Do you experience inner knee pain when bending? This can be a very frustrating and debilitating condition. There are many possible causes of inner knee pain, so it is important to seek medical attention in order to get the correct diagnosis.
In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common causes of inner knee pain. We will also provide tips on how to manage this condition and improve your quality of life!
The Knee Joint
Before discussing inner knee pain, it would be pertinent to discuss the anatomy of the knee joint in the human body.
The knee joint is made up of three bones: the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone), and the patella (or kneecap) which is found at the front of the knee.
These bones are connected by soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, muscles, connective tissue, and cartilage. When all of these structures are working together in harmony, the knee joint is able to bend and straighten without pain.
There are four main knee ligaments on the inside of the knee joint, they are:
– Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
– Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
– Medial collateral ligament (MCL)
– Lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
In addition to the major ligaments of the knee, there is also the meniscus, a cartilage located between the two weight-bearing bones, that acts as a shock absorber and helps stabilize the joint.
When any of these structures become injured or irritated, it can lead to inner knee pain.
Injuries Leading to Inner Knee Pain When Bending
There are numerous injuries or medical conditions that can lead to inner knee pain while bending your knee joint. Some common causes include:
– MCL Injury: An MCL tear or sprain is typically caused by a direct blow to the side of the knee during contact sports. This knee injury can cause severe pain and swelling in the inner knee, as well as instability when bending or straightening the leg.
– Meniscal tear: A meniscus tear, like a ligament tear, can occur as a result of trauma to the knee or due to degenerative changes in the meniscus. Whether due to degenerative changes or direct impact a torn meniscus can lead to inner knee pain, swelling, and difficulty bending and straightening the knee.
– Anserine bursitis: Anserine bursitis is an inflammation of the anserine bursa. The anserine bursa is found inferomedial to the patella. This bursa is one of the many fluid-filled sacs throughout the body. This condition can cause burning pain when bending or straightening the knee.
– Baker’s cyst: A Baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms behind the knee joint. The cyst can cause the same type of pain as anserine bursitis (burning pain). This condition results in posterior or inner knee pain, stiffness, and difficulty bending or straightening the leg.
– Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS): PFPS, also called runner’s knee, is a common overuse injury that affects the patella (kneecap) and causes pain along the inner knee when bending or straightening the leg.
– Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects people over 50 years of age. It is caused by the wear and tear of joint surfaces, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Osteoarthritis can cause inner knee pain when bending, in addition to swelling and stiffness.
– Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that can lead to inflammation and pain in the joints. The knee joint is particularly vulnerable to this condition, leading to chronic pain and difficulty bending the knee.
If you are experiencing inner knee pain when bending, it is important to seek medical attention in order to diagnose and treat the underlying cause.
Diagnosing Medial Knee Pain
In order to get an accurate diagnosis it is imperative to seek medical advice.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and conduct a physical examination to assess the knee joint. If more information is needed X-rays, MRI scans, or other imaging tests may be ordered.
Additionally, your doctor may order blood tests in order to rule out an autoimmune disorder like rheumatoid arthritis.
Medial Knee Pain Treatment
The treatment for inner knee pain when bending will depend on the diagnosis. If you have an overuse injury like runner’s knee, physical therapy or other forms of exercise may be recommended. Physical therapy will help strengthen the muscles around the knee and provide stability to the joint.
Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, an ice pack, and elevating the injured extremity may also be prescribed to help reduce swelling and pain.
For a torn ligament, orthopedic surgeons perform the surgeries required in order to repair the damaged tissue.
In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, medications such as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may be prescribed to slow down joint degeneration and reduce inflammation. In serious cases, surgery may also be suggested, similarly to those with osteoarthritis.
It is important to follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor for the best results. Additionally, it is important to rest the knee, wear a knee brace (if applicable), and avoid activities that may cause further irritation or injury.
At-Risk Populations for Medial Knee Pain
Inner knee pain when bending can affect people of any age, however, there are certain populations that may be more at risk. Athletes who participate in sports involving pivoting or stopping suddenly, such as basketball or soccer, are particularly vulnerable to overuse injuries and tears in the meniscus or ligaments.
Additionally, older individuals are more likely to experience inner knee pain when bending due to age-related degeneration of the joint.
People with certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may also have an increased risk of developing chronic knee pain.
It is important to understand your individual risk factors in order to take preventative measures and reduce your chances of developing medial knee pain. If you are experiencing any symptoms of inner knee pain, it is important to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
How to Prevent Inner Knee Pain
The best way to prevent inner knee pain is to maintain strong muscles around the knee joint, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings. Regular exercise and stretching can help keep these muscles strong and flexible. Additionally, it is important to use proper form during any physical activity in order to reduce the risk of injury.
The best exercises are those that strengthen these muscles through the entire range of motion, leaving no part of the movement untrained. Wearing supportive footwear and using proper form when squatting, jumping, and running can also help reduce your risk for injury.
Finally, avoiding activities that may cause further irritation or injury is key to preventing inner knee pain. If you experience any pain or discomfort during activity, it is important to stop and rest. Overworking the knee can lead to further damage and pain, so it is important to listen to your body and take breaks when necessary.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, inner knee pain when bending can affect anyone, however, there are certain populations that may be more at risk. Understanding the common conditions, your individual risk factors, and taking preventative measures is key to reducing the chances of developing chronic knee pain.
Additionally, it is important to seek medical advice if you experience any pain or discomfort in the knee joint, as early diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce the severity of the injury.
With proper rest, exercise, and following a doctor’s advice, you can minimize your risk or duration of inner knee pain when bending.