Understanding Pain on Inside of Knee When Bending and Straightening: Causes and Relief

When experiencing knee pain, particularly on the inside of the knee during bending and straightening motions, various underlying conditions could be at play. This resource delves into typical causes, signs, and therapeutic options to assist in comprehending and managing your discomfort when you encounter pain on the inside of the knee while bending and extending it.

Key Takeaways

• Inner knee pain can be caused by various factors including medial meniscus injuries, MCL injuries, patellofemoral pain syndrome, and knee osteoarthritis, emphasizing the importance of identifying the root cause for effective treatment.
• Symptoms of inner knee pain range from sharp pain and swelling to instability and difficulty with movement, necessitating a thorough diagnosis through physical examination and imaging tests to guide treatment options.
• Treatment for inner knee pain may involve physiotherapy, medication, and surgery, along with self-help strategies such as the POLICE principle, weight management, and the use of protective gear to promote recovery and prevent further injury.

Common Causes of Inner Knee Pain

Knee joint discomfort can stem from a variety of sources, including injuries, habitual overuse, and specific medical conditions. To alleviate this pain and avoid complications, it is essential to identify the root cause. The most common factors leading to inner knee pain are:

• Injuries to the medial meniscus
• Trauma or damage to the medial collateral ligament (MCL)
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome often seen in runners
• Knee osteoarthritis

Medial Meniscus Injury

An injury to the medial meniscus is characterized by a rupture in the c-shaped cartilaginous pads located within the knee joint. These injuries commonly occur during sudden twisting or pivoting movements while weight-bearing, often in sports like football or basketball. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty straightening the leg. Sharp pain during rotation may indicate a meniscus tear.

Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury

The medial collateral ligament connects the thigh and shin bones, providing essential knee stability. Injuries occur from direct impact, abrupt twisting, or repetitive strain, commonly in contact sports like rugby. Symptoms include swelling, stiffness, and discomfort. Knee braces can offer support and relief during recovery. Early professional assessment is crucial to prevent long-term complications.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)

Patellofemoral pain syndrome arises from overuse and repetitive stress, causing pain around the kneecap, worsened by activities like squatting, running, or climbing stairs. Rest and physiotherapy targeting surrounding muscles are recommended.

Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition where the cartilage deteriorates, causing bone-on-bone friction. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling, especially during weight-bearing activities. Management includes lifestyle modifications, physiotherapy, medications, and in severe cases, surgery. Weight management and supportive devices like braces improve overall knee function and independence.

Symptoms of Inner Knee Pain

• Acute sharp pain
• Persistent dull ache
• Inflammation and swelling
• Sensitivity to touch
• Difficulty squatting or using stairs

Swelling and Tenderness

Swelling and tenderness, often from pes anserine bursitis or other knee bursitis, can make climbing stairs painful. Pain may range from sharp to dull.

Instability and Locking

Instability or locking may indicate meniscus tears or medial plica syndrome. Gradual increases in pain warrant prompt assessment.

Sharp Pain and Dull Ache

Sharp pain typically points to acute injuries like meniscus tears. Dull ache may suggest arthritis or overuse injuries. Tracking when and how pain occurs helps clinicians determine the cause and tailor treatment.

Diagnosing Inner Knee Pain

Diagnosis involves a physical exam to assess pain, swelling, and range of motion, complemented by imaging like X-rays and MRI to detect bone or soft tissue injuries. Arthroscopy allows direct visualization and can repair certain issues.

Physical Examination

Physicians inspect swelling, tenderness, and knee motion while asking about pain severity.

Imaging Tests

X-rays rule out fractures and alignment issues; MRIs reveal soft tissue injuries.

Arthroscopy

A minimally invasive technique to directly view and treat internal knee problems for precise diagnosis and management.

Treatment Options for Inner Knee Pain

Treatment depends on the cause and severity and may include physiotherapy, medications, or surgery. Physiotherapy strengthens surrounding muscles, improving stability and function. Analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications reduce pain, while severe cases may require injections or surgical repair.

Physiotherapy

Targeted exercises like squats, lunges, and single-leg squats enhance knee stability and muscle strength, supporting recovery and reducing future injury risk.

Medication

Analgesics and anti-inflammatories help manage pain and swelling. Corticosteroid injections may be used in acute or severe cases.

Surgery

When conservative treatments fail, arthroscopy can repair major ligament injuries or cartilage damage, restore function, and relieve severe pain.

Self-Help Strategies for Inner Knee Pain

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation reduce pain and swelling, especially in the first 48–72 hours post-injury.

POLICE Principle

• Protect: Avoid further injury
• Optimal Loading: Gentle exercise to promote healing
• Ice: Cold therapy for inflammation
• Compression: Reduces swelling
• Elevation: Decreases fluid accumulation

Avoiding HARM

Avoid Heat, Alcohol, Running, and Massage in the first 72 hours to prevent aggravating inflammation.

Use of Knee Brace

Knee braces provide stability and pain relief, especially for MCL injuries or high-impact activities.

Preventing Inner Knee Pain

Strengthening muscles, maintaining healthy weight, and using protective equipment reduces risk of injury.

Strengthening Exercises

• Squats
• Lunges
• Leg presses
• Hamstring curls
• Deadlifts

Weight Management

Every pound lost reduces stress on knees, lowering risk of pain and degeneration.

Protective Gear

Knee pads and braces help prevent injury during high-impact sports or physical activities.

Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy is a regenerative treatment using injections to stimulate collagen production, repairing damaged tissues. It targets the root cause of knee pain and may offer long-lasting relief.

Summary

Inner knee pain can arise from meniscus or MCL injuries, patellofemoral pain syndrome, or osteoarthritis. Early recognition, accurate diagnosis, and individualized treatment—ranging from physiotherapy to surgery—are key. Self-care, strengthening exercises, weight management, and protective equipment can prevent further injury and maintain knee health.

Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call

Don’t let inside knee pain control your life any longer. Join the thousands of patients who have found lasting relief through prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic.

Get in Touch

• Phone: +441234380345
• Email: info@prohealthclinic.co.uk

Our Clinic Locations

• London: 104 Harley Street, Marylebone, W1G 7JD
• Manchester: The Hadley Clinic, 64 Bridge Street, M3 3BN
• Bedford: The Village Medical Centre, Kingswood Way, MK40 4GH

All clinics offer the same award-winning prolotherapy treatment with convenient appointment times, including evenings and weekends.

Author Bio

Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating inside knee pain, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.

With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with inside knee pain and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.

He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.

Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-eaton-4338225b/

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of inner knee pain?

Injuries to the medial meniscus, MCL tears, patellofemoral pain syndrome, and knee osteoarthritis are frequent culprits.

How is inner knee pain diagnosed?

Through physical examination, imaging (X-rays, MRI), and sometimes arthroscopy for direct visualization.

What are some effective treatments for inner knee pain?

Physiotherapy, medications, injections, and possibly surgery, depending on severity and cause.

What self-help strategies can I use to manage knee pain?

Follow the POLICE principle: Protect, Optimal Loading, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

How can I prevent inner knee pain?

Perform strengthening exercises, manage weight, and use protective gear during high-impact activities.