Sharp pain on the inside of the knee experienced during bending is a frequent complaint that can significantly affect daily activities. This knee discomfort often signals issues with various joint structures. Understanding its origins is helpful for anyone experiencing such symptoms.
Common Causes of Inside Knee Pain
MCL injury is a common cause of sharp inner knee pain. This ligament runs along the inner side of the knee, connecting thigh and shin bone, preventing inward bending. MCL injuries, from sprains to complete tears, often result from a direct blow to the outside of the knee or a sudden twisting motion.
Torn medial meniscus is another frequent source of inner knee pain. This C-shaped cartilage absorbs shock and distributes weight. Tears result from forceful twisting, deep squatting, or degenerative changes, causing sharp pain, especially when bending, squatting, or twisting. It may also lead to the knee catching or locking.
Pes anserine bursitis causes lower inner knee pain. This fluid-filled sac cushions inner knee tendons, reducing friction. It often develops from overuse, tight hamstrings, or repetitive activities like running, with pain typically felt a few inches below the joint line on the inner knee.
Medial compartment osteoarthritis commonly causes chronic inner knee pain in older individuals. It involves gradual cartilage breakdown covering bone ends within the knee joint. As cartilage wears, bones rub together, causing friction, inflammation, and pain, which worsens as degeneration progresses, especially during weight-bearing activities or knee bending.
Medial plica syndrome can cause sharp inner knee pain. A plica is a fold in the knee’s synovial membrane. The medial plica, on the inner kneecap, can become irritated or inflamed from overuse or trauma, rubbing against the thigh bone during knee movement, causing pain and sometimes a snapping or clicking sensation.
Accompanying Signs and Symptoms
Sharp inner knee pain when bending can have other symptoms. Localized inner knee swelling indicates inflammation or fluid. Tenderness along the inner knee joint line or just below it is also common.
Mechanical symptoms like clicking, popping, or grinding may occur during movement. The knee might feel unstable or “give way,” especially if a ligament or meniscus is significantly damaged. Difficulty bearing weight or inability to fully straighten or bend the knee can also indicate a more severe injury.
Initial Self-Care Measures
Self-care can manage sharp inner knee pain and promote healing. The R.I.C.E. method—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation—is generally recommended for acute injuries. Resting the knee by avoiding aggravating activities prevents irritation and allows healing, while applying ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times daily helps reduce pain and swelling.
A compression bandage can minimize swelling and support the joint. Elevating the leg above heart level, especially while resting, reduces swelling by promoting fluid drainage. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen, can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
While self-care provides temporary relief, certain symptoms warrant professional medical evaluation. Prompt medical attention is advisable if pain is severe and prevents weight-bearing. Significant swelling, warmth, or a noticeable deformity around the knee also indicates immediate assessment.
A distinct popping sound at injury, especially if followed by immediate pain and swelling, suggests a potential ligament or meniscus tear. If you cannot fully bend or straighten your knee, or if it feels locked, consult a healthcare professional. Pain that persists or worsens despite several days of consistent self-care measures also indicates a need for medical diagnosis and treatment.
Professional Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches
For sharp inner knee pain, a healthcare provider typically begins with a physical examination and detailed medical history. The examination assesses knee range of motion, stability, and palpates specific areas to pinpoint pain and tenderness. Questions about the onset of pain, activities that worsen or improve it, and any past injuries are important for diagnosis.
Imaging tests may be ordered to understand the issue. X-rays can rule out fractures or significant arthritic changes. For soft tissue injuries like ligament sprains or meniscal tears, an MRI scan provides detailed images of cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
Treatment approaches vary by diagnosis, with non-surgical methods often first choice. Physical therapy is a common recommendation, focusing on strengthening knee muscles, improving flexibility, and restoring movement. Bracing may provide support and stability for ligamentous injuries. Injections, such as corticosteroids, might be administered into the joint or bursa to reduce inflammation and pain.
Activity modification, involving adjusting or temporarily avoiding aggravating activities, is crucial. Surgery is generally a last resort for sharp inner knee pain, reserved for severe cases unresponsive to conservative treatments like significant meniscus tears or complete ligament ruptures. The decision for surgery considers injury severity and the patient’s overall health and lifestyle.