Could pinched nerves cause knee problems or swelling in the knees?

Pain, not swelling: A pinched nerve can (and often does) cause pain, along with tingling and numbness. However, pinched nerves should not cause swelling. (there may be swelling in the area of the pinched nerve, but it would not be visible. The knee would not swell from a pinched nerve alone.).

Knee: Pinched nerves may indirectly create muscle imbalance around the knee, that may cause some swelling there.