Knee Burning Sensation: Causes

What causes knee burning sensation?

A knee burning sensation can develop because of burns or injuries to the skin as well as to processes that lead to inflammation in the knee joint. The pain of intermittent claudication, which occurs when there is insufficient blood supply to the legs in peripheral artery disease, may be perceived as a burning sensation.

Superficial causes of knee burning sensation

A knee burning sensation may be caused by burns to the skin surface including:

• Chemical burns
• Electrical burns
• Thermal burns including sunburn

Inflammatory causes of knee burning sensation

Diseases such as the different forms of arthritis that cause inflammation within or around the knee joint can cause pain that may be perceived as burning in some cases. Examples include:

• Ankylosing spondylitis (inflammation of joints between the vertebrae of the spine)
• Bursitis (inflammation of the protective fluid-filled sacs around the joint)
• Chondromalacia (problem with the structure of the cartilage of the kneecap)
• Gout (type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joints) and pseudogout
• Infectious arthritis (infection of the joint space)
• Osteoarthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis (arthritis associated with psoriasis of the skin)
• Rheumatoid arthritis (chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation)
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (disorder in which the body attacks its own healthy cells and tissues)

Neurologic causes of knee burning sensation

Damage to the nerves of the legs (peripheral neuropathy) causes a burning or tingling sensation medically known as paresthesia. Diabetes and alcohol abuse are two common causes of peripheral neuropathy. Neurologic causes of knee burning sensation include:

• Alcohol abuse
• Diabetes mellitus
• Nerve entrapment or compression
• Peripheral neuropathy due to all causes

Vascular causes of knee burning sensation

A knee burning sensation may be related to the pain of intermittent claudication, which occurs when there is insufficient blood supply to the legs in peripheral artery disease. In this case the pain may be felt anywhere in the lower extremities.

Serious or life-threatening causes of knee burning sensation

In some cases, knee burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:

• Bone tumors
• Osteomyelitis (infection of bone)
• Stroke

Questions for diagnosing the cause of knee burning sensation

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your knee burning sensation including:

• How long have you felt a knee burning sensation?
• Is the burning sensation present on only one knee or both knees?
• Do you have any other symptoms?
• Have you injured your knee?
• Does anything relieve or worsen the sensation?

What are the potential complications of knee burning sensation?

Complications of untreated knee symptoms can be serious. Because knee burning sensation can be due to serious disease, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:

• Absenteeism from work or school
• Decreased athletic performance
• Disability
• Joint deformity and destruction
• Nerve problems that cause pain, numbness or tingling
• Permanent loss of sensation
• Permanent or chronic pain

References:

Knee problems. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Knee_Problems/default.asp. Accessed May 11, 2011.

NINDS paresthesia information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/paresthesia/paresthesia.htm. Accessed May 11, 2011.