Inner knee pain, or medial knee pain, refers to discomfort on the side of the knee closest to the other leg. This pain often worsens at night, disrupting sleep and impacting daily activities. Understanding these factors can help individuals find effective relief.
Understanding Inner Knee Pain
Inner knee pain can stem from conditions affecting cartilage, ligaments, and fluid-filled sacs within the joint. A frequent cause is a medial meniscus tear, damage to the C-shaped cartilage cushioning the knee joint. This injury can result from sudden twisting or develop gradually from wear and tear, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes a catching or locking sensation.
Osteoarthritis, particularly affecting the medial compartment, is another common culprit. This degenerative condition involves cartilage breakdown, leading to bone-on-bone friction. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling, often more pronounced in the morning.
Pes anserine bursitis also causes inner knee pain. This occurs when the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac inside the knee below the joint, becomes inflamed. Pain develops gradually and may worsen with activities like climbing stairs.
A medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain or tear, affecting the ligament along the inside of the knee, can cause immediate pain and stiffness, especially after an injury that pushes the knee inward.
Factors Exacerbating Nighttime Discomfort
Inner knee pain often intensifies at night due to physiological and positional factors. During the day, movement circulates joint fluid, but prolonged immobility during sleep can lead to inflammation and stiffness. The body’s inflammatory response can peak in the evening, contributing to increased discomfort.
Specific sleep positions can place stress on the knee. Side sleeping can cause knees to press together, putting pressure on the inner knee. Stomach sleeping is not recommended as it can strain the lower back and shift pressure to the knees. The perception of pain may increase at night due to fewer daytime distractions, allowing individuals to become more aware of their discomfort.
Relief Strategies for Sleep
Adjusting sleep habits can alleviate nighttime inner knee pain. For side sleepers, placing a pillow between the knees helps maintain proper hip and spine alignment, reducing stress on the knee joint. Back sleepers can find relief by placing a small pillow or bolster underneath their knees, providing a slight bend that minimizes joint pressure and promotes better circulation.
Gentle stretches before sleep can improve flexibility and reduce knee tension. Applying ice or heat before bed can reduce pain and inflammation. Ice therapy constricts blood vessels, decreasing swelling. Heat therapy increases blood flow, which can relax muscles and ease stiffness. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as NSAIDs (ibuprofen or naproxen) or acetaminophen, can manage mild to moderate pain.
When to Seek Professional Help
While many instances of inner knee pain can be managed with home remedies, certain signs indicate medical attention is warranted. Persistent or worsening pain despite self-care, particularly if it disrupts sleep or daily activities, warrants consulting a healthcare provider.
Red flags necessitating professional evaluation include significant swelling, redness, or warmth around the knee, which could signal inflammation or infection. An inability to bear weight on the affected leg, a “giving way” sensation, or a popping sound at the time of injury also suggests medical assessment. A doctor can perform a physical examination and may recommend imaging tests to diagnose the underlying cause.