Medial knee pain, discomfort on the inner side of the knee, is a common issue that can impact daily activities like walking. This pain can arise from various sources within the knee joint. Understanding its origins is important for effective management and relief.
Understanding Medial Knee Pain
Medial knee pain refers to discomfort on the inner aspect of the knee, closest to the body’s midline. This area includes the medial femoral condyle, medial tibial plateau, and the C-shaped medial meniscus, which acts as a shock absorber. Ligaments, such as the medial collateral ligament (MCL), also stabilize this region.
Sensations associated with medial knee pain can vary, from a dull ache to sharp pain or tenderness. This discomfort often worsens with activities stressing the inner knee, such as climbing stairs or prolonged standing. Individuals might also experience swelling, stiffness, or a sensation that the knee is catching or locking.
Common Causes
Various conditions can lead to medial knee pain when walking, affecting different structures within the knee’s inner compartment. Pinpointing the exact cause is important for appropriate treatment.
Osteoarthritis frequently affects the knee’s medial compartment. This condition involves the gradual breakdown of protective cartilage covering bone ends, leading to bone-on-bone friction. As cartilage deteriorates, individuals may experience increasing pain, especially during activity, along with morning stiffness and swelling.
A medial meniscus tear is another common cause. The medial meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions the knee joint and helps distribute forces across it. Tears often occur due to forceful twisting of the knee, especially when the foot is planted, or can develop from age-related degeneration. Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, a popping sensation at injury, or a feeling of the knee locking or giving way.
An MCL sprain involves injury to the ligament along the inner side of the knee, which stabilizes the joint. Injuries often result from a direct blow to the outside of the knee or a valgus stress, forcing the knee inward. This can cause pain and stiffness on the inside of the knee, sometimes with a popping sound.
Pes anserine bursitis is inflammation of a small bursa on the inner side of the knee, 2 to 3 inches below the joint line. This bursa cushions three hamstring tendons attaching to the shinbone. Inflammation causes pain and tenderness in this area, often worsening with activities like climbing stairs or standing.
Other contributors to medial knee pain include patellofemoral pain syndrome, where kneecap pain might refer medially, or referred pain from the hip joint. These conditions highlight the lower limb’s interconnectedness and the importance of thorough evaluation.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Consult a healthcare professional for medial knee pain, especially if discomfort persists or worsens. Seek medical attention if pain is severe, if there is significant swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint, or if the knee feels unstable or gives way. An inability to bear weight or sudden pain after an injury, particularly with a popping sound, also warrants prompt medical evaluation.
During an appointment, a doctor performs a physical examination to assess the knee for swelling, tenderness, and range of motion. They may move the leg to evaluate the integrity of knee structures. To aid diagnosis, imaging tests like X-rays might be ordered for bone fractures or degenerative joint disease. An MRI scan may also visualize soft tissue structures like ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.
Treatment and Recovery Options
Treatment for medial knee pain is tailored to the underlying cause and condition severity. Many cases respond well to conservative management.
Rest and activity modification are foundational, reducing pain-aggravating activities to allow healing and prevent further damage. The RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) is often recommended for acute injuries. Applying ice for 15-20 minutes reduces pain and inflammation, while compression bandages limit swelling. Elevating the leg above heart level encourages fluid drainage.
Physical therapy plays a significant role in recovery, focusing on strengthening the muscles around the knee, improving flexibility, and correcting any biomechanical issues that may contribute to the pain. Therapists design individualized exercise programs to restore function and stability. Medications, such as over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, help manage pain and reduce inflammation. A healthcare provider might prescribe stronger medications or recommend topical pain relievers. Bracing or taping can also support the knee, alleviating pressure on the medial compartment.
For certain conditions, injections may be considered. Corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief, particularly for arthritis flares. Hyaluronic acid injections, mimicking the joint’s natural lubricating fluid, may be used for osteoarthritis to improve mobility and reduce pain. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, derived from the patient’s blood, are also explored for their potential to promote healing and tissue regeneration.
Surgical interventions are reserved for cases not responding to conservative treatments or for severe injuries. Severe meniscal tears might require arthroscopic surgery to repair or remove damaged cartilage. In advanced medial compartment osteoarthritis, surgical options include partial knee replacement, replacing only the damaged inner part, or total knee replacement. The specific surgical approach depends on the extent of the damage and individual patient factors.