Understanding Medial Knee Pain: What Causes it and What Can You Do About It?
Medial knee pain can significantly impact your daily activities and overall quality of life.
If you’re experiencing pain along the inner side of your knee, it’s important to understand the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and preventive measures associated with this type of knee pain, which is known as medial knee pain.
Keep reading to learn more about medial knee pain.
What is medial knee pain?
Medial knee pain refers to pain felt on the inner side of the knee joint. It is often linked to problems with the medial collateral ligament (MCL) or the medial meniscus, which are vital structures providing stability to the knee.
When these structures are affected, it can lead to pain, limited mobility, and difficulty with everyday movements.
What causes medial knee pain?
There are several factors that can contribute to medial knee pain. Knowing the cause of the pain is important as it can help to treat the issue too. Here are some of the more common causes of medial knee pain:
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injuries
The MCL, located on the inner side of the knee, can become stretched or torn due to a direct blow or sudden twisting motion. This can occur during sports activities or accidents that impact the knee from the outside.
Medial Meniscus Tears
The medial meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage within the knee joint. Tears can occur from activities involving twisting or sudden pivoting movements. This injury is commonly seen in athletes and older individuals with degenerative changes in the knee.
Osteoarthritis
Medial knee pain can be a result of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition that causes the cartilage to wear away over time. As the cushioning between the bones diminishes, it can lead to pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the medial compartment of the knee.
Overuse Injuries
Conditions such as iliotibial band syndrome or patellofemoral pain syndrome, often arising from repetitive activities like running or jumping, can cause medial knee pain. These injuries result from stress on the knee joint over time and can cause inflammation and discomfort.
Other Underlying Conditions
Various underlying conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or infection, can also contribute to medial knee pain. These conditions require specific medical treatment and management.
What are the symptoms for medial knee pain?
Recognising the symptoms associated with medial knee pain can help you identify and seek appropriate treatment. Common symptoms include:
Pain and tenderness along the inner side of the knee.
Swelling and inflammation in the affected area.
Stiffness and difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee.
A sensation of instability or the knee “giving way.”
Challenges with activities like walking, running, or climbing stairs.
How is the cause of medial knee pain diagnosed?
To diagnose the underlying cause of your medial knee pain, healthcare professionals employ various diagnostic methods. These may include:
Patient History and Physical Examination: Your healthcare provider will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any potential triggers for your pain. They will then conduct a physical examination, assessing the knee’s range of motion, stability, and any signs of inflammation.
Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasound scans may be utilized to visualize the knee joint and its surrounding structures. These tests can help identify specific causes of your pain, such as ligament tears or cartilage damage.
Collaboration with Other Healthcare Professionals: In complex cases, your podiatrist may collaborate with other specialists, such as orthopaedic surgeons or physical therapists, to ensure an accurate diagnosis and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
How can medial knee pain be treated?
The treatment options for medial knee pain depend on the underlying cause and severity of your condition. Some treatment approaches include:
Conservative Treatment Options
Conservative measures aim to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. They may include:
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to manage pain and reduce swelling.
Physical therapy exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the knee, promoting stability and reducing discomfort.
Use of orthotic devices or shoe modifications to provide additional support.
Laser therapy can be used to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with medial knee pain.
Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications may be recommended to alleviate pain and reduce swelling. In some cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe stronger pain medications or recommend corticosteroid injections to provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation.
Invasive Interventions
In more severe or persistent cases, invasive interventions may be considered. These may include:
Corticosteroid injections directly into the knee joint to reduce inflammation and pain.
Surgical procedures, such as arthroscopy, to repair or remove damaged structures within the knee joint. Surgery is typically reserved for cases where conservative measures have not provided sufficient relief.
How can medial knee pain be prevented?
It’s important to note that it may not be possible to prevent all causes of medial knee pain, however, there are certain steps you can take to reduce your risk and promote knee joint health. Here are some ways you can prevent knee issues:
Maintain a healthy body weight to minimize stress on the knee joint.
Wear appropriate footwear that provides support and stability for your activities. Proper shoe selection can help distribute forces evenly across the knee joint.
Prioritize proper warm-up and cool-down routines before physical activities to prepare your muscles and joints for exercise.
Engage in strength and flexibility exercises to promote overall knee joint health. Strengthening the muscles around the knee can provide added support and stability.
Avoid sudden changes in the intensity or duration of physical activities. Gradual progression allows your body to adapt to the demands placed on the knee joint.
Are you experiencing knee pain?
If what we’ve talked about today sounds familiar to you, we may be able to help. As podiatrists we understand how the feet and lower limbs work and how they impact other areas of the body. When it comes to medial knee pain, we may be able to find the cause and help to treat this or ensure that you find the right medical professional to help you.
