Discomfort on the inner side of your knee when applying pressure is a common concern. This sensation, ranging from a dull ache to a sharp pain, often signals an underlying issue within the knee joint. Understanding the origins of this pain can help individuals recognize when professional attention is beneficial.
Key Anatomical Structures of the Inner Knee
The inner, or medial, knee joint contains several structures that can cause discomfort under pressure. The medial meniscus, a C-shaped piece of cartilage, acts as a shock absorber and helps distribute weight evenly across the joint surfaces. Adjacent to it, the medial collateral ligament (MCL) provides stability to the inner knee, preventing excessive outward bending.
Below the joint line on the inner knee, the pes anserine bursa is located. This small fluid-filled sac cushions the tendons of three muscles—the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosum—where they attach to the tibia, or shin bone. The medial compartment of the knee also involves the cartilage and bone surfaces of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia.
Primary Causes of Inner Knee Pain Under Pressure
Pain on the inner side of the knee when pressure is applied often stems from specific injuries or conditions affecting this area.
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury
An MCL injury occurs when the knee is forced inward, often during sports or direct impact. MCL stretching or tearing causes pain that worsens with weight-bearing or twisting. Swelling and tenderness directly over the ligament are common.
Medial Meniscus Tears
Medial meniscus tears are a common source of inner knee pain. The meniscus can tear due to sudden twisting motions or gradual degeneration. Weight-bearing, especially during squatting or pivoting, can pinch the torn cartilage, causing sharp pain, clicking, or a sensation of the knee catching or locking.
Pes Anserine Bursitis
Pes anserine bursitis, an inflammation of the bursa, causes localized pain. It develops from repetitive friction (e.g., running, cycling) or tight hamstrings. Bending and straightening the knee can intensify the burning or aching pain located approximately two to three inches below the joint line.
Medial Compartment Osteoarthritis
Medial compartment osteoarthritis involves cartilage breakdown on the inner knee. As cartilage wears, bones rub, causing pain with weight-bearing activities like standing, walking, or climbing stairs. Pain often feels like a deep ache, with stiffness in the morning or after inactivity. Over time, the knee may bow as the joint space narrows.
Medial Plica Syndrome
Medial plica syndrome occurs when a fold of the joint lining, called a plica, becomes irritated or inflamed. The medial plica can thicken from repetitive knee bending or direct trauma. Bending the knee can pinch the thickened plica between the kneecap and thigh bone, causing snapping or a dull ache.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
While inner knee pain can often be managed at home, professional medical evaluation is advisable for certain symptoms. Seek medical attention if pain is severe and prevents weight-bearing. Persistent or worsening swelling, or any visible joint deformity, also requires a visit.
Other signs include fever with knee pain, suggesting infection. If you experience numbness or tingling in your leg or foot, or if pain does not improve within a few days of self-care, consult a doctor. A healthcare professional can accurately diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend appropriate treatment.
Immediate Self-Care and Management Strategies
Immediate self-care strategies can help alleviate inner knee pain under pressure:
Rest the affected knee; avoid aggravating activities.
Apply ice packs to the inner knee for 15-20 minutes several times daily to reduce swelling and pain.
Compress the knee with an elastic bandage for support and swelling control, ensuring it’s not too tight.
Elevate the leg above heart level, especially when resting, to reduce swelling.
Use over-the-counter NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) to manage pain and inflammation.
Perform gentle movements (e.g., slowly bending and straightening the knee within a pain-free range) to maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness.
Avoid deep squats, kneeling, or prolonged standing if they intensify pain.
Gradually reintroduce activities as pain subsides.