What does it mean when the knees feel cold to the touch?

Under normal circumstances, coldness in the knee upon touch may be caused by factors such as knee joint exposure to cold, lower limb vascular occlusion, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or lumbar spine disorders. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Knee Joint Exposure to Cold

When the ambient temperature is too low and adequate warmth is not maintained, the knee joint may become chilled. Patients may experience a sensation of coldness in the knee joint, often accompanied by pain and temporary limitation of joint movement. Applying warm compresses is recommended, which can rapidly alleviate clinical symptoms.

2. Lower Limb Vascular Occlusion

Following occlusion of lower limb blood vessels, circulation is impaired and arterial blood supply becomes inadequate, leading to insufficient energy delivery to tissues. This may result in persistently cool-feeling knees. It is generally advised to avoid excessive cooling of the lower limbs, maintain warmth, refrain from strenuous exercise, and perform appropriate massage or foot soaks to promote blood circulation and prevent worsening of vascular spasms that could exacerbate occlusion.

3. Rheumatoid Arthritis

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, blood flow in the knee area is often poor. Especially when exposed to cold or damp conditions, the knee joints may feel painful and cold. As directed by a physician, medications such as ibuprofen tablets or aspirin may be used to relieve discomfort. Maintaining warmth in daily life is also important.

4. Osteoarthritis

Elderly patients with osteoarthritis may also present with a sensation of coldness in the knee joint. This is often accompanied by joint pain and restricted movement, with severe cases potentially developing joint deformities. X-ray imaging may reveal narrowed joint spaces and bone spur formation. Symptoms can be alleviated through physical therapy, functional exercises, or surgical intervention.

5. Lumbar Spine Disorders

Conditions such as spinal stenosis or herniated discs that irritate nerves may cause patients to experience cold sensations in the knee joint. Patients are advised to take neurotrophic medications as prescribed—such as mecobalamin tablets or adenosylcobalamin tablets—and may benefit from physical therapy at a hospital. In some cases, surgical treatment may be required.

If patients experience persistent coldness, swelling, pain, or other discomfort in the knee, they should not ignore these symptoms. Early evaluation and treatment at a professional and reputable medical facility are strongly recommended.