Pain on the inside of the knee: Causes, symptoms and treatment

Sometimes you may experience pain on the inside of your knee. It is a common complaint that can affect people of all ages. This type of pain can range from mild to severe and can be due to a variety of causes. In this article, we will explore the causes of inner knee pain, identify common symptoms and discuss possible treatments, including how Fascia Clinics can assist in recovery.
What is pain on the inside of the knee?
Common causes of pain on the inside of the knee
Pain on the inside of the knee can occur for a variety of reasons. It can range from a simple overuse of a muscle, to more serious medical conditions. Other common causes include meniscus injuries, ligament injuries and joint diseases such as osteoarthritis. In athletes and people who perform repetitive movements, overuse and misuse are common causes of pain on the inside of the knee.
Symptoms of pain on the inside of the knee
The typical symptoms of pain on the inside of the knee include pain on exertion, difficulty in extending the leg, swelling and stiffness of the knee. The pain may worsen with activity and ease with rest.
Why does the inside of your knee hurt?
Overexertion and incorrect load
Overuse occurs when the knee is subjected to repeated movements or excessive force, which can lead to pain and inflammation. Misuse means that the knee is used incorrectly, which can lead to overloading of certain muscles and ligaments.
Age-related changes and activity level
With age, the risk of degenerative changes in the knee joint, such as osteoarthritis, increases, which can cause pain on the inside of the knee. A person’s activity level also plays a big role; too little movement can lead to stiffness and too much can lead to overexertion.
Specific injuries that cause pain
Specific injuries, such as meniscus injuries or injuries to the internal ligaments, are common causes of pain on the inside of the knee. These injuries can occur suddenly through an accident or gradually through wear and tear.
What can the pain in the inside of the knee be a symptom of?
Meniscus injury
Menisci are crescent-shaped cartilage structures in the knee joint. They can be damaged by sudden twisting or by prolonged wear and tear. Most often, it is the inner meniscus that is affected. A meniscus injury can cause pain, swelling and a feeling that the knee is not stable.
Internal ligament injury
The internal ligaments, known as the cruciate ligaments, help to stabilize the knee. An injury to any of these ligaments can lead to pain, swelling and a feeling of instability in the knee. ACL injuries are common in ball sports such as football, handball and basketball.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a form of joint wear and tear that often affects the knee joint. It leads to pain, stiffness and difficulty moving the knee, especially in the morning or after sitting still for a long time.
What symptoms can pain in the inside of the knee cause?
Difficulty stretching the leg
One of the most common symptoms of problems with the inside of the knee is the difficulty in fully extending the leg, which can limit freedom of movement. The knee joint may also feel locked.
Pain when straining or twisting
Pain that occurs with strain or when the knee is twisted is a clear sign that something is wrong. This can be particularly noticeable when performing activities such as climbing stairs or squatting.
Swelling and stiffness
Swelling is often a common sign of inflammation or injury but it can also indicate circulatory problems. Stiffness, on the other hand, may indicate that the knee is not being used enough or that there is an underlying joint change. Osteoarthritis often affects the knees and one of the symptoms is stiffness.
How can the FasciaClinics help you?
At FasciaClinics, we specialize in seeing and treating the body from a holistic perspective. We perform fascia treatments, a highly effective treatment method that focuses on treating and maintaining the fascia in our body.
Fascia is the network of soft connective tissue that binds and permeates everything in our body. All cells, tissues (even bone), nerves, muscles and joints contain fascia. This means that all the cells and tissues of the body are connected and can communicate with each other. Treating the fascia and releasing tension and adhesions can therefore play a crucial role in pain inside the knee.
During a treatment, we also look at the position of the pelvis. A tilted pelvis can cause uneven loading on the legs, which can lead to pain on the inside of the knee. If there is a primary misalignment in the body, there is a high risk that imbalances will spread and affect other structures, far away from the main problem.
By not only addressing the immediate pain but also investigating and treating the underlying causes of the problem, people can have a better chance of regaining better mobility and a higher quality of life.