knee pain

[Liz__0__0]

  I have posted previously with regard to a prior back problem with radicular leg pain.  I have recently noticed some difficulty with my knees.  When I sit with my legs drawn up or when I crouch down, I have great difficulty straightening the knees joints back out.  This happens after only a minute or two, but it feels as if I have had my knees bent for hours!!  After walking for a few minutes, the stiffness, discomfort etc. seems to dissipate and feel normal again. However, I cannot walk normally for a few minutes.  Although I have never heard of a relationship between the nerve pain and the knees, could it be possible that my knee pain is related to S1 nerve root compression or inflammation.  I also experience leg pain, particularly below the knee,some tingling in the left side of the leg from the quadricep muscle on down to the heel, and some buttock pain and numbness at times.  I have an appt. with my neurosurgeon, but thought it was worth asking here as well.  Thank you for your time and effort.
Dear Liz,
The stiffness that you describe could be from increased tone or spasctiticy.  The symptoms could be explained by an increased compression of the cord or some underlying lesion.  A good physical exam can help differentiate between spascticity and stiffness that has no pathological significance.  The other symptoms that you describe are most likely related to the S1 radiculopathy. If your symptoms have been increasing in intensity or are progressive, I would  recommend that you get an evaluation by your neurologist. Good Luck.