The medial knee, also called the inner knee, is made up of bones and ligaments. It can become weaker or inflamed as a result of injury, overuse or degenerative conditions. The symptoms of a medial knee injury include a dull or sharp pain. There may also be a popping or cracking sound as the joint moves.
Inner knee pain is usually treated well by home remedies. However, if your pain persists it is important to consult an orthopedic specialist who can pinpoint the cause and decide the best course of treatment.
Causes Of Inner Knee Pain
You may have one of four common conditions if you are experiencing knee pain in the medial region.
1. Knee Bursitis
Bursa are small sacs that contain lubricating liquid. They surround the knee to protect the tendons and muscles from friction. You will feel pain two to three inches beneath the inner knee when the bursa becomes inflamed. This can be due to repetitive injuries or a sudden trauma.
2. Meniscus Tear
The cartilage of the meniscus cushions the knee joint when you move. You may feel inner knee pain if this cartilage breaks down due to an injury, or weakens with age.
3. Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis
When the cartilage that protects the knees wears away, osteoarthritis develops. This condition can cause pain, particularly when walking up or down stairs. The immune system attacks healthy tissues and joints in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid Arthritis can cause swelling, stiffness and loss of knee motion.
4. MCL Tear
The medial collinear ligament (MCL) is one of four ligaments which stabilize the knee. It runs along the inner part of the joint. The MCL is a ligament that allows the knee to move freely, while also preventing it bending inward. The MCL can be torn by a severe blow on the outside of the knee, which causes severe pain.
Treatment Options For Inner Knee Pain
In order to treat inner knee pain, you can use at-home remedies such as resting or icing your joint for several days. Try anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
An orthopedic specialist can prescribe corticosteroid shots to ease your pain if it persists. A doctor will only recommend surgery in severe cases. In the case of a MCL tear, arthroscopic minimally-invasive surgery may be needed to repair or reattach ligament.
Another common treatment is physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that surround the knee. Quad stretches, for instance, can reduce the stress on your knee. Use a chair to balance and provide support for this exercise. Standing with your feet at shoulder width apart, take a step backwards with your right leg, while maintaining a straight position. You can bend your knees a little to feel the stretch on your front legs. Repeat the stretch with the opposite leg.
