Inner Knee Pain (Medial Pain): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
- tefstaines28
- Dec 9, 2025
- 6 min read
Medial knee pain, or pain on the inner side of the knee, is one of the most common complaints seen by orthopedic specialists. While some people think it is only a minor strain, pain in this area can be a sign of more serious problems, like torn ligaments, meniscus injuries, or arthritis.
This guide, prepared by the specialists at Center One Medical in Sarasota, FL, explains how the knee works, the main causes of inner knee pain, and the best treatment options to help you find relief.
What is Inner Knee Pain (Medial Knee Pain)?
The term medial refers to the side of the knee closest to your other leg. This complex area contains several critical structures that provide stability and cushioning. The most common causes of inner knee pain are:
Medial Meniscus: A C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts like a cushion to absorb shocks.
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL): A tough band that helps keep the knee stable when it is pushed inward.
Pes Anserine Bursa: A small sac filled with fluid, located a few inches below the knee joint, that helps stop things from rubbing together.
Top Causes of Pain on the Inner Side of the Knee
Understanding what causes inner knee pain requires identifying which structure is damaged. The four most common causes are:
1. Medial Meniscus Tear
This often causes sharp pain on the inside of the knee. The meniscus can tear suddenly if you twist your knee while your foot is on the ground, or it can happen slowly over time as the knee wears out.
Pain Profile: Sharp pain in one spot, sometimes with symptoms like the knee locking, catching, or feeling unstable.
2. Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Sprain or Tear
An injury to the MCL usually results from a direct blow to the outside of the knee, forcing the joint inward (called a valgus force).
Pain Profile: Soreness and swelling right over the ligament. The knee may feel weak or unsteady, especially when turning or moving in a different direction.
3. Pes Anserine Bursitis
This happens when the bursa sac on the lower, inner side of the knee gets swollen. It usually comes from using the knee too much, tight hamstrings, running incorrectly, or rubbing in that area.
Pain Profile: A long-lasting, dull pain is found 2 to 3 inches below the knee joint. The pain gets worse with repeated movement.
4. Medial Compartment Osteoarthritis (OA)
As people get older, the cartilage that protects the inside part of the knee gets worn out. This leads to the bones rubbing together, which causes long-lasting swelling and stiffness.
Pain Profile: A general ache and stiffness, usually worse in the morning or after not moving for a while.
When Does Inner Knee Pain Occur?
The timing of your pain is an important clue for your physician:
1. Pain When Walking and Bending
If you feel pain on the inner side of your knee when walking or bending, it is probably caused by the meniscus or arthritis.
Meniscus Tear: The pain gets worse when you put weight on your sore leg or when you bend your knee deeply, like when squatting.
Osteoarthritis (OA): The knee feels stiff at first and hurts more after walking for a long time or going up stairs.
2. Pain When Running
If you feel pain on the inside of your knee when running, it is usually because of chronic irritation.
Pes Anserine Bursitis and chronic MCL strain are the primary culprits.
3. Pain When Sleeping or Resting
Feeling pain on the inside of your knee when you sleep or rest often means there is a lot of swelling or serious damage.
Inflammation: Sprained ligaments or bursitis can cause throbbing pain at night.
Severe OA: When the bones rub together, it can cause pain that you feel even when the joint is not moving.
Accurate Diagnosis by a Sarasota Specialist
It's important to get the right diagnosis, because a meniscus tear and bursitis need different treatments. At Center One Medical, we make sure to check carefully:
1. Medical History & Physical Exam:
Your physician will perform specific manual tests, such as the Valgus Stress Test (for MCL) and the McMurray Test (for Meniscus).
2. Imaging Tests
X-rays: Used to assess bone structure and confirm or rule out Medial Compartment Osteoarthritis.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This is the best test for seeing soft tissues like the Medial Meniscus and MCL.
Treatment Options for Medial Knee Pain
Treatment for medial knee pain depends on the exact cause and usually starts with simple methods before trying more advanced options.
1. Non-Surgical Treatment (How to Treat Medial Knee Pain)
The initial treatment for most ligament sprains, bursitis, and meniscus tears is typically treated without surgery.
RICE Protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
Physical Therapy (PT): It is Important to make the muscles around the knee stronger so there is less pressure on the knee joint.
NSAIDs: Medicines you can buy without a prescription, like ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and swelling.
2. Targeted Injections
If you have chronic inflammation or arthritis, targeted injections can help relieve pain for a longer time.
Corticosteroid Injections: Very good at reducing swelling in the Pes Anserine Bursa or directly in the knee joint.
Viscosupplementation (Hyaluronic Acid): Used for Osteoarthritis to help lubricate and protect the joint.
3. Surgical Options
Surgery is usually only needed for meniscal tears that have moved out of place or are unstable, or for very serious ligament problems.
Arthroscopy: A simple surgery that uses small cuts to fix or remove part of the meniscus.
When to See a Doctor for Inner Knee Pain
If you have ongoing pain on the inside of your knee, waiting too long can cause long-term problems like instability, nerve damage, and faster joint wear. You should see a specialist if you notice any of these issues:
Mechanical Symptoms: You feel a distinct locking, catching, or giving way sensation when you walk or bear weight. This strongly suggests a meniscal tear that may need urgent repair.
Severe Instability: Your knee feels weak or unsteady, as if it could give way, especially when you stand or turn. This may mean you have an MCL tear.
Immediate Severe Swelling: If your knee swells up quickly (within a few hours of getting hurt) or you can’t put weight on it at all.
Fever or Redness: If your knee feels hot, looks very red, and you have a fever or chills, this may mean you have a serious joint infection (septic arthritis) that needs emergency care.
Pain Lasting Over 1 Week: The pain does not get much better after resting, using ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers for 5-7 days.
Night Pain/Pain at Rest: Inner knee pain that keeps you awake at night or continues even when you are not moving around.
Worsening Stiffness: If your knee is much stiffer, especially in the morning, and it lasts more than 30 minutes, it could be a sign of arthritis.
Failure of Home Care: You have tried RICE and NSAIDs, but the pain is still limiting your daily activities, walking, or running.
If you are struggling with persistent inner knee pain, waiting can lead to chronic instability and faster joint degeneration. A specialist is needed to accurately diagnose whether your pain is caused by a meniscus tear, an MCL sprain, or arthritis. Our team of medical professionals at Center One Medical welcomes you. We provide personalized care and definitive diagnosis right here in Sarasota, FL, designed to restore your mobility and get you back to running, bending, and living pain-free. Don't let medial knee pain limit your life. Contact us and schedule an appointment today!
Conclusion
Inner knee pain can be caused by sudden injuries like a Medial Meniscus tear or long-term problems like Osteoarthritis or Pes Anserine Bursitis. Getting the right diagnosis from an expert is important. Just resting may make things worse, especially if your knee locks or catches. Knowing what causes pain on the inside of your knee is the first step to getting better. The specialists at Center One Medical in Sarasota, FL, are here to help with personalized care, including physical therapy, advanced injections, and minimally invasive surgery, so you can move easily and live without pain.
FAQs
1. Should I use heat or ice for inner knee pain?
For acute injuries (like an MCL sprain) or immediately after activity, use ice to reduce swelling and pain. For chronic stiffness (like arthritis or bursitis), heat may be more soothing before activity.
2. Is walking okay if I have medial knee pain?
Walking gently is usually safe, but stop if the pain gets worse or makes you limp. Don't do activities that twist your knee or require deep squats until a doctor has checked your condition.
3. How long does it take for MCL or meniscal pain to heal?
A mild MCL sprain (Grade I) can heal in 2 to 4 weeks with rest and physical therapy. A small meniscus tear that doesn't need surgery usually heals in 4 to 8 weeks. More serious tears or surgery will take longer to heal.
4. Is inner knee pain when running always a sign of a Meniscus tear?
No. Pain on the inside of your knee when running is usually caused by long-term problems like Pes Anserine Bursitis (swelling of a small cushion in the knee) or issues with how your kneecap moves because of muscle imbalances. These problems can be treated with physical therapy.
5. What's the difference between inner knee pain from an MCL injury versus a Meniscus tear?
Pain from an MCL injury is usually felt right on the ligament and can make your knee feel unstable or wobbly. Pain from a Meniscus tear is often felt along the joint line and can cause your knee to click, lock, or catch.
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