Injuries and arthritis are two possible causes of inner knee pain. Treatment options depend on the cause and include warm or cold packs, exercise, and medication.

The inner or medial knee refers to the part closest to the other knee.

This article describes types of inner knee pain, their treatment, and exercises that can help.

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While the knee may seem like a simple hinge joint, its movement involves many tendons, ligaments, and other tissues, which means many conditions can affect it.

Possible causes of inner knee pain include:

Injury

Inner knee pain can be due to an injury caused by trauma, such as if a person has fallen on their knee or been in an accident.

Trauma can cause fractures (including microfractures), dislocation, and bruising of the bone.

Strain, sprain, or tear

Inner knee pain may result from a strain, sprain, or tear in the medial collateral ligament (MCL).

A torn MCL typically occursTrusted Source due to an injury involving abrupt twisting, turning, or cutting of the MCL.

It may occur due to a blow or force to the outer aspect of the knee, which may result in a strain on the inner aspect of the knee.

This injury usually results in almost immediate swelling or pain.

Bursitis

Bursitis 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 due to an acute injury or overuse of the knee joint.

A person may experience bursitis pain on the inner knee, around 2 to 3 inches below the knee joint.

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. It may occur due to sports injury, but 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 protective cartilage in the body to wear down. The knees are especially vulnerable to this.

With this condition, the knees may be particularly painful first thing in the morning or after sitting.

Medial plica syndrome

This condition, which people may also call plica syndrome, involves inflammation of the plica inside the knee. The plica is a thick band of tissue that extends from synovial joint capsules. When it rubs against the side of the bones in the knee joint, it may cause irritating or painful symptoms.

It may occur due to overuse or injury of the knee joint.

A doctor may feel a nodule on the inner side of the knee that is very tender to the touch.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the body.

RA may cause inner knee pain, although it typically affects the entire knee joint. The pain usually worsens in the morning and gets better throughout the day.

For many causes of knee pain, including injuries and inflammatory disorders, home treatment may resolve the problem.

The following treatments may be useful:

  • Rest the knee. If sports, such as running, cause the injury, avoid this activity until the knee has healed.
  • Use an ice pack. Applying ice to the injured area of the knee 3 to 4 times a day, for 20 minutes at a time, can reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Anti-inflammatories. A person can take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. A doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications if these do not work.

If these home treatments are ineffective, a person should consider talking with a doctor to determine the best course of treatment.

A doctor may recommend treatments that include:

  • draining fluid buildup that is causing pressure or pain
  • wearing a brace to support the knee
  • having tailored physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the knee
  • receiving injections of corticosteroids for certain conditions, including osteoarthritis or bursitis
  • having surgery to remove or repair damaged portions of knee tissue, such as the bursa or meniscus

A doctor will usually recommend conservative treatments before invasive ones, such as surgery.

Exercises to strengthen and stretch the knee may help to reduce pain and inflammation.

The most appropriate exercises for inner knee pain depend on the cause, and a physical therapist will tailor them accordingly.

Possible exercises include:

Quad stretch

Stretching the quadriceps can help to reduce pressure on the knee joint.

  1. Stand with a nearby sturdy chair for balance and support.
  2. Starting with the feet shoulder-width apart, take a step backward with the right foot. Keep the posture straight and tuck the buttocks in to create a straight line with the body.
  3. Bend the knees slightly and feel a stretch in the front of the legs.
  4. Hold this stretch for 10 seconds, then repeat to stretch the other leg.

This exercise releases tension in the back of the leg with a seated stretch.

  1. Start with a foot flat on the floor, then extend one leg forward, flexing the foot backward.
  2. Lean slightly forward to feel a stretch in the back of the leg.

Half squats

Half squats are a way to strengthen the front of the legs without putting excess strain on the knees.

  1. Start with the feet shoulder-width apart and the arms extended about shoulder height.
  2. Bend at the knees slightly, just enough to engage the quadriceps muscles.
  3. Hold this position for roughly 5 seconds, then slowly straighten the knees to reach a standing position.

Stationary bike

Using a stationary bike may help strengthen the knee and improve a person’s range of motion.

  1. Adjust the bike settings so the knees can fully extend with each cycle.
  2. Make sure to strap the shoes into the pedals before using the bike.
  3. While pedaling, keep a slight bend in the knee to avoid overextension.

Pain in the inner knee may feel like a sharp stabbing or a dull aching.

A person may hear cracking or popping when the knee joint moves, depending upon the underlying cause of the pain.

Additional symptoms that can occur with inner knee pain include:

  • bruising
  • skin discoloration
  • swelling
  • increased warmth

Symptoms that get better during the day may indicate an inflammatory knee condition. If they worsen throughout the day, this could indicate a degenerative disorder, such as arthritis.

To diagnose an inner knee condition, a doctor will ask about a person’s health history and symptoms.

They will need to know how the discomfort started and whether the person has a history of inflammatory disorders or a recent injury.

Other important questions to discuss with the doctor include:

  • At what time are the symptoms the worst?
  • Does anything make the symptoms get worse or better?
  • What treatments the person is currently using for the knee pain?
  • What does the pain feel like?

A doctor will also perform a physical assessment of the knee. They may recommend an ultrasound, X-ray, or MRI scan to look at the inner structure of the knee.

These scans will allow a doctor to check for problems with the meniscus, ligaments, and knee joint.

If a doctor suspects an autoimmune disorder, such as RA, they may perform blood tests. Certain antibodies are usually present in those with rheumatoid arthritis.

Causes of inner knee pain vary from injuries to chronic conditions, such as arthritis.

Inner knee pain may be short-term or chronic. In mild cases, a person can treat the pain at home using rest and exercises.

If the cause of knee pain is unknown, causes distress, or interferes with daily life, an individual should consult a doctor to discuss the best treatment.