Medial knee pain describes discomfort experienced on the inner side of the knee joint. Medial knee pain is common across ages and activity levels. Understanding its nature and origin helps clarify its causes and treatment. This article explains medial knee pain, its common causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Understanding Medial Knee Pain
Medial knee pain is pain on the inner aspect of the knee. This area involves structures that stabilize and move the knee. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is a strong band of tissue running along the inner side of the knee, connecting the thigh bone to the shin bone. This ligament prevents the knee from bending too far inward.
The medial meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage located between the thigh and shin bones. It acts as a shock absorber and helps distribute weight evenly across the joint surface. Muscles on the inner thigh, such as the adductor muscles and the sartorius, also contribute to knee movement and pain. Understanding these components helps pinpoint the source of medial knee pain.
Common Causes of Medial Knee Pain
Injuries to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) cause inner knee pain. These injuries often result from a direct blow to the outside of the knee or a sudden twisting motion that forces the knee inward. MCL injuries range from mild sprains to complete ruptures.
Medial meniscus tears are another common cause. Tears can result from acute trauma, like twisting while squatting, or develop gradually from degeneration, especially in older individuals.
Osteoarthritis is a common cause, often affecting the medial compartment. This condition involves the progressive breakdown of cartilage within the joint, leading to bone-on-bone friction and inflammation.
Pes anserine bursitis is inflammation of the bursa on the inner knee, below the joint line. This bursa, a fluid-filled sac, helps reduce friction between tendons and bone. Overuse, tight hamstrings, or trauma can irritate it, causing localized pain and tenderness.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome, originating from the kneecap, can be felt on the medial side of the knee. This occurs when the kneecap does not track smoothly within its groove on the thigh bone. While primary pain is usually around or under the kneecap, discomfort can radiate to the inner knee.
Accompanying Symptoms of Medial Knee Pain
Medial knee pain varies, from sharp and acute to dull and persistent. Burning discomfort may also occur. The specific nature of the pain often provides clues about its underlying cause.
Swelling or tenderness over the inner knee indicates inflammation or fluid. Stiffness is also common, improving with movement but returning after prolonged inactivity.
Clicking, popping, or grinding sensations may occur. Instability or the knee “giving way” can also occur, suggesting a ligament or meniscus issue. Difficulty with squatting, kneeling, or climbing stairs is common.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Consult a healthcare professional if medial knee pain is sudden and severe, especially if it prevents weight-bearing. Rapid swelling or a visible knee deformity also warrants immediate medical attention. These signs indicate a serious injury.
Seek advice if pain doesn’t improve with rest and home care. If symptoms worsen or the knee locks or catches, seek medical evaluation. Numbness, tingling, fever, or redness around the knee also warrant a doctor’s visit.
Treatment Options for Medial Knee Pain
Initial home care for medial knee pain often involves the R.I.C.E. protocol: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Rest prevents further injury; ice reduces swelling and pain. Compression provides support and minimizes fluid; elevation assists in reducing swelling. Over-the-counter NSAIDs can also manage discomfort.
Physical therapy aids recovery and long-term management. A physical therapist designs programs to strengthen knee and hip muscles, improve flexibility, and correct imbalances. Exercises include quadriceps and hamstring strengthening, plus balance and proprioception drills.
Doctors may prescribe stronger medications or injections. Corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation and pain; hyaluronic acid injections lubricate and absorb shock for arthritic knees. Bracing or taping offers external support and stability, especially during pain-aggravating activities.
Lifestyle modifications alleviate knee stress. These include weight management, modifying pain-causing activities, and wearing supportive footwear. If conservative treatments are insufficient, or for severe injuries like meniscal tears or advanced osteoarthritis, surgery may be considered. Procedures aim to repair damaged structures or replace worn components.