Inner knee pain, or medial knee pain, is discomfort experienced on the side of the knee closest to the other leg. This common issue affects individuals of all ages. The knee joint is susceptible to various conditions and injuries that can cause pain in this area. Pain can range from mild aches to sharp, debilitating sensations, often impacting daily activities and mobility.
Common Causes of Inner Knee Pain
Inner knee pain can stem from several common conditions, often due to injury, overuse, or degenerative changes.
A medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain involves damage to the ligament on the inner side of the knee that helps stabilize the joint. This injury typically results from a direct blow to the outside of the knee or sudden twisting movements, common in sports. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, and sometimes instability.
A medial meniscus tear affects the C-shaped cartilage that cushions the knee joint. This tear can occur from sudden twisting or rotation of the knee, particularly in activities requiring quick changes in direction, or from gradual wear and tear. A torn meniscus can cause sharp pain, swelling, and a feeling of locking or instability.
Pes anserine bursitis is an inflammation of a fluid-filled sac, or bursa, located on the inner side of the knee, just below the joint line. This condition often results from overuse, tight hamstrings, or other knee problems, and is more common in athletes and middle-aged women. Symptoms include pain and tenderness that gradually worsen, especially with activities like climbing stairs or standing.
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a degenerative condition where the joint cartilage breaks down over time. This wear and tear can lead to bones rubbing together, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Inner knee pain due to OA typically worsens with activity and as the day progresses, particularly when bearing weight or climbing stairs.
Initial Steps for Relief
For immediate relief, several self-care strategies can be implemented at home. The RICE method—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation—is a widely recommended initial approach for managing acute pain and swelling.
Resting the knee involves minimizing weight-bearing activities to reduce strain and allow healing. Applying ice packs to the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes, three or more times a day, helps reduce pain and inflammation. Compression, achieved by wrapping the knee with an elastic bandage, can help prevent fluid buildup and provide support, but should not be applied too tightly. Elevating the injured leg above heart level also aids in reducing swelling.
Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can be beneficial, but stop if any new or worsening pain occurs. Examples include hamstring stretches, quadriceps stretches, and straight leg raises, which improve flexibility and support the knee joint. Adjusting daily movements and avoiding activities that aggravate the pain is also important. Low-impact options like walking, cycling, or water aerobics may be tolerated better than high-impact activities.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Topical creams containing numbing agents or capsaicin may also provide localized relief.
When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
While many instances of inner knee pain can be managed with home remedies, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical evaluation. If pain persists despite several weeks of home treatment or significantly worsens, seek a healthcare professional’s advice. Severe pain that prevents bearing weight on the affected leg, or an inability to move the knee, indicates a need for immediate attention. Significant swelling, noticeable deformity around the knee joint, or symptoms that progressively worsen over time also warrant a medical visit. If the knee locks, gives way, or produces painful clicking sounds, it suggests an underlying issue requiring diagnosis.
Professional Treatment Approaches
When home remedies are insufficient, healthcare professionals employ various methods to diagnose and treat inner knee pain.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis often begins with a physical examination to assess swelling, tenderness, range of motion, and stability. Imaging tests like X-rays detect bone problems such as fractures or osteoarthritis. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides detailed images of soft tissues, including ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, valuable for diagnosing meniscus tears or ligament injuries.
Conservative Treatment
Conservative treatment typically begins with physical therapy, tailored to the specific cause of pain. A physical therapist guides patients through exercises to strengthen knee-supporting muscles (quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes) and improve flexibility and balance. Modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation may also reduce pain and inflammation.
Injections
For pain relief, injections into the knee joint are sometimes used. Corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation and provide short-term pain relief, especially for bursitis or osteoarthritis flares. Hyaluronic acid injections (viscosupplementation) supplement the natural lubricating fluid in the joint, improving mobility and easing pain for several months, particularly in mild to moderate osteoarthritis.
Surgical Interventions
In severe cases, when conservative treatments haven’t improved symptoms, surgical interventions may be considered. Arthroscopic surgery allows surgeons to examine and repair damaged tissues within the knee, such as trimming or repairing a torn meniscus. For extensive joint damage, especially due to severe arthritis, partial or total knee replacement surgery may be recommended to restore function and alleviate chronic pain.
Preventing Recurrence
Preventing the recurrence of inner knee pain involves a proactive approach to knee health. Maintaining a healthy weight is important, as every extra pound places increased stress on the knee joints, increasing the risk of injury and osteoarthritis progression. Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly reduce the load on your knees.
Regular strengthening exercises for the muscles supporting the knee, including quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, are important for stability and protection. Exercises like wall squats, straight leg raises, and calf raises build muscle strength, while flexibility exercises such as hamstring and quadriceps stretches improve range of motion and reduce muscle imbalances.
Wearing appropriate footwear that provides good stability, cushioning, and arch support can minimize stress on the knee joints, particularly during physical activity. Proper warm-up routines before exercise increase blood flow and lubricate joints, preparing them for activity, while cool-down routines aid in muscle relaxation and prevent stiffness. Listening to your body and avoiding overexertion are also important to prevent re-injury and promote long-term knee health.