Pain on the inside of the knee is a common experience, affecting individuals across various ages and activity levels. This discomfort can range from a mild ache to sharp, debilitating pain, impacting daily movement. Understanding its causes is crucial for effective management and care.
Common Causes of Inner Knee Pain
One frequent cause of inner knee pain is a Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) injury. The MCL is a band of tissue on the inner side of the knee connecting the thigh bone to the shin bone, stabilizing the knee joint and preventing excessive inward movement. Injuries often occur from a direct blow to the outside of the knee, pushing it inward, or from twisting motions. Symptoms include pain and tenderness along the inner side of the knee, swelling, stiffness, and instability.
A Medial Meniscus Tear is another common culprit for inner knee pain. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage acting as a cushion and shock absorber between the thighbone and shinbone. Tears often result from forceful twisting or rotating the knee, especially when bearing weight, or from deep squatting and heavy lifting. Older individuals may experience tears due to degenerative changes. Symptoms include pain on the inside of the knee, worsening with movement, swelling, stiffness, and sometimes a popping sensation. The knee might also feel locked, catch during movement, or give way.
Medial Compartment Osteoarthritis, a form of arthritis, specifically affects the inner part of the knee. This condition involves the gradual breakdown of protective cartilage, leading to bone-on-bone friction within the joint. It is the most common type of knee osteoarthritis, particularly affecting individuals over 50. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness, often worsening with activity; morning stiffness is common. A grating or crunching sensation (crepitus) may also be present when moving the joint.
Pes Anserine Bursitis causes pain on the inner side of the knee, below the joint line, or on the center of the shin bone. This condition involves inflammation of the pes anserine bursa, a small, fluid-filled sac located between the shinbone and three hamstring tendons. The bursa cushions and lubricates these structures, reducing friction during movement. Inflammation often arises from repetitive friction or overuse, such as repetitive knee movements in sports, tight hamstrings, obesity, or incorrect training techniques. The pain may worsen with physical activity like climbing stairs, kneeling, or getting up from a chair.
Medial Plica Syndrome occurs when a plica, a fold in the synovial membrane lining the knee joint, becomes irritated or inflamed. While most people have these folds, the medial plica, located on the inner side of the knee, is the most common to cause issues. Inflammation results from overuse or stress on the knee, such as frequent running, cycling, or stair climbing, or from a direct injury. Symptoms include aching pain on the medial side of the knee, worsening with activity or after prolonged sitting, a snapping sensation, and tenderness.
Recognizing When to Seek Medical Attention
While many instances of inner knee pain can be managed at home, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical evaluation. Seek medical attention if there is severe pain that prevents putting weight on the knee or walking normally. Sudden, significant swelling, especially if accompanied by intense pain, also requires immediate medical attention. Other symptoms include an inability to bend or straighten the knee fully, or if the knee joint appears visibly bent, deformed, or misaligned. Persistent clicking, locking, or a sensation of the knee giving way require evaluation. Additionally, if the pain is accompanied by fever, redness, or warmth around the knee, it could signal an infection. Any knee pain that does not improve with rest and basic self-care after a few days, or if it consistently interferes with sleep or daily tasks, also warrants a doctor’s visit.
Initial Steps for Relief and Management
For initial relief of inner knee pain, several home management strategies can be beneficial. Resting the affected knee by avoiding activities that aggravate the pain is a primary step to allow healing. For minor injuries, a day or two of rest may be sufficient, while more severe issues might require a longer recovery period.
Applying ice to the painful area can help reduce swelling and discomfort. An ice pack or cold compress should be applied for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, especially during the first 24 to 72 hours after an injury. Wrap the ice pack in a towel to protect the skin and avoid direct contact.
Compression using an elastic bandage or knee sleeve can help minimize swelling and provide support to the joint. The wrap should be snug but not so tight that it causes numbness, tingling, or increased pain, which could indicate restricted circulation. Elevating the injured leg above the level of the heart, using pillows for support, also aids in reducing swelling by encouraging fluid drainage away from the knee.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage pain and inflammation. NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen, or acetaminophen, are commonly used options. Follow dosage instructions carefully and consult a healthcare provider if these medications are needed for more than a few days. Temporarily modifying daily activities to reduce strain on the knee can further support the healing process.