Many people feel a twinge in their kneecap after a long walk or landing awkwardly after going down the stairs. But what does it mean when you feel pain on the inside of your knee?
The inside area of your knee is called the medial knee, and it refers to the side of the knee that faces the opposing side of your body.
Read on to learn about potential causes of pain on the inside of the knee as well as possible treatment options.
How common is knee pain?
If you’re experiencing knee pain, you’re not alone. Knee pain is quite common and affects one-fourth of the adult population. The prevalence has increased by more than 60% since the late ‘90s. In fact, more than 4 million annual visits to a physician’s office are due to knee pain.
More women than men experience knee pain due to their wider hips and thighbones that curve inward from the hip down to the knee. This makes them more susceptible to injuries, especially during strenuous physical activities like exercise.
5 potential causes of pain on the inside of the knee
If you’re experiencing pain on the inside of your knee, there are a few different possible causes behind it. Medial knee pain is often the result of an injury, but it also may be a symptom of a condition that needs further assistance from a medical professional.
Five causes of pain on the inside of the knee:
- MCL injury — The medial collateral ligament is the tissue that’s located on the inner edge of your knee. It’s possible to stretch or tear this ligament if your knee experiences a traumatic blow or if the joint is twisted too forcefully. It can also be caused by repetitive stress on the ligament due to heavy lifting. Along with pain on the inside of your knee, it can also cause it to lock up during movement or become swollen.
- Medial meniscus injury — Another part of the inner knee that could sustain an injury is the medial meniscus. It’s a band of cartilage that’s attached to the shinbone and helps absorb shock on the knee joint during movement. It can be injured due to a sudden forceful twist in the knee while your foot is on the ground. Not only can it cause pain on the inside of your knee, but it can make it difficult to fully extend the joint.
- Pes anserine bursitis — In your knee, there are fluid-filled sacs that act as a cushion between your joints, called bursae. They are located between the MLC and three tendons, referred to as pes anserine. When a bursa is overused, it can become inflamed and cause pes anserine bursitis. The extra fluid causes swelling and pain.
- Medial plica irritation — A fold in the joint lining is called a plica, and the plica throughout your inner knee is called medial plica. Plicae can become irritated and thicken up due to overuse. Thickened plicae can become stuck between the joints and cause pain on the inside of the knee. It can also cause your knees to lock up during movement or cause a cracking sound.
- Osteoarthritis — The most common form of arthritis is called osteoarthritis and causes joint cartilage to break down, allowing the bones to rub against each other. Osteoarthritis can affect nearly every part of the knee, including the medial knee. The pain often flares up while bending down to sit in a chair or climbing stairs.
3 treatments to help alleviate pain on the inside of the knee
Pain on the inside of your knee can reduce your mobility and prevent you from handling your day-to-day responsibilities. There are a variety of treatment options that can help alleviate the pain and get you back to your daily routines. While some options are self-care treatments that can be done at home, others will require help from a professional.
Three treatments to help alleviate pain on the inside of the knee:
- RICE — One of the best methods for alleviating pain on the inside of your knee is actually a combination of four tried-and-true treatments in one. With rest, ice, compression and elevation, you can reduce the medial knee pain, especially after sustaining a knee injury.
- Assistive device — Your doctor may recommend that you get an assistive device such as a knee brace. A brace can prevent too much knee movement and pressure on the joints during your daily activities.
- Physical therapy — One of the best treatment options for knee pain is physical therapy. A physical therapist can walk you through exercises that will increase the flexibility and mobility of your knee. They will also show you exercises that strengthen the muscles to reduce the stress placed on the knee joint and reduce the risk of future injury.
Border Therapy Services can help treat the pain on the inside of your knee
While many people assume that all knee pain is found in the kneecap, medial knee pain has different potential causes, meaning it needs specialized treatment as well. The best way to get a customized treatment plan for your exact source of pain is by booking an appointment with Border Therapy Services. We will ensure that your treatments are tailored to your specific area and cause of pain.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.