Inner Knee Pain: A Guide to Common Causes and Effective Treatments
Knee joint is a commonly injured joint, which is vulnerable to trauma, wound and overuse. Pain in the medial or inner side of the knee makes mobility difficult and causes immense discomfort to the patient, warranting a complete checkup from an expert like Orthopedic Surgeon in Doctors Hospital Lahore.
Read on to know more about the various causes of inner knee pain:
Possible causes of Inner Knee Pain:
Meniscal injury is a common traumatic cause of inner knee pain. Meniscus is a supportive cartilage shaped like a wedge within the knee that provides cushioning to the joint and acts as a shock absorber. On the inner side of the knee there is medial meniscus, while on the outer side of the knee, there is lateral meniscus. These menisci can tear due to sudden trauma or twisting of the knee and present with pain, instability and swelling.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the commonest reasons for knee pain in adults. This degenerative disease involves the breakdown of cartilage or the supportive tissue between joints, causing the bones to grind together. OA is common in older individuals, and can intensify pain on walking and climbing stairs.
Dislocated kneecap (patella) is a result of forceful straightening of leg; it is particularly common in tennis and volleyball players. Patellar dislocation presents with difficulty in stretching and flexing the knee.
Medial collateral ligament injury is a result of direct injury or ligament sprain to the knee. It is common in athletes who receive a kick on the lateral side of the knee during contact sports. Falls and deep squats can also result in MCL tears.
Miscellaneous causes of the inner knee pain include weak leg muscles, impact injury, persistent wear and tear, repetitive stress, poor technique of exercise, and dysfunctional lower body.
People who are at risk of inner knee pain include older adults, athletes, overweight individuals, people with sedentary lifestyle and runners.
Inner knee pain in children
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, patellar subluxation, jumper’s knee or patellar tendonitis and Osgood-Schlatter disease are the most frequent causes of inner knee pain in children.
Home remedies for inner knee pain
For minor causes, inner knee pain can be treated at home effectively with the RICE method. RICE method involves—resting, icing the knee, compression bandage and elevation of the knee. Strenuous activity should be avoided if inner knee pain persists and crutches can be used to put weight off the involved knee. Cold packs should be applied to the knee at least four times every day for a period of twenty minutes. Compression bandages and elevation of the knee can minimize inflammation and pain. In addition, medication like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for instance, ibuprofen can help with discomfort.
Therapeutic options
For more serious injuries or those that don’t respond to home remedies, professional help must be sought. Someone reaching out to professionals like Orthopedic Surgeon in Boulevard Hospital is treated with: steroid injection, knee braces, physical therapy and surgery if all else fails. The goal of therapy is to treat the cause, make mobility pain-free, and minimize inflammation. Additionally, the knee joint can be strengthened with the help of exercises like leg presses, mini squats, leg lifts, leg extensions, swimming and walking on elliptical.
