Knee Pain: Causes And Treatments
A variety of conditions can cause knee pain on the inner side, including knee ligament injuries, cartilage damage, and osteoarthritis. Sports injuries, overuse, and the aging process are frequently to blame for these conditions, so rest, ice, and pain medications are commonly used as a treatment strategy. If the knee is hurt in a more serious way, it could take up to 12 months for the pain to heal. When twisting your knee, you should check for a meniscal tear, which could be the source of your pain.
Treatment Options For Inner Knee Pain
The first step in treating inner knee pain involves at-home remedies, such as resting and icing the joint for a few days. You can also try over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
If the pain persists, an orthopedic specialist may prescribe corticosteroid injections to lessen your discomfort. Only in the most severe cases will a doctor recommend surgery. For example, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery may be required to repair or reattach the ligament in the case of an MCL tear.
Physical therapy exercises to strengthen the muscles encasing the knee are another common treatment option. A quad stretch, for example, helps reduce stress on the knee. For this exercise, use a chair for balance and support. Then, standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, step back with your right foot, maintaining a straight posture. Bend your knees slightly so you feel a stretch in the front of your legs. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds and then repeat with the other leg.
If youre experiencing chronic pain in your inner knee, the orthopedic doctors and physical therapists at New York Bone & Joint Specialists can help you find the treatment thats right for you. Book an appointment today for a personalized consultation.
What Treatments Shouldnt Be Offered
There are many other treatments that have been used for osteoarthritis, including needle lavage for joints, lateral wedge insoles, acupuncture, glucosamine, chondroitin, intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid, and arthroscopy. However, studies of these treatments have not consistently shown statistically significant or clinically important improvements, and their use is not routinely recommended in guidelines.
Needle lavage for joints was assessed in a 2010 Cochrane review, and the authors found no benefit in terms of pain relief or improvement in physical function.9 Neither the EULAR nor the AAOS guidelines recommend using lateral wedge insoles because of lack of efficacy in comparison to neutral insoles3,5 and reports of adverse events.5 A recent meta-analysis investigating the use of lateral wedge insoles for treatment of medial knee osteoarthritis failed to show a statistically significant or clinically important improvement in pain scores using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index when compared with a neutral insole.10 The Canadian Orthopaedic Association, as part of the Choosing Wisely Canada campaign, does not recommend the use of either joint lavage or lateral wedge insoles for the treatment of knee arthritis11 .
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Iliotibial Band Syndrome As A Cause Of Stabbing Pain In The Knee
When knee burning pain is experienced in the lateral aspect i.e. side of the knee, the condition is termed Iliotibial band syndrome. Knee overuse disorders include PFPS and ITBS.
Trauma or overuse can irritate and swell up the iliotibial band tendon which can further cause compression of the nerves. It can affect one or both knees.
Burning pain in the knee is a common symptom of this syndrome, thus, it is easily diagnosed. This is one of the most common conditions that cause a burning sensation in the knee.
The syndrome usually manifests itself in the form of a burning sensation with knee pain in the lateral femoral epicondyle of the knee. A 2020 study indicates that conservative treatment might be helpful in alleviating this location-specific knee pain.
Athletes exposed to physical stress suffer from this syndrome and often complain of burning knee pain, a study suggests.
What Is The Likely Diagnosis
The most likely diagnosis for this patient is osteoarthritis of the knees. The differential diagnosis includes pes anserine bursitis, spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee and inflammatory arthropathy. Osteoarthritis is more common in women and older people in addition, obesity puts this patient at increased risk for knee osteoarthritis.1,2 Brief morning stiffness, persistent knee pain, a decrease in function, crepitus, restricted movement and bony enlargement are clinical features and findings on physical examination that comprise the European League Against Rheumatism criteria for the diagnosis of osteoarthritis.2
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Inner Knee Pain Causes
There are a number of causes of inner knee pain, not all of which are as obvious as a direct blow to the knee. Often, what causes inner knee pain is not easy to identify, particularly when the pain has come on gradually.
A meniscus injury, for example, might happen during a sporting event. However, normal overuse of the cartilage can lead to a breakdown of the meniscus, particularly as we age.
Among the most common causes of inner knee pain are:
- Repetitive stress
- Poor technique during everyday activities, sports, or exercise
- Dysfunctional lower body or core mechanics
- Weak leg muscles
- People who are inactive or sedentary
- Weekend warriors
What Causes Pain On The Inside Of The Knee
MCL Injury – The most common cause of inside knee pain is an injury to the medial collateral ligament . The MCL is the ligament runs up the inside of the knee joint and it helps stabilize the inside of the knee. MCL injuries typically occur when impact happens on the outside of the knee, which overstretches or tears the inside ligament.
Meniscus Injury – The meniscus is the piece of cartilage that cushions the knee joint as we walk. Depending on where on the meniscus an injury has occurred, a patient may experience inner knee pain.
Other Causes of Inside Knee Pain – Weakness of the muscles around the knee or arthritis may also cause pain on the inside of the knee. There may also be other causes for inside knee pain, but the ones listed here are the most common.
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Twisted Knee Pain On Inner Side
This is one of the most common causes of swelling and pain on the inside of the knee after twisting it. This type of acute knee injury usually results in a swollen knee joint and acute knee pain for 24 to 48 hours after the injury occurs.
The ligaments and the cartilage are the most common places to be injured by a twisted knee. A twisting knee may cause damage to one or more of the four ligaments, pinching the cartilage/meniscus, or tearing the knee joint. Depending on the severity of the injury, the ligament may have three different grades. On the outside of the knee joint, there are lateral and collateral ligaments. The knee is more likely to be injured in the lateral collateral due to forces pushing it inward. When the snowplough position places tension on the knee joint, it can cause a knee injury known as a malleolus knee joint injury. The knee cartilage, known as the knee meniscus, is prone to getting twisted and torn.
It is most commonly caused by the foot being fixed to the ground, the knee becoming slightly bent, and the knee twisting suddenly. The injury could be caused by more than one ligament being damaged, or it could be caused by a combination of both ligaments and cartilage. If you have twisted your knee and are experiencing pain or swelling, consult with your doctor. Early detection of ligament and cartilage tears can help avoid future problems. Check out our knee pain diagnosis section if youre having knee pain.
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.
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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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Why Does The Inside Of My Knee Hurt When I Sleep
Runners knees, osteoarthritis, bursitis, and injuries are three of the most common causes of nighttime knee pain. It is possible that some of these conditions, such as runners knee, will go away after you rest your knee. Arthritis, on the other hand, is characterized by chronic symptoms.
Wearing A Knee Brace: When Its Helpful And When Its Not
As a general rule, when going out in the evening, people should wear knee braces to alleviate pain and stiffness. It is critical to remember that the brace should be worn when you leave the bedroom, unless otherwise specified. As you begin to sleep in it, the pain may ease up, including during the first few nights. Furthermore, melatonin and prolactin, which are hormones produced in the body at night, can cause inflammation. As a result, pain and inflammation from arthritis may worsen. As a result, if you are already in pain before going to bed, wearing a knee brace may not be the best option for you.
Five Common Reasons For Inside Knee Pain
Pain on the inside of the knee can happen to anyone, whether youre a runner, footballer or casual gym-goer. Today, Bodyset Senior MSK Physiotherapist, Matt looks in detail at five of the most common causes of medial knee pain. He also shares tips on how to avoid a knee injury and what to do if you it happens to you.
Medial collateral ligament strain
The MCL is one of the four major ligaments of the knee. The others are the ACL , PCL and LCL . The role of these ligaments is to maintain the stability of the knee joint and prevent forces from moving the thigh and shin bones apart. The MCL runs vertically along the inside of the knee from the thigh bone , across the knee joint to the shin bone . Ligament injuries often occur due to an obvious mechanism of injury, such as a twist or a force hitting the outside of the knee . Dependent on the severity of the injury, there may be swelling, bruising and pain on the inside of the knee. You may also experience difficulty walking and a feeling of instability in the knee.
Medial meniscus injury
Wear and tear
Pes anserine bursitis
Plica syndrome
What can you do to reduce knee pain?
What can we do to help?
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If you are in pain and would like to consult a physiotherapist, book in for a 45-minute assessment. Call 033 0333 0435 or book online below.
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Is Inner Knee Pain Serious
There is no one answer to this question as it depends on the underlying cause of the inner knee pain. However, in general, inner knee pain is not considered to be a serious condition. While it can be painful and debilitating, it is usually not a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Inner knee pain can often be treated with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications. If the pain is severe or does not improve with home treatment, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions.
Your knee is supported by a piece of cartilage known as the MCL. This is an important component of keeping your shin and thigh bones stable and working properly. The thigh muscles move the knee joint, and the thigh muscles are linked to the knee bones. The most common type of knee injury is a torn knee cap. Inadequate fluid drainage causes knee bursitis, which is caused by a small fluid-filled sac located near the joint. The bone thickens and cushions your bones and tendons, reducing friction. Depending on which bursa is affected, the pain could be anteromedial, which means that it is located in front or center.
In most cases, you have knee osteoarthritis if your inner knee pain, swelling, stiffness, and lack of mobility are symptoms. If you also heard a popping sound or felt a popping sensation, it is very likely that your knee has been damaged. When you wear the Patella Stabilizer knee brace, you can feel more stable in your knee.
What Are The Benefits And Drawbacks Of A Custom
If youll be wearing a brace longer term , you may wish to consider a custom-fit brace. Your doctor will write a prescription for a brace and refer you to an orthotist. These medical specialists will take many measurements of your joints, movement patterns, and more to build a custom-fit brace.
A custom-fit brace is ideally the most comfortable and effective brace you can wear because its made exactly for you. However, they can be very expensive, sometimes costing around $1,500. Some insurance policies may pay for all or a portion of the cost. Also, this type of brace can take time to create. Many people wear a temporary brace until their custom one is completed.
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Diagnosing Inside Knee Pain
In order to treat pain on the inside of knee, it is very important to get an accurate diagnosis from your physician. If you had trauma or other injury to the knee, it is important to let your doctor know. Your age and activities may also play a factor in helping determine the cause of inside knee pain, so be sure to let your doctor know about your occupation or hobbies that may be affecting your knee.
Your physician will likely have an imaging test such as an MRI or X-ray to be able to see the structures in the knee and determine if there has been damage to the cartilage or ligaments which may be causing pain inside the knee. He or she can then determine if the MCL or meniscus has been stretched or torn.
If You Feel Inner Knee Pain When Active Swelling Stiffness And Decreased Mobility:
You probably have knee osteoarthritis. Along with the symptoms mentioned above, there might also be a creaking, crackly sound that is heard when the knee moves. You may also feel warmth on your knee joint. With osteoarthritis, it can become difficult to get in and out of chairs or cars, use the stairs, or walk.
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Blood Clot Or Deep Vein Thrombosis
While most blood clots arent harmful, when one forms deep in one of your major veins, it results in a serious condition known as deep vein thrombosis . While deep vein clots appear more frequently in the lower legs, they can form in one or both thighs as well. In some cases, there are no symptoms. Other times, symptoms may include:
- a warm sensation
- a pale or bluish discoloration
As a result of DVT, some people develop a life-threatening condition known as pulmonary embolism, in which a blood clot travels to the lungs. Symptoms may include:
- sudden shortness of breath
- chest pain or discomfort that worsens when you take a deep breath or when you cough
- lightheadedness or dizziness
Risk factors for DVT include:
- having an injury that damages your veins
- being overweight, which puts more pressure on the veins in your legs and pelvis
- having a family history of DVT
- having a catheter placed in a vein
- staying seated for a long time while youre in a car or on a plane, especially if you already have at least one other risk factor
- having just had surgery
Treatment for DVT ranges from lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, to prescription blood thinners, and compression stockings. In some cases, a doctor may recommend the insertion of a filter inside the large abdominal vein to prevent clots from entering the lungs.
How Do You Treat Inner Knee Pain
For these issues, follow these steps to relieve the inner knee pain.
- Rest the knee: If the injury occurs while doing sports, running, avoid this activity till the knee is fully healed.
- Use an ice pack: Apply the ice to the injured area, three to four times a day, for at least 20 minutes at a time. It can reduce pain and inflammation. These ice packs are readily available at the market, or you can also prepare them at home.
- Anti-inflammatories:You can also take anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen or aspirin, which are readily available at an online pharmacy and medical stores. If these medicines dont work, a doctor might recommend more potent pain medicines.
Your doctor might recommend the following for medial knee pain relief:
- Wearing a brace to support the knee.
- Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the muscle near the knee.
- Using hot and cold therapy to relieve knee pain.
- Injections of corticosteroid medication for the conditions.
- Surgery to remove or remove the damaged portions of knee tissue.
- TENS therapyto block the sensation of pain
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