7 Common Causes of Inner Knee Pain and Effective Treatment Options

Inner knee pain can stem from various causes, often resulting from cartilage degeneration, sports injuries, or knee trauma.

Knee discomfort is common and may indicate different knee conditions or injuries. The inner knee, medically termed the medial knee or medial compartment, is located closest to the opposite knee.

Composed of four bones, four ligaments, multiple tendons, two menisci, and cartilage, the knee’s complex structure makes it particularly vulnerable to injury and one of the body’s most intricate joints.

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Common causes | Osteoarthritis | Rheumatoid arthritis | MCL injury | Medial meniscus injury | Pes anserine bursitis | Medial plica irritation | Other injuries | Treatment | Prevention | FAQ | Takeaway

Common causes of inner knee pain

Knee pain frequently results from injuries. Typical incidents leading to knee pain include:

• Falls
• Sports-related injuries
• Sudden increases in activity level

Below are seven common sources of inner knee pain.

1. Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis (OA), often called “wear-and-tear” arthritis, is a degenerative joint condition that commonly affects weight-bearing joints like the knees. When OA impacts the inner knee, it can cause significant discomfort and mobility limitations.

Understanding Osteoarthritis:
OA develops as protective cartilage deteriorates over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced joint function. Risk factors include age, genetics, obesity, previous injuries, and repetitive joint stress.

Symptoms:
Common indicators include:

• Inner knee pain that worsens with activity
• Morning stiffness or after prolonged sitting
• Swelling and tenderness
• Grating sensations during movement

Diagnosis:
Combines medical history, physical examination, and imaging (X-rays or MRI) showing joint space narrowing and bone spurs.

Treatment:
Management focuses on symptom relief:

1. Pain relief: NSAIDs or acetaminophen
2. Lifestyle changes: Weight management and low-impact exercise
3. Physical therapy: Strengthening exercises
4. Assistive devices: Braces or canes
5. Injections: Corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid
6. Surgery: For severe cases (arthroscopy or joint replacement)

Prevention:
Maintain healthy weight, stay active, and protect joints from injury.

2. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

RA is an autoimmune disease causing joint inflammation, potentially affecting the inner knee.

Understanding RA:
The immune system attacks joint linings, damaging cartilage and bone. Contributing factors include genetics and environmental triggers.

Symptoms:
May include:

• Joint pain and morning stiffness
• Fatigue and fever
• Progressive joint deformities

Diagnosis:
Blood tests (RF, anti-CCP) and imaging confirm diagnosis.

Treatment:
Aims to reduce inflammation and prevent damage:

1. Medications: DMARDs, biologics, NSAIDs
2. Therapy: Physical and occupational therapy
3. Joint protection: Assistive devices
4. Surgery: For severe joint damage

Prevention:
Early diagnosis and healthy lifestyle choices help manage symptoms.

3. Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury

MCL injuries often occur in athletes from direct blows or sudden direction changes.

Understanding MCL Injury:
The MCL stabilizes against inward knee forces. Injuries typically result from:

• Direct outer knee impact
• Sudden twisting motions
• Sports requiring rapid direction changes

Symptoms:
Include:

• Inner knee pain and tenderness
• Swelling and bruising
• Knee instability

Diagnosis:
Physical exam and imaging (X-ray, MRI) assess damage.

Treatment:
Varies by severity:

1. Rest and bracing
2. Ice and compression
3. Physical therapy
4. Medications
5. Surgery for complete tears

Recovery:
Rehabilitation and preventive measures reduce reinjury risk.

4. Medial meniscus injury

Medial meniscus tears cause inner knee pain from trauma or degeneration.

Understanding Injury:
The meniscus cushions knee forces. Injuries occur from:

• Sudden twisting motions
• Age-related degeneration

Symptoms:
May include:

• Inner knee pain during movement
• Swelling and stiffness
• Locking or catching sensations

Diagnosis:
Physical tests and MRI confirm tears.

Treatment:
Options include:

1. Conservative care: RICE and physical therapy
2. Medications: NSAIDs
3. Arthroscopic surgery
4. Meniscal transplant in rare cases

Prevention:
Strengthening exercises and proper technique reduce injury risk.

5. Pes anserine bursitis

Inflammation of the pes anserine bursa causes inner knee pain.

Understanding Bursitis:
This bursa cushions hamstring tendons. Inflammation results from overuse or trauma.

Symptoms:
Include:

• Inner knee pain below joint line
• Swelling and warmth
• Pain with knee movement

Treatment:
Includes:

1. Activity modification
2. Ice and NSAIDs
3. Physical therapy
4. Corticosteroid injections

6. Medial plica irritation

Irritation of knee synovial folds causes medial plica syndrome.

Symptoms:
Include inner knee pain, clicking sensations, and stiffness.

Treatment:
Similar to bursitis, with surgery rarely needed.

7. Other injuries

Less common causes include:

• Iliotibial band syndrome
• Popliteus tendon injuries
• Muscle strains
• Inflammatory or neurological conditions

Treating inner knee pain

Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include:

1. Rest and activity modification
2. Ice and compression
3. Pain medications
4. Physical therapy
5. Bracing or orthotics
6. Injections
7. Surgery for severe cases

Exercises for inner knee pain

Strengthening exercises can help manage and prevent knee pain:

1. Straight leg lifts
2. Stationary biking
3. Swimming
4. Elliptical training
5. Leg extensions

Always include proper stretching before and after exercise.

Frequently asked questions

1. Common causes? Injuries, arthritis, bursitis
2. When to see a doctor? Persistent pain or swelling
3. Diagnosis methods? Exam and imaging
4. Home remedies? RICE method and OTC medications
5. Exercise benefits? Strengthens supporting muscles

Takeaway

Inner knee pain has multiple potential causes, from arthritis to acute injuries. Initial care may involve rest and ice, but persistent symptoms warrant medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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