Any pain in different parts of the body interferes with your daily activities. Internal knee pain is a common problem, affecting approximately 19% of the population. The knee is one of the most complex and important joints in your body, so it is normal to be prone to injury. When talking about inner knee pain or medial knee pain, it means pain in the inner area of the knee closest to your opposite knee. Many reasons can provoke this problem at any age, regardless of gender. This pain is accompanied by various symptoms that distinguish it from other knee pain. Do you want to know what these symptoms are and what causes them? You will find all this and even ways to prevent and treat medial knee pain in this article.
Causes of pain in the knee on the inside side
The knee hurts on the inside with the following pathologies:
- Arthritis;
- injuries;
- rheumatism;
- inflammation of soft tissues;
- rickets;
- sprained tendons and ligaments.
Which specialist should I contact when my knee hurts?
In each case, in addition to pain, there are additional symptoms important for differential diagnosis.
Injuries
Most often, pain in the knee on the inside occurs due to injury to the meniscus. Usually the injury is provoked by rotation of the limb, incorrectly distributed load during such exercises: jumping, squats.
Knee sprain
The role of ligaments is to provide stability to the joint. When a ligament ruptures, severe pain is felt. Also, the rupture of these elements is indicated by the loss of the ability of the joint to bend/unbend.
The following signs indicate stretching:
- Hematoma, swelling;
- painful crunch. It is heard when walking, exercising;
- difficulty moving a joint;
- pain on palpation.
Anterior cruciate ligament rupture of the knee joint
Ligaments can tear due to excessive twisting. This injury is also possible after a strong blow. The following symptoms are considered characteristic of ligament rupture:
- Limited mobility;
- significant swelling;
- creaking sensation.
Anatomy of the knee: features of the ligamentous apparatus
Damage to the meniscus due to a blow from the inside
Injury to the meniscus is accompanied by severe pain. A rupture is possible when twisting the joint and bending it, which are performed simultaneously. Detachment of the specified element is possible completely/partially. Damage to the meniscus is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Impaired mobility;
- severe pain;
- edema;
- dysfunction of the joint.
Chronic luxation of the patella
Chronic dislocation develops when the patient does not treat the dislocation. The main symptoms of the pathology are:
- Difficulty in flexion/extension;
- pain;
- feeling of knee instability;
- edema;
- There is a visual displacement of the cup.
Patella luxation
The fact that an injury has occurred is indicated by immediate pain in the side of the knee joint. In the absence of timely treatment, the pain will become chronic. The following symptoms are considered characteristic of the pathology:
- Swelling of the affected area;
- joint instability;
- pain;
- limitation of mobility.
Knee joint fracture
A fracture can be caused by a fall, a strong blow, or improper exercise. The following signs indicate injury:
- Acute pain in the side of the knee joint;
- swelling of the fracture area;
- crunch of bone fragments;
- accumulation of blood;
- pathological mobility of the joint.
Taping of the knee joint: indications, implementation features
Diseases
In some cases, pain in the inner part of the knee is provoked by diseases of various elements of the joint (cartilage, synovial bursa, etc.).
Arthritis
Cartilage damage such as arthritis can provoke pain on the inside of the knee joint. With it, the patient is bothered by the following symptoms:
- Significant pain;
- redness of the epidermis;
- swelling of the affected area.
Arthritis of the knee joint: degrees, symptoms, signs of the disease
Arthrosis
The main feature of the pathology is the destruction and deformation of cartilage. The onset of the inflammatory-degenerative process provokes disruption of the functionality of the joint. If complex therapy is not carried out on time, the patient may become disabled.
The following signs indicate the development of pathology:
- Severe pain that bothers you even at rest;
- change in gait (claudication);
- edema.
Osteoarthritis of the knee: popular methods of therapy
Hoff's disease
This disease is also called lipoarthritis. It causes inflammation of the adipose tissue of the knee joint. The following signs indicate pathology:
- Intense pain at the site of the lesion;
- severe swelling of soft tissues;
- the joint is blocked (the patient cannot straighten/bend it).
Hoffa's disease: what is it, why does it occur and how to treat?
Bursitis
This pathology involves inflammation of the synovial bursa due to injury, infection or excessive stress. With the disease in question, exudate collects inside the cavity. Pathology is indicated by:
- Fever;
- stiffness of movements;
- pain syndrome.
Baker's cyst
This pathology consists of the accumulation of synovial fluid inside the posterior inversion of the knee joint bursa. Due to the stretching of the joint capsule, discomfort is felt under the knee. The following signs indicate pathology:
- Pain under the knee, along the inside of the knee;
- swelling of the affected area.
Baker's cyst of the knee: causes, symptoms, treatment
Tendinitis
This pathology involves inflammation of the tendon, which most often occurs in the area of attachment to the bone. The development of the disease is indicated by the following signs:
- Limited mobility;
- swelling of the affected limb;
- creaking joint.
Periarthritis
This pathology consists of inflammation of the periarticular tissues. Pathology develops due to microtrauma of tendons and ligaments. More often it develops in the elbow, shoulder, and wrist joints. Provoking factors are considered: excess everything, hypothermia, metabolic disorders.
The following symptoms indicate the development of periarthritis:
- Pain;
- swelling of the affected joint.
Other reasons
Pain on the inside of the knee joint can also occur for other reasons. Let's describe them in more detail.
Vascular diseases
Approximately 5% of patients who consult specialists with knee pain are diagnosed with vascular disease. Pain of vascular origin is often found in young patients. They usually go away on their own. In adults, vascular diseases are provoked by poor blood circulation, various diseases of the heart, and the endocrine system.
With impaired blood circulation, patients experience:
- Fatigue in the legs;
- numbness;
- convulsions;
- cold feet.
Popliteal artery aneurysm
The pathology in question is represented by a decrease in the tone of the walls of the popliteal artery. In this case, there is a growth of the lumen, protrusion outward. Signs of pathology are:
- Pain;
- cold extremities;
- loss of sensitivity of the affected area;
- the presence of a formation that pulsates;
- the skin is pale, has a bluish tint;
- trophic changes in leg tissue.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes of the popliteal fossa
This condition is known as lymphadenitis. The condition is provoked by pathogenic nonspecific microorganisms. They penetrate inside open wounds. In most cases, lymphadenitis develops as a secondary process. The presence of pathology is indicated by the following symptoms:
- Redness of the skin over the lymph nodes;
- lymph nodes are enlarged;
- soldering of lymph nodes to each other;
- pain on palpation;
- signs of intoxication (weakness, pain in muscles, head).
Avascular osteonecrosis
With this pathology, necrosis of the bone area occurs, which is caused by poor blood supply. This condition sometimes acts as a side effect of cancer. therapy performed.
The following signs indicate the development of pathology:
- Stiffness of movements;
- pain (sometimes transient, sometimes constant);
- change in gait due to lameness.
The picture shows “Avascular osteonecrosis”
Sciatica
Sciatica refers to a pinched sciatic nerve. This condition is manifested by the following neurological symptoms:
- Numbness of the limb;
- pain (it is localized in the buttock, and can radiate to the knee);
- gait disturbance;
- muscle weakness;
- decreased reflexes;
- burning, tingling sensation in the legs;
- radicular pain in the legs (lower leg, thigh).
Hematoma inside the knee joint
This pathology is a hemorrhage. It is usually provoked by vascular trauma. Such hemorrhage is stopped by natural factors of the body. The following are considered clinical manifestations of hematoma:
- Tissue swelling;
- change in skin color;
- dysfunction of injured tissue;
- the skin becomes hot;
- pain when walking;
- dysfunction of the limb;
- increased blood circulation at the site of hemorrhage.
What happens when the knee extends
When we perform habitual flexion-extension movements, a huge number of structures are involved - bones, muscles, cartilage, nerve endings, synovial fluid, etc. If the knee cartilage has an integral, undamaged structure, a person does not even notice these movements. If the surface of the cartilage is destroyed, during extension the nerve endings are affected - pain and discomfort appear.
If there is not enough synovial fluid in the body, the cartilage quickly wears out because there is no lubrication between them. Damaged areas form on the surface - the joint ceases to function normally, and every extension movement causes pain.
You can partially replenish collagen reserves, which takes part in the synthesis of synovial fluid, from food products - meat and fish by-products, jellied meat. But this is usually not enough. To restore the functionality of the joint, it is better to insert the Noltrex synovial fluid prosthesis into it and stop the friction.
Does it hurt to straighten your knee? Avoid self-medication with jellied meat and gelatin
How to relieve pain before seeing a doctor
If you have pain on the inside of your knee joint due to injury or illness, you should seek professional help. Before you are examined by a doctor, there are several things you can do to relieve pain:
- Avoid the slightest load on the affected limb.
- If possible, take painkillers.
- Apply a warm compress. You can also use ointments that contain NSAIDs.
- After injuries, a cold compress is needed. The leg needs rest.
- If there is an open wound or abrasion, it is necessary to treat them with an antiseptic or disinfectant.
How is the popliteal fossa structured?
The inner fold of the kneecap is called the popliteal fossa. The recess is diamond-shaped and filled with connective tissue consisting of fat cells - adipocytes. The main function of the tissue is to store and metabolize fat.
Inside and above, the recess is limited by the tendons of the muscles, which are located along the medial edge of the posterior surface of the thigh. Outside, the fossa is limited by the tendon of the biceps femoris muscle, and below are the internal and external heads of the gastrocnemius muscle.
The skin in the fossa is thin, labile, and the small saphenous vein runs under it. Innervation is carried out by superficial nerves. The sheath or fascia of the popliteal fossa forms the vagina, in which the nerves and blood vessels are concentrated.
Adipose tissue contains:
- The tibial nerve, which is a continuation of the sciatic nerve.
- The common peroneal or sacral plexus nerve, formed after the division of the sciatic nerve.
- Popliteal artery.
- The popliteal vein is a continuation of the posterior tibial vein, emerging from the fossa, it becomes the femoral vein.
- All blood vessels are located inside the fossa and are held together by dense alveolar tissue.
Along the popliteal vessels there are lymph nodes and vessels through which lymph flow occurs.
When to see a doctor
If you notice that you have injured your leg, you do not need to continue exercising or doing any other activity. You should consult a doctor if you notice the following symptoms:
- Unusual crunching or creaking for the joint;
- swelling of the affected area;
- the appearance of swelling;
- hematoma;
- sharp or aching pain in the knee;
- restriction of mobility of the damaged joint;
- numbness of the knee.
You should not self-medicate. You can only aggravate the situation and provoke the development of complications.
Traditional methods
For mild to moderate pain in the knees and posterior fossa, folk remedies can help:
- Apple vinegar. Combine 1 tsp. vinegar and olive oil. Rub the prepared mixture onto the sore spot 1 or 2 times a day until the pain disappears.
- Ginger. Massage the knee with ginger oil 2-3 times a day until symptoms disappear. Ginger is useful to add to tea and drink several times a day.
- Fenugreek seeds. Roast and grind a handful of seeds. Place them in a glass container and seal tightly. Use as needed. Grind some seeds, mix with water and make a thick paste. Rub the mixture over the affected area 2 times a day for at least 1 week.
Massage with eucalyptus oil helps with inflammation. When using, it should be mixed with 1-2 drops of peppermint oil. If you feel pain under your knee and the pain persists for a long time, do not put off visiting a doctor. It is necessary to find out the origin of the pain and receive timely treatment.
Article design: Vladimir the Great
Treatment
The specialist will select a therapeutic course for knee pain on the inside depending on the disease or injury that provoked the unpleasant symptom. For treatment to be as effective as possible, it should be carried out comprehensively. Typically treatment consists of the following techniques:
- Use of medications;
- physiotherapy;
- traditional methods;
- surgical intervention.
Ultrasound of the knee joint: indications, interpretation of results, price
Analgesic drugs
To quickly get rid of pain when walking, doctors recommend using analgesics. The effect of non-narcotic drugs in this group is aimed at blocking the COX-2 enzyme. Their action also involves the production of prostaglandins, disrupting the transmission of pain impulses. The effectiveness of medications in this group is similar to NSAIDs. The action of narcotic analgesics is to act on opiate receptors in the central nervous system. This way they block the pain.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Drugs from this group are used to provide the following effects: pain relief, inflammation relief, fever reduction. These actions are achieved by blocking the COX-2 enzyme. In this way, inflammation, pain, temperature, as well as impaired functionality of the limb are relieved.
Of the drugs in this group, experts usually prescribe the following medications:
- Kenalog.
- Movalis.
- Diclofenac.
- Diprospan.
- Nimesulide.
- Ketoprofen.
Glucocorticosteroids
The effectiveness of corticosteroids in reducing the permeability of vascular walls. This reduces swelling. Effective means from this group are considered:
- Prednisolone.
- Hydrocortisone.
- Triamcinolone.
- Methylprednisolone.
- Betamethasone.
The following medications can be used to block the knee:
- Diprospan + Flosteron.
- Hydrocortisone.
- Kenalog.
- Celeston.
Novocaine blockades
Specialists use novocaine blockades in cases where it is urgently necessary to relieve pain. Depending on the method of administration of the medication, there are several types of blockades:
- Intra-articular (introduced into the joint);
- paraarticular (introduced into the soft tissues surrounding the joint);
- periarticular (in the periarticular bursa).
Diuretics
In some cases, specialists may prescribe diuretics to patients who present with pain on the sides of the inside of the knees and their swelling. Severe swelling is caused by excess weight, injuries, force overload, as well as a number of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Diuretics are prescribed in tablets and injections:
- Potassium-sparing (Eplerenone, Spironolactone, Veroshpiron);
- loop (Uregit, Torasemide, Furosemide);
- thiazide (Hydrochlorothiazide, Indapamide).
Chondroprotector
In their practice, specialists often prescribe chondroprotectors for knee pain. The anti-inflammatory effect is achieved thanks to chondroitin and glucosamine. Under the influence of these substances, the release of prostaglandins and interleukins decreases.
The advantage of chondroprotectors is their ability to slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue and their gradual restoration. In tablet form, the following are considered effective:
- Structum.
- Teraflex.
- Artra.
- Piaskledin.
- Don.
The following ointments are considered effective:
- Horsepower.
- Chondroxide.
- Toad stone.
- Traumeel.
Chondroprotectors are also used in the form of injections:
- Synocrom.
- Alflutop.
- Fermatron.
- Synvisc.
- Ostenil.
Diagnostics
Diagnostics is differential in nature and consists of several actions:
- Initial examination.
- Anamnesis collection.
- Testing: knee flexion, extension.
- To determine the disease, the popliteal pulse is measured. To palpate, bend the knee to relax the hamstring and popliteal fascia. If the pulse cannot be felt, this indicates a blockage of the femoral artery.
- An x-ray is ordered.
- Angiography (if venous disease is suspected).
- MRI or CT, as necessary.
- General and biochemical blood test.
- Taking a puncture from the joint cavity (if necessary).
Recommended treatment measures
During the rehabilitation period for damage to the knee joint, doctors prescribe physiotherapeutic procedures. Let's list the most effective of them.
UHF therapy
The method is based on the influence of a high-frequency electromagnetic field. Thanks to the heating of tissues, more immune bodies and protective cells reach the site of inflammation. Lymph circulation and blood flow also increase.
Electrophoresis
This type of physiotherapy is a specific method of electrotherapy. Thanks to direct current, ions of medications are transported to the required depth, where they begin to act. Electrophoresis is important because the action of medications occurs exactly where it is needed.
Phonophoresis
This procedure involves the impact on the body of medications administered under the influence of high-frequency ultrasound. The doctor selects the drug and its dosage for phonophoresis individually.
Ultrasound phonophoresis is popular in therapy and rehabilitation of people with diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Magnetotherapy
Its essence is based on the effect of low frequency magnetic fields on the problem area. The affected area is subject to fields of constant, variable action. Magnetotherapy usually complements drug treatment. It is also used during patient rehabilitation.
The benefits of the procedure are:
- Stabilization of blood circulation;
- improvement of psycho-emotional state;
- pain relief;
- activation of the immune system;
- restoration of strength.
Ural Federal District
To reduce pain in the area of the affected joint, doctors prescribe exposure to ultraviolet light. UV lamps have the following effects on a sore knee:
- Regenerating;
- anesthetic;
- anti-inflammatory.
Thanks to ultraviolet radiation, the body activates the production of vitamin D, which is necessary to maintain bone and joint balance.
Taping of the knee joint: indications, implementation features
How to avoid knee pain from the inside
You can protect your knees from injuries and diseases accompanied by severe pain if you follow simple rules:
- Eat properly.
- Regularly stretch your legs during static work.
- Monitor your water balance.
- Play sports correctly.
- Distribute the load on your knees evenly.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Use orthopedic insoles.
- Watch your weight.
- Maintain bed rest for infectious diseases.
