I have a strange cold or numb feeling on the top of my right shin, running from below the knee to about halfway down the shin, along with intermittent knee pain. the leg is not cold to the touch, but it does feel odd. what could this be?

Your symptom suggests a neuropathic origin or a nerve being pinched most likely at the knee level where there is likely inflammation or swelling. While arthritis is the most common reason seen in practice for such symptoms, other causes or mechanical damage, cartilage or ligaments, for example cannot be ruled out. Your doc remains your best resource in case your symptoms persist or worsen.