Pain on the Inside of the Knee: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Common causes of pain on the inside of the knee

Internal meniscus injury

The meniscus is a cartilage structure in the knee that acts as a shock absorber between the thighbone and the lower leg. Damage to the inner meniscus is one of the most common causes of pain in the inner knee. These injuries often occur when twisting the knee joint and can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain when twisting the knee, and a feeling that the knee is "locking". When the meniscus is damaged, both acute and long-term pain on the inside of the knee can occur.

Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is an important ligament on the inside of the knee. An injury to this ligament can occur when there is a lateral force to the knee joint or when the lower leg is turned outward. Symptoms include pain on the inside of the knee, swelling, and a feeling of instability. Unlike injuries to the outside of the knee, MCL injuries specifically affect the inside of the knee.

Osteoarthritis of the knee

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can cause pain on the inside of the knee when the cartilage in the joint wears down. It is more common in older people and can cause symptoms such as stiffness, swelling and pain in the knee that worsens with weight bearing. Knee osteoarthritis often affects the entire knee joint but can sometimes be more pronounced on the inside.

Patellofemoral pain

This condition involves pain around or behind the kneecap and can sometimes be felt on the inside of the knee. It is common in runners and can be caused by an overuse injury to the knee or poor biomechanics. People with this condition may experience pain on the inside of the knee, especially during activities that involve bending the knee, which can be related to PFSS (patellofemoral pain syndrome) .

Pes anserinus bursitis

This is an inflammation of a sac on the inside of the knee, just below the joint space. It can cause a dull ache inside the knee and tenderness, especially when walking up stairs or after prolonged periods of sitting. This condition can often be confused with other problems that cause pain inside the knee, such as bursitis of the knee .

Symptoms when you have pain on the inside of your knee

Depending on the underlying cause, symptoms may vary, but common signs of pain on the inside of the knee include:

• Sharp or dull pain inside the knee
• Swelling around the knee joint
• Stiffness in the knee, especially in the morning or after prolonged sitting
• Knee pain that worsens with strain or specific movements
• Feeling of instability in the knee, especially after knee injuries
• Difficulty fully bending or extending the knee
• Snapping or clicking noises from the knee joint when moving

Examination and diagnosis of painful knees

If you experience persistent pain on the inside of your knee, it is important to seek professional help. A doctor or physical therapist will perform a thorough examination that may include:

• Physical examination of the knee
• Review of your medical history and activity level
• Specific tests to assess the stability and function of the knee, especially to evaluate if damaged structures are present on the inside of the knee
• Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs if necessary to identify the cause of knee pain

The PRICE principle

In case of acute pain on the inside of the knee, the PRICE principle is often recommended:

• Protection: Protect the knee joint from further damage
• Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate pain in the inside of the knee.
• Ice: Apply ice to reduce swelling and pain.
• Compression: Use an elastic knee support to reduce swelling
• Elevation: Keep your leg elevated to reduce swelling

Physiotherapy for painful knees

Physiotherapy is often an important part of the treatment of inner knee pain. A physiotherapist can help you with:

• Individually adapted exercises to strengthen the muscles around the inside and outside of the knee
• Stretches to increase mobility
• Techniques to correct incorrect biomechanics
• Manual therapy to improve knee joint function

Pain relief for injuries to the inside of the knee

If necessary, painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications can be used to relieve pain inside the knee and inflammation. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medications, especially if knee pain is long-term.

Using knee supports for pain relief

A quality knee brace can provide support, stability and pain relief for inner knee problems. The Knee Comfort™ is an example of an effective aid that can provide compression, reduce swelling and warm the joint, which can accelerate healing and enable a faster return to activity. It also provides important relief for the painful knee.

Surgical procedures for serious knee injuries

In some cases, especially in cases of severe meniscus or ligament injuries, surgical treatment may be necessary. This is especially true in cases of severe cruciate ligament injuries, which can often affect the stability of the entire knee joint. However, surgery is usually a last resort when conservative treatment has not yielded the desired results.

Preventive measures against knee pain

To reduce the risk of inner knee pain, you can:

• Warm up properly before training
• Increase exercise intensity gradually to avoid overexerting your knee.
• Use proper technique when running and other sports
• Wear shoes that suit your foot type and activity
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knee joint
• Strengthen the muscles around the inside and outside of the knee with regular exercises
• Use knee supports when necessary, especially during activity to avoid knee injuries.
• Wear the right shoes ( foot pronation )

When you should contact healthcare

Contact healthcare if you experience:

• Severe pain inside the knee or swelling
• Instability in the knee joint that affects your ability to walk
• Knee pain that does not improve after a few days of rest and self-care
• Signs of infection such as redness, warmth, or fever
• You suspect serious knee injuries such as cruciate ligament injuries or meniscus damage

Summary: Managing pain on the inside of the knee

Inner knee pain can be frustrating and limiting, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, most people can return to their normal activities. Remember, early intervention often leads to better outcomes and faster recovery.

By combining professional care, proper exercises, and supportive knee braces like KneeComfort™, you can effectively manage and prevent inner knee pain. Listen to your body, be consistent with your treatment, and don't hesitate to seek help if knee pain persists or worsens.

With the right approach, you can regain your mobility and quality of life, whether you are an active athlete or just want to be able to move without pain in everyday life.