Inner side knee pain, medically known as medial knee pain, is a common complaint, especially during movements that require bending or flexing the joint. The knee is a complex structure that supports the body’s weight, making it susceptible to strain and injury. When the inner portion of the knee hurts during activities like squatting, kneeling, or climbing stairs, it suggests that a structure in this area is irritated or damaged. This article explores the anatomy of the medial knee, the primary reasons for pain when bending, and the steps for immediate care and professional evaluation.
Understanding the Medial Knee and Pain Triggers
The “inner side” of the knee is known as the medial compartment, which is the area closest to your opposite leg. This compartment houses several important structures, including ligaments, protective cartilage, and fluid-filled sacs called bursae. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) provides stability against forces that push the knee inward, while the medial meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the thigh bone and the shin bone.
Pain in this area is often triggered by specific motions that place stress on these structures. Deep knee bending, such as squatting or kneeling, forces the joint to compress the medial meniscus and strains the MCL. Pivoting or twisting motions, particularly when the foot is planted, also generate internal forces that aggravate the medial compartment. These movements can pinch inflamed tissues or stretch damaged ligaments, leading to the sharp or aching sensation experienced when the knee flexes.
Primary Causes of Inner Side Knee Pain
One of the most frequent causes of inner knee pain is an injury to the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL). The MCL runs along the inner side of the knee and is commonly injured when a force impacts the outside of the knee, causing the joint to open up. An MCL sprain or tear presents with pain, swelling, and a feeling of instability or the knee “giving way,” especially during lateral movements or full bending. A popping sound at the moment of impact is sometimes reported.
Another common issue is a tear in the medial meniscus, the shock-absorbing cartilage on the inner joint line. Meniscus tears often happen during sudden twisting or pivoting motions while the foot is fixed on the ground. When the knee bends, a torn flap of cartilage can get pinched, causing sharp pain directly along the joint line. This pain is sometimes accompanied by mechanical symptoms like catching, locking, or clicking, suggesting an internal joint problem.
Pes Anserine Bursitis involves the inflammation of a small, fluid-filled sac located approximately two inches below the joint line on the inner shinbone. This bursa reduces friction where the tendons of three muscles—the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus—attach to the bone. Pain from bursitis is localized tenderness that worsens with activities like climbing stairs or rising from a seated position. It often does not involve the instability or locking associated with ligament or meniscal injuries. This condition is frequently linked to overuse, tight hamstring muscles, or underlying knee osteoarthritis.
Immediate Self-Care and Symptom Relief
For acute inner knee pain, initial management centers on the R.I.C.E. protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Rest requires avoiding activities that reproduce the pain, particularly deep bending or squatting movements. If necessary, crutches or a cane can limit the weight placed on the joint.
Applying ice helps decrease swelling and numb the pain. The ice pack should be wrapped in a thin towel and applied for 15 to 20 minutes every two to three hours during the first 48 to 72 hours. Compression with an elastic bandage limits swelling, but it must be wrapped snugly without causing numbness or increased pain. Elevating the leg above the level of the heart, especially when resting, further encourages fluid drainage and reduces swelling.
Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can manage pain and reduce inflammation. These medications should be taken as directed and are intended for short-term relief. Activity modification is also important, requiring the temporary avoidance of motions that aggravate the pain, like forceful twisting or prolonged standing.
Recognizing When to Seek Medical Help
While many instances of medial knee pain improve with self-care, certain symptoms indicate a need for professional medical evaluation. You should see a healthcare provider promptly if you experience an inability to bear weight on the affected leg, or if the knee feels unstable and buckles. Severe or rapidly increasing swelling that develops within hours of an injury is a concerning sign that suggests a serious internal issue, such as a significant ligament tear.
Seek immediate attention if you heard an audible “pop” at the time of injury, as this often signifies a rupture of a ligament or cartilage. Pain that persists or worsens after 48 to 72 hours of consistent home care warrants an assessment to rule out conditions requiring specific treatment. Any pain accompanied by systemic symptoms, such as fever, chills, or noticeable redness and warmth around the joint, requires urgent medical evaluation to rule out a joint infection.