Introduction
Pain on the inside of the knee is a common concern that can arise from various sources. This discomfort can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. In this blog, we will delve into the causes of pain on the inside of the knee, explore the associated symptoms and structures involved, discuss the essential investigations, and highlight the regenerative treatments available for lasting relief.
Causes of Pain on the Inside of the Knee
- Medial Meniscus Tear : A tear in the medial meniscus, the C-shaped cartilage cushion within the knee joint, can cause pain on the inner side of the knee. Twisting motions or direct trauma can lead to such tears.
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury : An MCL sprain or tear can result from sudden twisting or direct impact to the outer knee. Pain may be felt along the inner aspect of the knee joint.
- Osteoarthritis : Degeneration of the knee joint’s cartilage, known as osteoarthritis, can cause pain and discomfort, often concentrated on the inner knee.
- Pes Anserine Bursitis : Inflammation of the pes anserine bursa, located near the inner side of the knee, can lead to localized pain. This condition is commonly linked to overuse or tight muscles.
Symptoms and Painful Structures
Pain on the inside of the knee may be accompanied by:
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Limited range of motion
- A clicking or locking sensation
The painful structures involved include:
- Medial meniscus
- Medial collateral ligament
- Pes anserine bursa
- Joint surfaces affected by osteoarthritis
Investigations to Identify the Cause
Physical Examination : A thorough assessment by a healthcare professional involves evaluating knee stability, range of motion, and areas of tenderness.
Imaging Studies : X-rays, MRI scans, or ultrasound may be used to visualize the knee’s internal structures and identify any damage or inflammation.
Regenerative Treatments for Lasting Relief
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy : PRP involves injecting a concentrated solution of the patient\’s own platelets into the affected area. PRP promotes tissue healing and reduces inflammation, offering potential relief for conditions like meniscus tears and osteoarthritis.
Stem Cell Therapy : Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into various cell types, aiding in tissue repair. Research suggests that stem cell injections may contribute to the regeneration of damaged knee structures.
Prolotherapy : This technique involves injecting a solution into the damaged or inflamed area to stimulate the body\’s natural healing response. Prolotherapy can target conditions such as ligament injuries and osteoarthritis.
Conclusion
Pain on the inside of the knee can originate from multiple sources, affecting different structures within the joint. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment. From meniscus tears and ligament injuries to osteoarthritis and bursitis, regenerative treatments like PRP therapy, stem cell therapy, and prolotherapy offer promising avenues for lasting relief. Consulting a healthcare professional will ensure accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan for your specific condition.If you are considering regenerative treatments for any of these conditions, do consider meeting OUR EXPERTS In Regenerative Medicine at ALLEVIATE PAIN CLINIC, Bengaluru. You can contact us on :- 9008275170 / 9620244761 / 8494973146
References
- Mayo Clinic. Meniscus Tear. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meniscus-tears/symptoms-causes/syc-20350568
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Medial Collateral Ligament Injuries. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/medial-collateral-ligament-injuries
- Arthritis Foundation. Osteoarthritis of the Knee. https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/osteoarthritis-of-the-knee
- Cleveland Clinic. Pes Anserine Bursitis. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17798-pes-anserine-bursitis
- Filardo G, et al. Platelet-rich plasma intra-articular knee injections show no superiority versus viscosupplementation: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Sports Med. 2015;43(7):1575-82.
- Emadedin M, et al. Long-Term Follow-up of Intra-articular Injection of Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Patients with Knee, Ankle, or Hip Osteoarthritis. Arch Iran Med. 2015;18(6):336-44.
- Scarpone M, et al. Prolotherapy: a literature review and retrospective study. J Neuro Rehab. 2008;21:33-44.
Pain Within the Knee? Symptoms & Regenerative Treatments
Pain within the knee, also known as Medial knee pain is pain on the inner side of the knee, can be a result of multiple factors, including ligament injuries, meniscal tears, arthritis, and even overuse. Recognising the symptoms of pain within the knee in time and implementing essential measures for appropriate treatment is essential for effective management and prevention of further complications.
Exercises for pain within the knee
There are several exercises to alleviate pain on the inner side of the knee that can strengthen muscles surrounding the knee and enhance flexibility. Before initiating any of the exercise regimens, make sure to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure suitability.
Quad stretch
Quad Stretch helps stretch the quadriceps and helps reduce tension and alleviates pain on the knee joint. To perform this stretch, stand upright and hold onto a stable surface for balance. Bend one knee, bringing the heel towards the buttocks, and grasp the ankle with the corresponding hand. Now, gently pull the ankle closer to the body until a stretch is felt in the front of the thigh, hold it for 15-30 seconds, and then switch legs.
Half squats
Half Squats help strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles without placing extensive strain or causing pain on the knee joint. To perform half squats, stand with feet shoulder-width apart and slowly bend the knees to approximately 45 degrees, keeping the back straight and ensuring the knees do not extend beyond the toes. Hold the positions for a few seconds and then return to the standing position. Repeat 10-15 times.
Stationary bike
Cycling on a stationary bike provides low-impact aerobic exercise, promoting knee joint mobility and muscle strength. Begin with short sessions, gradually increasing the duration as tolerated. Ensure proper seat height to avoid undue stress on the knees.
Lifestyle and home remedies for inner knee pain
Incorporating certain lifestyle modifications and home remedies can aid in managing inner knee pain:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Avoid activities that exacerbate pain, allowing the knee to heal.
- Ice Therapy: Applying ice packs for 15–20 minutes several times daily can reduce inflammation.
- Compression: Using an elastic bandage can minimise swelling.
- Elevation: Keeping the knee elevated above heart level helps decrease swelling.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on the knee joints.
- Supportive Footwear: Wearing shoes with proper arch support can improve alignment and reduce knee strain.
When to consult a doctor for knee pain?
Medical attention should be sought if:
- Pain persists despite rest and home remedies.
- There is significant swelling, redness, or warmth around the knee.
- The knee cannot bear weight or feels unstable.
- There is a noticeable deformity or inability to fully extend or flex the knee.
- A popping sound was heard at the time of injury.
Preventive Measures
To reduce the risk of inner knee pain:
- Regular Exercise: Engage in activities that strengthen the muscles supporting the knee, such as swimming or walking.
- Proper Technique: Use the correct form during physical activities to avoid undue stress on the knees.
- Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Incorporate stretching before and after exercise sessions.
- Balanced Diet: Consume nutrients essential for joint health, including calcium and vitamin D.
- Avoid Overuse: Gradually increase activity intensity and duration to prevent overloading the knee joint.
Inner knee pain, or medial knee pain, can be caused by various factors, such as ligament injuries (like medial collateral ligament sprain), meniscus tears, arthritis, or overuse from repetitive activities. Poor biomechanics, muscle imbalances, and improper footwear can also contribute.
Investigations for knee pain typically begin with a physical examination followed by imaging tests. X-rays help assess bone structure and detect arthritis or fractures. MRI scans provide detailed images of soft tissues such as ligaments, cartilage, and tendons, which are useful for identifying tears or inflammation.
Regenerative therapy for knee pain involves advanced, minimally invasive procedures designed to stimulate natural healing and repair of damaged tissues. Common techniques include Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and stem cell therapy, both of which promote tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation.
Treatment for inner knee pain depends on the underlying cause but often begins with conservative measures such as rest, ice application, compression, and elevation (RICE). Strengthening and stretching exercises, weight management, and proper footwear can also help.
The best treatment for knee pain varies depending on its cause and severity. Conservative methods, including physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, and targeted exercises, are effective in many cases. For chronic or moderate conditions, non-surgical treatments like image-guided knee regeneration therapy offer excellent results by reducing inflammation and enhancing tissue repair.
