. It primarily affects the elderly, and can cause pain in the legs while standing or walking. Patients may first present themselves with knee pain, which can lead to a misdiagnosis; spinal stenosis is a back problem. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about this condition.

  1. What Is Spinal Stenosis?

    • According to The Mayo Clinic, spinal stenosis is the narrowing of an area of your spine. This narrowing usually occurs in the upper or lower back, and can put pressure on your spinal cord or the nerves that emanate from the spine.

    Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

    • The Mayo Clinic states that this condition can cause leg cramps or numbness, loss of sensation in your limbs, bladder and bowel function problems, and pain in your back, neck, arms and shoulders.

    Spinal Stenosis and Knee Pain

    • Spinal stenosis can cause a condition called psuedoclaudication, advises the Mayo Clinic. This condition causes pain and cramping in your legs when you walk or stand for a long period of time. The pain is caused by nerves, which are compressed in the lumbar area of the spine. This pain can occur anywhere in the leg, including the knee.

    Diagnosis of Spinal Stenosis

    • According to University of Southern California's Center for Spinal Surgery, many patients receive a diagnosis of spinal stenosis after visiting the doctor with a complaint of knee pain. The knee pain that occurs due to the disorder can cause misdirection in treatment due to a misdiagnosis. The doctor might think that it is a problem with the knee joint itself, rather than a back problem.

    Discuss with a Medical Professional

    • If you have knee pain of any sort, or want to know how spinal stenosis can cause pain throughout the leg, be sure to ask questions on your next visit to the doctor. The doctor can offer tips or prescribe medication that is meant to help alleviate this pain. If you have chronic knee pain, ask your doctor to consider spinal stenosis so he doesn't overlook it as a possible cause.

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