Knee Problems and Injuries

When To See a Doctor

You have answered Yes to:

Do you have numbness or tingling in your knee, lower leg, or foot?


See significance of numbness or tingling if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Red square with white cross logo

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have knee pain with numbness or tingling in your knee, lower leg, or foot?

Yes

Have you had knee pain with steady numbness or tingling for 1 hour or longer?

Yes

Do you have new numbness or tingling, and the skin below your knee is pale, white, blue, or cold?

Yes

Are you unable to move your knee normally (not because of pain or because a splint is in the way)?


Yellow telephone logo

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Is numbness or tingling getting worse?

Yes

Have you have steady numbness or tingling below your knee for 1 hour or longer, but you do not have other symptoms?


Green wait logo

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have you had numbness or tingling that comes and goes during the past 24 hours?


If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.



Author: Jan Nissl, RN, BSLast Updated: October 30, 2007
Medical Review: William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

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