This article of fivalifitness explains the causes of pain on the inside of the knee, including MCL injury, meniscus tear, arthritis, patellofemoral pain syndrome, and bursitis. It also covers diagnosis and treatment options, as well as preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of developing inner knee pain. The article aims to provide comprehensive information and encourage readers to seek medical attention if necessary.
Anatomy of the Knee
The knee joint is the largest and most complex joint in the human body, surrounded by a joint capsule containing synovial fluid to reduce friction. It consists of three bones: femur, tibia, and patella, along with two C-shaped pieces of cartilage called menisci that act as shock absorbers. Four ligaments provide stability: ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL, while surrounding muscles and tendons support knee movement and stability. There are several common causes of knee pain, including:
- Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the knee joint wears away over time.
- Ligament injuries: Injuries to the ACL, PCL, MCL, or LCL can cause knee pain and instability.
- Meniscus tears: The menisci act as shock absorbers in the knee joint and can tear due to sudden twisting or direct impact.
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome: This is caused by irritation of the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap and is most commonly seen in athletes and active individuals.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between muscles and tendons around the knee joint.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons that attach muscles to bones in the knee joint.
- Overuse injuries: Repeated stress on the knee joint during activities such as running or jumping can cause inflammation and pain.
- Gout: A type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint, leading to severe pain and swelling.
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Causes of Inside Knee Pain
Inside knee pain may be caused by several conditions, including:
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury: The MCL, which connects the thigh bone to the shin bone along the inside of the knee joint, can become stretched or torn due to sudden twisting or direct impact. In this case, you can wear an unloading knee brace to protect and help your knee recover.
- Meniscus tear: A tear in the C-shaped cartilage that cushions the knee joint can cause pain on the inside of the knee, particularly when bending or twisting.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation and pain in the knee joint, leading to discomfort on the inside of the knee.
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome: This is caused by irritation of the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap and can cause pain on the inside of the knee joint.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between muscles and tendons around the knee joint, can cause pain on the inside of the knee.
It’s important to see a doctor if you experience persistent inside knee pain, as prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent further damage to the joint.
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Prevention of Inside Knee Pain
If you are experiencing pain on the inside of your knee, these preventive measures may help reduce the risk of further pain or injury:
- Strengthen the muscles around the knee joint: Exercises that strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and inner thigh muscles can help provide better support and stability to the knee joint.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put additional stress on the knee joint, increasing the risk of pain and injury.
- Wear appropriate footwear: Shoes with good support and cushioning can help reduce stress on the knees during physical activity.
- Warm up before exercise: Gentle stretching exercises can help prepare the muscles and joints for physical activity, reducing the risk of injury.
- Use proper technique during physical activity: Proper form during activities such as running or jumping can help reduce the risk of knee injuries.
- Wearing sports knee pads during exercise: For example, wearing a support knee brace while playing basketball to prevent knee injuries.
- Experiment with RICE for strains and sprains: These are rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the injured area.
Reference
What causes inside knee pain? – Chris Bailey Orthopaedics
Inner Knee Pain: Why Does the Inside of My Knee Hurt?
Disclaimer
The information provided in articles written by Fivali is intended for educational and reference purposes only. The content on this website ( fivalifitness.com) is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We do not recommend self-diagnosis or self-treatment based on the information provided in our articles. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your health or well-being.
If you are experiencing any symptoms or discomfort, we strongly encourage you to seek medical attention from a qualified healthcare professional. Only a licensed healthcare practitioner can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
