Pain on the inside of the knee, known as medial knee pain, is a common issue that can impact daily activities. It arises from various sources, including sudden injuries and gradual degenerative conditions. Understanding these potential causes is the first step toward recognizing its nature. This article explores frequent reasons for medial knee pain.
Common Ligament and Cartilage Injuries
The knee joint relies on structures for stability and movement; injuries to these can cause acute pain. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is a band of tissue on the inner side of the knee, connecting the thigh bone to the shinbone. An MCL injury often results from a direct blow to the outside of the knee, forcing it inward, or from a sudden twisting motion. Symptoms include pain and tenderness directly over the ligament, swelling, and sometimes instability or a feeling of the knee giving way. Severity ranges from a mild sprain to a complete tear, with complete tears leading to significant instability.
A medial meniscus tear is another frequent cause of inner knee pain. The medial meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage acting as a shock absorber between the thigh and shin bones. Tears often result from forceful twisting or rotation of the knee, especially when bearing weight, or from deep squatting or kneeling. In older individuals, degenerative changes can lead to tears with minimal trauma.
Symptoms include sharp pain, stiffness, and a sensation of clicking, locking, or catching in the knee. The knee may also feel as though it is giving way.
Inflammatory and Degenerative Conditions
Chronic pain can stem from inflammatory or degenerative processes. Pes anserine bursitis involves inflammation of the pes anserine bursa, a fluid-filled sac on the inner side of the shinbone, just below the knee joint. This bursa cushions hamstring tendons. Inflammation results from overuse, repetitive knee movements in sports, tight hamstrings, or unsupportive footwear. Symptoms include pain and tenderness on the inner, lower part of the knee, often worsening with activity like climbing stairs.
Medial compartment osteoarthritis is another cause of inner knee pain, particularly in older adults. This condition involves the gradual breakdown of cartilage covering the ends of bones in the knee joint’s inner compartment. As cartilage wears away, bones may rub directly, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Pain worsens with activity and improves with rest; individuals may experience morning stiffness, swelling, or a grinding sensation (crepitus). This degenerative process progresses over time, with risk factors including age, previous injury, and obesity.
When to Seek Professional Help
Recognizing when to seek medical evaluation for inner knee pain is important for diagnosis and management. While minor knee discomfort may resolve with rest, certain symptoms indicate the need for medical attention. Consult a healthcare professional if pain is severe, if you cannot bear weight on the knee, or if there is significant swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint.
Other symptoms include a visible deformity of the joint, a popping sound at the time of injury, or if the knee feels like it is locking, catching, or giving way. Difficulty straightening or bending the knee fully, or persistent pain that does not improve with rest or worsens, also warrant medical assessment. Early diagnosis can help prevent further damage and address chronic issues, ensuring appropriate treatment.