Knee pain, particularly on the inner side, is a frequent complaint that can disrupt daily life and activities. The knee joint, a complex structure of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, is susceptible to various issues that can manifest as discomfort. Understanding the specific underlying causes of inner knee pain is a fundamental step toward finding effective relief and preventing its recurrence.
Common Causes of Inner Knee Pain
One common source of inner knee pain is an injury to the medial meniscus, a C-shaped piece of cartilage on the inner part of the knee that acts as a cushion and stabilizer for the joint. These tears often occur due to sudden twisting or rotation of the knee, especially when bearing weight, such as during sports like soccer or basketball. Symptoms include:
Pain on the inside of the knee
Swelling
A popping sensation at the time of injury
Difficulty bending or straightening the leg
A feeling of the knee locking up or giving way
Pain may worsen with knee movement or weight-bearing activities.
Another frequent cause is a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain or tear. The MCL is a ligament on the inner side of the knee that connects the thigh bone to the shin bone, helping to stabilize the knee and control sideways movement. Injuries result from a direct blow to the outside of the knee, pushing it inwards, or from forceful twisting motions, often seen in contact sports or skiing. A person with an MCL injury will experience pain and tenderness on the inside of the knee, and depending on the severity, may feel instability or a sense that the knee might give way. Swelling and bruising may also develop within a few hours or days.
Pes anserine bursitis or tendinitis presents as pain on the inner aspect of the leg, just below the knee joint. This condition involves inflammation of the pes anserine bursa, a fluid-filled sac, or irritation of the tendons of the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus muscles, which attach in this area. It develops from overuse, repetitive movements like knee flexion and adduction, tight hamstrings, or certain activities such as running, cycling, squatting, or climbing stairs. The pain starts gradually, worsening with activity and sometimes accompanied by swelling, localized tenderness, or a burning sensation.
Medial compartment osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition where the smooth, protective cartilage on the inner side of the knee joint wears away. This leads to bone-on-bone friction, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation. It is the most common type of knee osteoarthritis, appearing after age 50, and can be exacerbated by age, injury, repeated motion, or excess body weight. Symptoms include increasing pain, particularly during activity, morning stiffness, swelling, and a grinding or crunching sensation called crepitus.
Other less common causes of inner knee pain also exist. Plica syndrome involves irritation or inflammation of a plica, which is a fold in the membrane lining the knee joint. The medial plica is frequently affected, causing pain, swelling, clicking, popping, or a catching sensation, especially with bending, squatting, or climbing stairs. Pain can also be referred from other areas, such as the hip or lower back, due to the interconnected nerve pathways. For example, hip arthritis can sometimes manifest as pain radiating down the thigh to the knee, even without direct knee involvement.
When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
While many instances of inner knee pain can resolve with self-care, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical evaluation. You should schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider if you experience:
Significant pain or swelling that does not improve within 48 hours
Persistent tenderness
Warmth or increasing redness around the joint
These symptoms can suggest a more serious underlying issue that requires diagnosis and treatment.
Immediate medical attention is necessary if you experience severe pain that prevents you from putting weight on your knee, or if your knee feels like it might give out. An inability to fully bend or straighten your knee, or if you heard a popping sound at the time of injury, also warrants prompt evaluation. Seek immediate medical attention for:
Visible deformity around the joint
Intense pain
Sudden significant swelling
Signs of infection such as fever, warmth, or redness around the knee
Recurrent episodes of pain or pain that doesn’t improve with rest and basic self-care within a few days also suggest it is time to seek professional advice.
Strategies for Relief and Prevention
For immediate relief of inner knee pain, the R.I.C.E. method is recommended. This involves resting the knee by avoiding activities that aggravate the pain, such as squatting, jumping, or running. Applying ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every two to three hours can help reduce inflammation and numb the pain. Compression with an elastic bandage can further reduce swelling, and elevating the leg above heart level can also help decrease throbbing pain and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can also help manage pain and inflammation.
Long-term prevention and sustained relief involve strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee and adopting healthy lifestyle practices. Strengthening exercises for the quadriceps (front of thigh), hamstrings (back of thigh), and glutes provide better support and stability for the knee joint. Maintaining a healthy body weight reduces the stress placed on the knee joint, which can be a factor in preventing pain. Proper footwear that offers good cushioning and support can also minimize stress on the knees. Always warming up before physical activity and gradually increasing the intensity and duration of exercise helps prepare the muscles and joints, reducing the risk of injury.