What causes a cold sensation or feeling of cold air around the knees?
Sep 12, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
Feeling cold air around the knees may be related to factors such as changes in ambient temperature, prolonged sitting without movement, osteoporosis, synovitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Appropriate knee stretching and bending exercises, such as seated knee extensions or supine knee flexions, can be performed. However, movements should be slow and moderate to avoid excessive strain or injury.
Under normal circumstances, a sensation of coldness or draft in the knees may be related to environmental temperature changes, prolonged sitting without movement, osteoporosis, synovitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Environmental temperature changes
When the body is exposed to cold environments, it automatically constricts peripheral blood vessels to reduce heat loss, decreasing blood flow to the limbs. This can cause a cold sensation in the knee area. Wearing warm clothing, especially thermal pants and long socks, helps maintain warmth around the knees.
2. Prolonged sitting without movement
Maintaining the same posture for extended periods may slow down lower limb blood circulation. Poor circulation reduces blood supply to the knee area, leading to a feeling of coldness. It is advisable to stand up and move regularly, performing simple lower-limb exercises such as toe raises and ankle rotations to promote blood flow in the legs.
3. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is usually caused by malnutrition, certain medications, aging, and other factors. It leads to reduced bone density and weakened bone strength, which may result in the aforementioned symptoms. It may be accompanied by back pain, fractures, and other symptoms. Treatment may include calcium acetate capsules, calcium carbonate D3 tablets, calcium lactate tablets, and other medications under a doctor's guidance.
4. Synovitis
Synovitis is typically caused by bacterial or tuberculous infection. Inflammation in the knee joint may lead to swelling and tissue overgrowth, compressing surrounding blood vessels and causing a cold sensation in the knee. It is commonly accompanied by knee pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Patients may take medications such as celecoxib capsules, synovitis granules, or etoricoxib tablets as directed by a physician.
5. Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is usually triggered by infection with group A streptococcus bacteria. When the knee joint is affected, it may become red and swollen, compressing nearby blood vessels and resulting in a cold feeling in the knee. Symptoms may include migratory pain affecting multiple joints throughout the body and fever. Treatment may involve medications such as compound cyclophosphamide tablets, azathioprine tablets, or methotrexate tablets under medical supervision.
Gentle stretching and bending exercises for the knees, such as seated knee extensions or supine knee flexions, can be performed appropriately. However, movements should be slow and moderate to avoid excessive strain or injury.
