Knee pain is perhaps one of the direst conditions to deal with. While you have to suffer from trauma, it can even affect mobility. Pain on the inside of the knee is often associated with injuries. It can happen to anyone, whether you are a casual gym buff, runner, or footballer. Moreover, medial knee pain can be complicated because it can result from a variety of reasons. Even before starting treatment, your doctor will want to identify the exact cause and decide the right line of treatment. Here are the common ones that can lead to the condition.
Wear and tear
Joints are susceptible to wear and tear due to age and repetitive use. Degeneration occurs on the surfaces, and the tissues that facilitate movement become painful. Knee joints wear faster for extremely active people such as athletes. Even those with a sedentary lifestyle can come across an accelerated rate of degeneration. Wear and tear is indicated by symptoms like pain, swelling, stiffness, difficulty while walking and climbing stairs. Regular exercise can curb wear and tear, while athletes should also avoid injuries.
Medial collateral ligament strain
The knee has four major ligaments- medial, anterior, posterior, and lateral. Together, these ligaments maintain the stability of the joint. The MCL connects the thigh bone, knee joint, and shin bone. When it gets strained, you experience pain, swelling, and bruising in the inner knee. Ligament injuries occur due to a force hitting the knee from outside. They can lead to a feeling of instability and difficulty in walking.
Medial meniscus injury
The menisci are cartilage discs in the knee joint. The medial meniscus lies on the inside and can be injured due to a specific movement like twisting. It can tear the meniscus and cause severe pain. Swelling and stiffness, a painful click when bending the area, and a feeling of a “locked” knee are other signs to watch out for. It is best to consult an orthopedic knee surgeon if you have these symptoms. You will probably need surgery if it is a Grade 3 tear.
Pes anserine bursitis
Pes anserine bursitis is caused by repetitive turning movements, muscle imbalances, a sudden increase in physical activity, or an underlying knee issue. Pain on the inside of the knee is the primary symptom. You are more likely to experience it while bending and straightening your leg. Swelling and weakness around the area are other signs of the condition.
Plica syndrome
Plica is the folds of thin tissue in the joint membrane of the knee. Since only 50% of people have them, the condition is relatively uncommon. It is indicated by tenderness in the inside of the knee. A painful snap when you bend your knees is another sign of this condition. You are at high risk if you follow an extremely active lifestyle. A sudden uptick in the activity levels can aggravate it.
Pain on the inside of your knee can hamper movement and interfere with your lifestyle. It can even affect your career if you are a sports professional. It is best to get a diagnosis and treatment at the earliest to get your life back to normal.