The inner or medial knee refers to the part that is closest to the other knee. A range of conditions or injuries can cause oain inside knee.
However, In this article, we talk about the causes of knee pain, their treatment, and exercises that can help. And several ways to manage the symptoms.
What are the causes of oain (pain) inside knee?
There are a variety of causes of this condition. Many of them can be linked to an injury. Some of the most common incidents that cause knee injury and pain include falls, sports injuries, or increased activity.
While the knee may seem like a simple hinge joint, its movement involves many tendons, ligaments, and other tissues. This means many things can go wrong in the knee. However, Possible causes of pain inside knee include:
- Injury
Inner knee pain can be the result of an injury caused by a sport or exercise, such as running, that puts a strain on the knee joint. However, This pain can also be caused by trauma, where a person has fallen on their knee or been in an accident.
- Bursitis
This condition occurs due to inflammation in a tissue in the knee called a bursa. Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that prevent muscles, tendons, and bones from rubbing together.
Inflammation of the pes anserine bursa may lead to inner knee pain. This can be caused by an acute injury or overuse of the knee joint.
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Sprain or tear
Inner knee pain may be caused by a sprain or tear in the medial collateral ligament or MCL. This is usually caused by an injury where there has been excessive twisting and tearing of the MCL.
However, It may occur when there is a blow or force to the outer aspect of the knee, as this may produce a strain along the inner aspect of the knee. This injury usually results in almost immediate swelling or pain.
- Torn meniscus
The meniscus is the protective cartilage that lines the knee joint. A tear of the medial meniscus can result in inner knee pain. The meniscus can also wear down over time and cause pain when a person moves their knee.
- Knee osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that causes a person’s protective cartilage to wear down. The knees are especially vulnerable to this. However, With this condition, the knees may be painful, particularly first thing in the morning.
- Medial plica syndrome
This condition causes inflammation of the plica that may be present inside the knee and causes pain behind knee.
This overuse injury occurs most commonly after a person has increased their activity level. A doctor may feel a nodule on the inner side of the knee that is very tender to the touch.
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the body. However, a person may experience severe inner knee pain related to their rheumatoid arthritis. The pain is usually worse in the morning and gets better throughout the day.
Diagnosis of inside knee oain(pain):
Your doctor may suggest an X-ray or an MRI scan, but this is not always necessary. Your doctor may be able to make a diagnosis based on the examination and your symptoms. If you have cartilage or ligament damage, your doctor may suggest a procedure to look inside your knee. This is called arthroscopy.
It involves making a small cut in your knee and inserting a thin tube and a camera. As well as helping with diagnosis, damaged tissue can be repaired or removed during the procedure.
How to Manage the Symptoms of Pain inside knee?
You can manage pain behind knee by the following methods:
- Balancing rest and exercise:
During the first 24 to 48 hours after your knee problem has started, you could:
- rest your knee, but avoid having long periods where you don’t move at all
- When you are awake, move your knee gently for 10 to 20 seconds every hour.
- After 48 hours: Try to use your leg more, as exercise can help with long-term pain.
- Try to stick to your normal routine, if you can, as this can help your recovery. This includes staying at or returning to work.
- Heat/ice packs:
Heat is an effective and safe treatment for most aches and pains. You could use a wheat bag, heat pads, deep heat cream, hot water bottle, or a heat lamp. Gentle warmth will be enough. However, Try not to have the heated item on your skin for longer than about 20 minutes. Ice: Many people find that ice is helpful when used to manage short-term knee pain. You could also use a bag of frozen peas, or buy a ready-made pack from a pharmacy.
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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:
These can help with pain, inflammation, and swelling. There are many types and brands. Some, such as ibuprofen, don’t need a prescription. This means you can buy them over the counter, at supermarkets and pharmacies.
Other types of anti-inflammatory painkillers do need a prescription. NSAIDs carry a number of potential side effects, so you should ask your doctor or pharmacist if they are suitable for you before taking them. You can also read the patient information leaflet that comes in the packet.
Surgery for inside knee oain(pain):
Surgery is only recommended when:
- Certain ligament injuries or knee dislocations
- Certain knee fractures
- Infected knee joints that require surgical drainage
- Some advanced cases of knee osteoarthritis
What are the common Preventions for inside knee oain?
You can do several things to prevent knee injuries or stop pain from getting worse. These include:
- Losing weight.
- Avoid heavy lifting until your pain has gone down and you have a good range of movement in your knee.
- Weight management.
- Strengthening and stretching your quadriceps and hamstrings muscles
- Low-impact aerobic exercises that strengthen muscles without putting stress on your knee.
- Wearing knee pads if you kneel a lot at work
However, Seeing a healthcare provider soon after knee pain starts can keep it from becoming a bigger problem.