Inner Knee Pain (Medial Knee Pain)

Inner (medial) knee pain is discomfort you feel on the inside edge of your knee.

Medial is the medical name for the area of a body part that’s closest to the inside of your body. The medial side of your knee is on the same side as your inner thigh.

Knee pain is extremely common. And that includes medial knee pain. You’ll probably be able to manage it at home. But it can be a symptom of more serious issues. Visit a healthcare provider if you have pain in your inner knee that lasts for more than a few days.

See a provider right away if you can’t move or use your knee. Don’t try to force yourself to walk or put weight on your knee — especially if you know you experienced an injury.

What does inner knee pain feel like?

Everyone experiences pain differently. Describing it can help a provider understand what you’re feeling. The type of pain can also help them diagnose its cause. Medial knee pain might feel:

• Aching
• Dull
• Sharp
• Sore
• Stabbing

The pain may be constant or come and go. Some types of inner knee pain get better or worse depending on how you’re moving. If you see a provider, tell them when you notice the pain changing.

You might also have other symptoms, like:

• Bruising
• Feeling heat or warmth
• Hearing or feeling a click or pop
• Skin discoloration
• Swelling

What are the most common causes of pain on the inside of knees?

Lots of injuries and issues can cause inner knee pain. Your knees are made of three sections called compartments. Anything that affects the medial compartment can cause pain there. Examples include:

• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the most common types of knee arthritis. You may develop post-traumatic arthritis after an injury.
• Bursitis: Pes anserine bursitis is inflammation in one of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the inside of your knee. It causes pain, swelling and other symptoms.
• MCL injuries: These happen when something puts too much pressure on your MCL and it stretches. They’re a common sports injury.
• Meniscus tears: Meniscus tears can happen when you twist your leg suddenly. They can happen during sports or everyday slips and trips.
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS): PFPS usually causes pain near your kneecap. But the pain might spread to the sides of your knee, too.
• Repetitive strain injuries: These happen when you use your knees for the same kinds of movements too often.

How do you treat pain on the inside of your knee?

A healthcare provider will suggest ways to relieve the pain and treat what’s causing it. What you’ll need will depend on why your knee hurts. You’ll probably be able to manage most cases of medial knee pain at home. Your provider might recommend:

• The MEAT or RICE methods: These are simple, at-home ways to manage pain. Your provider will suggest the one that’s best for you. You might need to rest or avoid certain physical activities. Your provider will tell you which kinds of movements are safe while your knee heals.
• Medications: Your provider might suggest pain-relieving medications. Most people can take over-the-counter (OTC) acetaminophen or NSAIDs.
• Physical therapy (PT): Working with a physical therapist can help you increase your flexibility and strengthen the muscles around your knee. This can relieve pain.
• Wearing a knee brace: A brace will keep your knee in the correct alignment. It will also take pressure off your knee while it heals.
• Surgery: You probably won’t need surgery for most types of inner knee pain. Your provider may suggest a knee replacement if you have severe pain from knee arthritis that doesn’t get better after trying other treatments.

Can you prevent medial knee pain?

Staying safe when you’re physically active is the best way to prevent any type of knee pain. During sports or other physical activities:

• Warm up and stretch before playing sports or working out.
• Cool down and stretch after physical activity.
• Give your body time to recover and rest after intense activity.
• Wear the right protective equipment.
• Don’t “play through the pain” if your knee hurts during or after physical activity.

Follow these general safety tips to reduce your risk of injury:

• Use a cane or walker if you have difficulty walking or have an increased risk of falls.
• Always use the proper tools or equipment at home to reach things. Never stand on chairs, tables or countertops.
• Check your home and workspace for things that might cause trips or falls.

When should I see a healthcare provider?

Visit a healthcare provider if:

• Medial knee pain is bad enough to affect your daily routine
• The pain makes it hard to move
• You have inner knee pain for more than a few days in a row

Go to the emergency room or call 911 (or your local emergency services number) if you’ve experienced trauma like a severe fall or car accident. Go to the ER if you think you have a broken bone, or if you can’t move or use your knee.