What Causes Knee Pain On The Inner Side

Treatment For Inside Knee Pain

Once your doctor determines the cause of the pain inside knee, he or she will be able to suggest forms of treatment.

Treatment varies depending on the severity of the injury. Immediate treatment after traumatic injuries include RICE and anti-inflammatory over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin.

If a more serious injury such as an MCL tear is present, then arthroscopic surgery to repair the torn ligament may be necessary. In all cases, physical therapy may be beneficial, because strengthening the muscles around knee will help reduce pain inside the knee both before and after surgery . Speak with your doctor about all of your options in regards to your inside knee pain.

Understanding Knee Pain In Young Adults

Sore, aching knees might seem like a problem only older people experience, but guess what? Plenty of younger people have knee pain, too. But while the symptoms may feel similar, younger people tend to have knee pain for different reasons. And that means theyll need to have different types of care to feel better. Heres what you need to know about knee pain in kids and young adults.

What Are The Symptoms Of Inner Knee Pain

The intensity of your inner knee pain, as well as the location of the pain, could vary. This will depend on what caused the knee to become injured or painful.

Usually, the signs and symptoms that can accompany inner knee pain will include:

Fortunately, inner knee pain exercises may help you deal with many symptoms at home.

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How Do You Treat Inner Knee Pain

Inner knee pain treatment will depend on what is causing the problem. In most cases, it helps to reduce any swelling and improve the strength and stability around the knee to take the pressure off the knee joint. In some cases, surgery will be necessary.

You can find out loads more about the best treatment for each cause of medial knee pain by reading the full articles list above.

Fractures Bursa Inflammation And Patellar Injuries

Fractures

Fractures of the bones of knee are relatively common. The patella, or kneecap, may fracture due to a fall directly onto it or in car accidents, when the knee is driven into the dashboard. If the bone is displaced , surgery may be required for repair, but if the bone is in good position, a knee immobilizer and watchful waiting may be all that is required.

The head of the fibula on the lateral side of the knee joint can be fractured either by a direct blow or as part of an injury to the shin or ankle. This bone usually heals with little intervention, but fractures of this bone can have a major complication. The peroneal nerve wraps around the bone and can be damaged by the fracture. This will cause a foot drop, so do not be surprised if the physician examines your foot when you complain of knee problems.

With jumping injuries, the surface of the tibia can be damaged, resulting in a fracture to the tibial plateau. The mechanism of injury is jumping and landing on a fully extended, straightened knee. Since the femoral condyle sits on the tibial plateau to make the knee joint, it is important that it heals with the most even joint surface as possible to prevent future arthritis and chronic pain. For that reason, after plain X-rays reveal this fracture, a CT scan may be done to make certain that there is no displacement of the bones. This type of fracture may require surgery for repair.

Bursa Inflammation

Patellar Injuries

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What Are Knee Pain Symptoms And Signs

• Chronic use/overuse conditions: osteoarthritis, chondromalacia, IT band syndrome, patellar syndromes, tendinitis, and bursitis

Below is a list of some of the more common causes of knee pain. This is not an all-inclusive list but rather highlights a few common causes of knee pain in each of the above categories.

Acute knee injuries

Fractures: A direct blow to the bony structure can cause one of the bones in the knee to break. This is usually a very obvious and painful knee injury. Most knee fractures are not only painful but will also interfere with the proper functioning of the knee or make it very painful to bear weight . All fractures need immediate medical attention. Many fractures require significant force, and a thorough examination is performed to detect other injuries.

Ligament injuries: The most common injury is the ACL injury. An ACL injury is often a sports-related injury due to a sudden stop and change in directions. The remaining ligaments are injured less frequently.

Meniscus injuries: The menisci are made of cartilage and act as shock absorbers between bones in the knee. Twisting the knee can injure the meniscus.

Dislocation: The knee joint can be dislocated, which is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Knee dislocation can compromise blood flow to the leg and have other related problems. This injury often occurs during a motor-vehicle accident when the knee hits the dashboard.

How Can I Prevent Knee Pain

Although you canât prevent all injuries, you can take these steps to make them less likely.

• Stop exercising if you feel pain in your knee.
• If you want to make your workout more intense, always do it gradually.
• Stretch your legs before and after physical activity.
• Use kneepads to prevent bursitis, especially if you have to kneel a lot.
• Wear shoes that fit well and offer enough support.
• Keep your thigh muscles strong with regular stretching and strengthening.
• If youâre overweight, work to drop some pounds so thereâs less stress on all of your joints, including your knees.

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Who Are Prone To Inner Knee Pain

Everyone may feel pain in their knees throughout their lifetime and at various ages. In some people, it is temporary and disappears after a while in others, it becomes a lifelong problem. Athletes, adults over the age of 60 are in the high-risk group, while young people and children are in the low-risk group in terms of sensitivity to injuries. In general, the following people are more likely to experience inner knee pain:

• Footballers, skiers, rugby players. According to estimates, knee pain in former footballers was 52.2%, compared to 26.9% in the general population. 1
• People who suddenly increase their physical activity
• Cyclists or breaststroke swimmer. because these people use their knees too much
• Older people due to osteoporosis or falls

But don’t forget that anyone, from young to old, may suffer this condition, so you should take care of your health.

Knee Pain On The Inside Five Common Injuries

Meniscus Irritation or Injury

The medial meniscus helps absorb weight as you move, particularly during high impact activities like running and jumping. It is often injured while playing sports. Unexpected collisions, stopping and starting at high speeds and twisting movements are the events that typically result in meniscal injury. Afterward, you may notice pain and swelling throughout the knee especially on the inside of the joint. You will also experience a loss in range of motion, and may feel like your knee is unstable while walking. If you have suffered a traumatic injury to your meniscus you should seek medical attention immediately. Depending on the nature of the tear, surgery may be warranted.

While traumatic meniscus injuries are common, it is also possible to irritate the meniscus through repetitive movements. Frequent squatting and bending while working, can over time, cause small fissures to develop in the meniscus resulting in nagging pain and instability. In these situations, an offloader knee brace can be a great treatment option. Because the brace actively reduces pressure on the joint, it will help keep you on your feet and working while letting your meniscus heal.

Pes Anserine Bursitis

Synovial Plica Syndrome

Medial Collateral Ligament Sprain/Strain

Medial Knee Osteoarthritis

Whats Next?

References

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Managing Inner Knee Pain

Immediately after an injury, you can help yourself by resting your leg, using an ice pack and taking painkillers, such as ibuprofen. If you cant put weight on your leg, you may need crutches. Avoid twisting or bending the knee as far as possible.

If your injury is mild, you may not need to see a doctor or physiotherapist, but you should if:

• you cannot put weight on the affected leg
• you have severe pain, even when not bearing weight
• your knee gives way, clicks, or locks
• your knee is deformed or misshapen
• your knee is hot, red or very swollen or you have a fever
• you have pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, or a bluish discoloration in your calf
• youre still in pain after three days

Inner Knee Pain Symptoms

Other symptoms you may have with inner knee pain will vary, depending on the cause. You may have swelling, pain with particular movements and your knee may click or get stuck in one position .

With a medial collateral ligament injury, pain and swelling usually come on straightaway after your accident, although you may not always have swelling. The injury causes pain over the inner knee, which may be focussed on the mid-point of the knee joint. The ligament helps to keep the knee stable, so you may feel as if your knee is going to give way.

Symptoms of a torn meniscus cartilage generally come on up to a day after the initial injury. Pain and swelling may get worse and you may have difficulty fully straightening your leg. A more severe tear will be painful from the start.

The knee may also lock, feel stiff or feel unstable, as if its about to give way.

Pain from an anterior cruciate ligament injury may be sudden and you may hear a pop. The knee is likely to swell from internal bleeding and may feel as if its going to give way.

Osteoarthritis usually causes pain when youre putting weight on the leg, and is relieved by rest. You may have stiffness and loss of movement first thing in the morning or after sitting for a while. You may also have some swelling around your knee.

Medial plica syndrome typically causes pain on climbing stairs, running or squatting. You may have pain if you have your leg bent for a long time. The knee may also catch or click when you bend your leg.

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What Are The Types And Causes Of Knee Injuries

While direct blows to the knee will occur, the knee is more susceptible to twisting or stretching injuries , taking the joint through a greater range of motion than it was meant to tolerate.

If the knee is stressed from a specific direction, then the ligament trying to hold it in place against that force can stretch or tear. These injuries are called sprains. Sprains are graded as first, second, or third degree based upon how much damage has occurred. Grade-one sprains stretch the ligament but don’t tear the fibers grade-two sprains partially tear the fibers, but the ligament remains intact and grade-three tears completely disrupt the ligament.

Twisting injuries to the knee put stress on the cartilage or meniscus and can pinch them between the tibial surface and the edges of the femoral condyle, potentially causing tears.

Injuries of the muscles and tendons surrounding the knee are caused by acute hyperflexion or hyperextension of the knee or by overuse. These injuries are called strains. Strains are graded similarly to sprains, with first-degree strains stretching muscle or tendon fibers but not tearing them, second-degree strains partially tearing the muscle tendon unit, and third-degree strains completely tearing it.

There can be inflammation of the bursas of the knee that can occur because of direct blows or chronic use and abuse.

What Does A Knee Injury Feel Like

Obviously, it hurts! But the type of pain and where you feel it can vary, depending on what the problem is. You may have:

• Pain, usually when you bend or straighten the knee
• Swelling
• Trouble putting weight on the knee
• Problems moving your knee
• Knee buckling or âlockingâ

If you have these symptoms, see your doctor. They will check your knee. You may also need X-rays or an MRI to see more detail of the joint.

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Investigation Of Pain Inside The Knee

Your doctor will ask you about the type of pain you are feeling, and also note the size of your affected knee compared to your unaffected knee. Any discolouration and warmth will be noted as will the range of movement you are able to effect. The doctor may need further investigation in the form of medical imaging to detect fluid or a possible fracture, and perhaps a blood test to identify any rheumatoid factor or antinuclear antibodies. Fluid may also be drawn from the knee to test for uric acid or bacteria if an infection or inflammation is suspected.

Diagnosing Inner Knee Pain

If you experience consistent pain, speak to your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will ask questions about the pain and other symptoms and will perform a physical examination with special tests specifically for the knee.

He or she may also order a diagnostic test, such as an MRI or X-ray for more conclusive results or ruling out certain injuries. It is also important for your doctor to rule out other possible issues such as a low back injury-known as lumbar radiculopathy.

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Can Knee Pain Come Back After Treatment

Frequently, knee pain will occur for a short period of time and then resolve. Sometimes it can return a few weeks or months later. For chronic knee pain, it is important to get it evaluated to avoid further damage to cartilage, bones, or ligaments. Prognosis depends on the underlying causes of the pain.

With modern surgical techniques, it’s possible to relieve many of the knee pain syndromes and return to an active lifestyle.

What To Expect At Your Office Visit

Your provider will perform a physical exam, and look at your knees, hips, legs, and other joints.

Your provider may do the following tests:

• MRI of the knee if a ligament or meniscus tear could be the cause
• CT scan of the knee
• Joint fluid culture

Your provider may inject a steroid into your knee to reduce pain and inflammation.

You may need to learn stretching and strengthening exercises. You also may need to see a podiatrist to be fitted for orthotics.

In some cases, you may need surgery.

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What Types Of Doctors Treat Knee Injuries

Often, knee injuries are cared for by primary care providers who have the knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat many of the common knee injuries that occur. Orthopedic surgeons are involved in knee injury care to determine whether surgery might be required. They are also the specialists to perform the surgery. Physical therapists have an important role in the treatment of knee injuries regardless of whether surgery is required.

What Are Risk Factors For Knee Pain

Biomechanics: The knee joint is complicated in its operation and is used frequently throughout the day. Any change in the movement of the joint can cause subtle changes and cause pain and injuries.

Excess weight: The stress on the knee joint is increased with excess weight. Obesity also increases the risk of knee osteoarthritis as the cartilage breaks down more rapidly.

Overuse during repetitive motions as are found during certain exercises or work conditions can cause breakdown of cartilage and lead to pain.

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Other Inner Knee Pain Treatment Solutions

• Draining of fluid build-up Fluid build-up is one of the causes of inner knee pain and pressure. Removing excess fluid is done by aspiration.
• Bracing This is made by supporting the knee in the form of a brace.
• Physical therapy This therapy helps to strengthen and stretch the muscles of the knee, which will be tailored to the individual to ease inner knee pain.
• Corticosteroid injections For any of the causes of inner knee pain, corticosteroids are administered, especially for promoting comfort and ease of movement.
• Surgery It may be required to remove or repair the damaged part of the knee tissue like the meniscus or the bursa. A doctor will usually recommend the other inner knee pain treatment options before proceeding with invasive treatment like surgery.

Facts You Should Know About Knee Pain

• Knee pain is a common problem with many causes, from acute injuries to complications of medical conditions.
• Knee pain can be localized to a specific area of the knee or be diffuse throughout the knee.
• Knee pain is often accompanied by physical restriction.
• A thorough physical examination will usually establish the diagnosis of knee pain.
• The treatment of knee pain depends on the underlying cause.
• The prognosis of knee pain, even severe knee pain, is usually good although it might require surgery or other interventions.

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Medial Collateral Ligament Tear Or Sprain

The MCL is a band of tissue that runs along the inner edge of your knee. It plays a role in connecting your shin and thigh bones to keep your knee stable and working properly. The MCL can tear when it stretches far enough or if the outside of your knee is hit very hard. When your MCL is injured, your knee has the capability to over-extend itself, or bend too far in a direction its not supposed to. That is why its important to get treatment. In order to tend to an MCL tear and reduce pain and swelling, RICE treatment can help.