Medial knee pain refers to discomfort located on the inner side of the knee joint. This type of pain can arise from various activities or injuries, but it is particularly noticeable and often exacerbated when attempting to straighten the leg. Understanding the nature of this specific symptom is the first step toward finding appropriate relief and management strategies.
Understanding Medial Knee Pain
The sensation of medial knee pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp, localized discomfort. When straightening the leg, the mechanics of the knee joint place stress on the structures along its inner aspect, which can amplify existing pain. The medial side of the knee involves the medial meniscus, the medial collateral ligament (MCL), and various tendons and bursae. These structures work together to provide stability and smooth movement. As the leg extends, these tissues are stretched or compressed, and if any are irritated or damaged, pain can become evident.
Common Underlying Causes
Several common conditions can lead to medial knee pain, especially when the leg is straightened. Identifying the specific cause is important for effective treatment.
Medial Meniscus Injuries
The medial meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber and stabilizer within the knee joint. Tears or damage to this meniscus can cause pain on the inner side of the knee, often accompanied by swelling and stiffness. Pain may be particularly sharp when twisting or rotating the knee, or when attempting to fully straighten the leg. Sometimes, a torn meniscus can also lead to a popping sensation or a feeling of the knee locking or catching.
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Sprains
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) runs along the inner side of the knee, connecting the thigh bone to the shin bone, and helps stabilize the joint against sideways forces. An MCL sprain occurs when this ligament is overstretched or torn, typically from a direct blow to the outside of the knee or from sudden twisting movements. Symptoms include pain and tenderness directly over the ligament on the inner knee, swelling, and sometimes instability. Straightening or bending the knee can increase pain due to the stress placed on the injured ligament.
Osteoarthritis of the Medial Compartment
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition where protective cartilage wears away, leading to bone-on-bone friction. When this occurs in the medial compartment, it can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Pain is often worse with movement, including straightening the leg, and may be most noticeable in the morning or after inactivity. It commonly affects people over 45, influenced by age, previous injury, or sustained joint pressure.
Pes Anserine Bursitis/Tendonitis
Pes anserine bursitis involves inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac below the inner knee where three hamstring tendons attach. This condition can cause pain and tenderness on the inner, lower part of the knee. Activities that involve bending or straightening the knee, such as walking, climbing stairs, or rising from a chair, often aggravate the pain. Pes anserine bursitis is associated with overuse, tight hamstrings, obesity, or underlying knee osteoarthritis.
Initial Self-Care Strategies
When experiencing medial knee pain, several self-care strategies can help manage symptoms before or while seeking professional medical advice. These approaches focus on reducing inflammation and supporting the knee.
Resting the affected knee and modifying activities that aggravate the pain are important first steps. Avoiding prolonged standing or activities that place direct pressure on the joint can help alleviate discomfort. Applying ice to the inner knee for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. Placing a cloth barrier between the ice pack and skin is advisable to prevent frostbite.
Gently compressing the knee with an elastic bandage can help manage swelling without restricting circulation. Elevating the leg above heart level, especially while resting, can also assist in reducing swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, or acetaminophen, can help alleviate pain and inflammation, following dosage instructions. If pain permits, gentle movements, like slow knee bends or straight leg raises, can prevent stiffness, but any increase in pain should signal a stop to the activity.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While self-care can be beneficial, there are specific indicators that suggest a need for professional medical evaluation. Delaying care can sometimes lead to worsening conditions.
You should seek medical attention if your knee pain persists despite a few days of self-care. Pain that progressively worsens over time, rather than improving, also warrants a doctor’s visit. Certain associated symptoms are also concerning, including significant swelling, redness, warmth around the joint, or a fever.
Inability to bear weight on the affected leg, or experiencing mechanical symptoms like locking, catching, or knee instability, are clear signs to consult a healthcare provider. If the pain began suddenly after a specific injury or trauma, such as a fall or a twisting incident, a medical assessment is advisable to rule out more severe damage.
Professional Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches
When medial knee pain requires professional intervention, a healthcare provider begins with a thorough physical examination, including an assessment of the knee’s range of motion, stability, and areas of tenderness. They will also discuss your symptoms and medical history. Depending on the suspected cause, imaging tests such as X-rays might be ordered to check for bone issues, or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to visualize soft tissues like ligaments and cartilage.
Non-surgical treatments are often the first line of approach. Physical therapy is commonly recommended to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee, improve flexibility, and enhance joint stability. Specific bracing may be used to provide external support and help align the joint properly. Injections, such as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation or hyaluronic acid to lubricate the joint, may be considered for pain relief.
Surgical options are reserved for specific conditions that do not respond to non-surgical methods, or for more severe injuries. For instance, significant meniscus tears or severe osteoarthritis may necessitate surgical intervention. Common surgical procedures include arthroscopy, which uses a small camera to visualize and repair damage inside the joint, or partial or total knee replacement in cases of extensive joint degeneration. The specific surgical approach depends on the underlying cause and the extent of the damage.