If you’re struggling with leg weakness, shooting pain, or numbness around your knees, you may be suffering from conditions like peroneal nerve compression, sciatica, or femoral neuropathy. Dr. Ketan Sharma offers expert diagnosis and advanced care to help restore comfort, strength, and mobility in your lower limbs.
What are nerve-related conditions
that can affect the legs & knees?
The legs and knees are served by major nerves such as the femoral, sciatic, peroneal, and tibial nerves—all of which branch from the lower spine and travel down the thigh, knee, and into the lower leg and foot. These nerves control essential functions like sensation, muscle strength, and reflexes. When any of these nerves become compressed, injured, or otherwise impaired, it can lead to debilitating symptoms that affect your ability to walk, stand, or even rest comfortably.
Nerve-related conditions that may affect the legs include:
- Sciatic nerve compression or irritation (sciatica)
- Femoral nerve entrapment or injury
- Peroneal nerve injury near the fibular neck
- Tibial nerve dysfunction affecting the calf and foot
- Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment (meralgia paresthetica)
- Diabetic neuropathy causing nerve deterioration
- Nerve trauma following fractures, surgeries, or dislocations
- Lumbosacral plexopathy impacting multiple leg nerves
What are the signs & symptoms of leg & knee nerve dysfunction?
Nerve dysfunction in the legs and knees can lead to symptoms affecting mobility, balance, and overall quality of life. Recognizing the signs early can help ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment. Common signs and symptoms of leg & knee nerve dysfunction include:
- Persistent or shooting pain down the leg or around the knee
- Numbness or tingling in the thigh, knee, calf, or foot
- Muscle weakness when climbing stairs or standing from a seated position
- A feeling of heaviness or instability in the leg
- Hypersensitivity or burning sensations along the nerve path
- Foot drop or difficulty lifting the front part of the foot
- Pain that worsens with walking or prolonged sitting
- Noticeable muscle wasting or twitching in the affected area
Nerve-related conditions that may affect the knees include:
- Peroneal nerve entrapment near the fibular head
- Femoral nerve injury causing anterior knee weakness
- Saphenous nerve entrapment or irritation
- Sciatic nerve dysfunction radiating pain to the knee
- Nerve damage following knee replacement or arthroscopic surgery
- Nerve compression from cysts or swelling near the joint
- Post-traumatic neuroma formation near the knee
What are the signs & symptoms of leg & knee nerve dysfunction?
When treating leg and knee nerve dysfunction, Dr. Sharma begins with a comprehensive evaluation, including a detailed physical exam and a review of your medical history, to identify the specific nerve involved. Imaging or diagnostic studies may be used as needed, but Dr. Sharma emphasizes hands-on diagnosis to pinpoint the exact source. Once diagnosed, he curates a personalized treatment plan that targets the root cause of your symptoms. Treatment options for leg & knee nerve dysfunction may include:
- Nerve decompression surgery to relieve pressure on the affected nerve
- Nerve repair or reconstruction for traumatic injuries
- Joint denervation to reduce chronic knee pain
- Targeted physical therapy to improve strength and nerve mobility
- Nerve blocks or injections to relieve inflammation and pain
- Neurolysis to free the nerve from scar tissue or adhesions
- Surgical removal of cysts or masses compressing nearby nerves
- Custom bracing or assistive devices to improve function during recovery
Why choose Dr. Sharma for leg & knee conditions?
Dr. Ketan Sharma is a board-certified hand and nerve surgeon with advanced expertise in diagnosing and treating complex nerve conditions affecting the legs and knees. With a background in plastic and reconstructive surgery and a specialized fellowship in hand and microvascular orthopaedics, he brings a rare level of precision to nerve care. Dr. Sharma is known for prioritizing the physical exam—an often-overlooked skill—and for delivering results that restore comfort, mobility, and quality of life.
Patients choose Dr. Sharma for his:
- Specialized training in peripheral nerve surgery from top institutions
- Precise, hands-on diagnosis using advanced physical examination techniques
- Emphasis on restoring mobility, strength, and overall quality of life
- Proven success treating patients with chronic pain and prior surgical failures
- Compassionate approach and clear communication throughout care
Schedule a consultation today to explore advanced treatments for leg and knee nerve conditions with Dr. Sharma in Boise, Idaho.
