Medial Knee Pain (Inner Knee Pain): What It Means
Medial knee pain or pain on inside of knee is a common issue that Dr. Rik Kundra sees in patients of all ages and activity levels. As an experienced orthopaedic knee surgeon based in Dubai, Dr. Kundra stresses that pain on inner side of knee should not be overlooked, as it may indicate a deeper problem requiring thorough evaluation.
Many patients come to Dr. Rik Kundra reporting inner-knee pain, ranging from a mild ache to sharp, stabbing discomfort. He focuses on identifying the root cause rather than simply treating symptoms, helping patients achieve lasting relief and improved movement.
What is Medial Knee Pain or Inner Knee Pain?
Medial knee pain refers to pain on the inner side of knee, the side closest to your other knee. Many people describe it as pain on the inside of the knee, inside knee pain, or simply say, “the inside of my knee hurts.” It’s a very common condition and may result from injury, overuse, inflammation, or degeneration.
Types of Knee Pain
Acute Knee Pain
- Sudden, sharp pain after injury or trauma (sports, fall, accident)
- Often due to an ACL or meniscus tear
- Burning pain may indicate inflammation or nerve compression
Chronic Knee Pain
- Lasts 3 months or more & gradually worsens
- Dull, aching pain (can become sharp)
- May indicate arthritis or overuse injury
Why does the inside of My Knee Hurt So Bad?
The inner knee is supported by a network of ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and muscles. When any of these structures are injured or stressed, it can lead to pain in inner knee. Medial knee pain can arise from several common conditions as:
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury
The MCL stabilizes the inside of the knee. If it is torn or sprained, you may feel pain on inner side of knee, often with swelling and tenderness. Dr. Kundra notes that MCL injuries often happen after sudden twisting, direct impact, or sports injuries.
- Meniscus Tear
The meniscus serves as a cushion for shock absorption between the bones of the thigh and shin. A tear can cause inner knee pain with flexion, clicking, locking, or a sensation of instability. Many patients describe stabbing knee pain on inside during activity.
- Pes Anserine Bursitis
It occurs when the bursa (a fluid-filled sac) on the inner side of the knee becomes inflamed. Symptoms often include pain on inside of knee no swelling, pain when climbing stairs, or discomfort when bending the knee.
- Osteoarthritis
Cartilage deterioration in the joint can lead to chronic pain inner knee, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Dr. Kundra points out that osteoarthritis often causes pain that worsens with weight-bearing activities.
- Tendonitis
Tendon inflammation around the knee can cause pain on right side of knee or the inner side, especially during running or repetitive movements.
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
This condition can cause pain on inner side of knee cap and is often linked to muscle imbalance or alignment issues.
Everyday activities that lead to inner knee pain
Inner knee pain while driving
Sitting for long periods with your knee bent can aggravate conditions such as bursitis or meniscus irritation. Dr. Kundra often sees patients reporting inner knee pain when driving, especially after long trips.
Inner knee pain while running
Running puts ongoing stress on the knee joint. Poor technique, improper footwear, or muscle weakness can lead to inner knee pain while running. Dr. Kundra stresses the importance of proper training and conditioning to reduce risk.
The inside of the knee hurts when you cross your legs
Many patients visit Dr. Rik Kundra with a question: Why does the inside of my knee hurt when I cross my legs? To which he explains crossing legs can compress the inner knee structures, leading to irritation and pain. This is often seen in conditions like pes anserine bursitis or meniscus tears.
Also Read – What Your Knee Pain May Indicate Based on Its Location
Signs when you need medical help
While some causes of inner knee pain or pain on inner side of knee improve with rest, certain symptoms require professional evaluation. Seeing a specialist as Dr. Rik Kundra, is recommended if you experience:
- Severe pain or swelling
- Inability to bear weight
- Knee locking or catching
- Persistent pain for more than a week
- Numbness or tingling
- Pain after a traumatic injury
Even if there is pain on inside of knee no swelling, and persistent discomfort may indicate a meniscus tear or cartilage damage that needs treatment.
How can you prevent Inner Knee Pain?
Dr. Rik Kundra advises prevention strategies for active individuals, including:
- Maintaining strong quadriceps and hamstring muscles
- Warming up before exercise and stretching afterward
- Wearing proper footwear for your activity
- Avoiding sudden increases in training intensity
- Improving running technique and biomechanics
- Keeping a healthy weight helps take pressure off your joints.
Also Read – Nonsurgical Treatments for Knee Pain
Medial Knee Pain(Pain On Inner Side Of Knee) Treatment options
Dr. Rik Kundra follows a patient-focused approach, tailoring treatment to the individual’s diagnosis and lifestyle. Treatment options include:
1. Conservative treatment
Most inner knee pain improves with non-surgical approaches, including:
- Rest and activity modification
- Ice therapy and anti-inflammatory medication
- Physiotherapy to strengthen muscles and improve alignment
- Knee braces or support
- Gentle stretching exercises
This approach is often effective for pain on inner side of knee, pain in inner knee, and mild ligament or tendon injuries.
2. Advanced interventions
For persistent or severe cases, Dr. Kundra may recommend:
Arthroscopic & minimally invasive surgery
When pain on inner side of knee is caused by meniscus tears, ligament injuries, or cartilage damage, Dr. Kundra uses minimally invasive knee arthroscopy to diagnose and treat the problem directly.
Benefits:
- Small incisions, specialised instruments
- Less post-operative pain, faster recovery
- Treats meniscus tears, ligament injuries, cartilage defects, and persistent inflammation
- Ideal for pain that persists despite conservative treatment or mechanical symptoms like catching/locking
Knee joint preservation & reconstruction
Dr. Rik Kundra specialises in joint preservation to maintain the knee’s natural structure and delay the need for major surgery.
Joint-preserving options include:
- Cartilage repair procedures
- Ligament function improvement
- Alignment correction to reduce medial compartment stress
Ideal for younger, active patients seeking to preserve function and reduce long-term degeneration.
Advanced reconstruction & knee replacement
For advanced degeneration or structural damage, Dr. Rik Kundra offers advanced surgical solutions, including:
- Ligament reconstruction (MCL, ACL, PCL)
- Partial knee replacement (medial compartment)
- Total knee replacement
Dr. Rik Kundra’s approach ensures patients with inner knee pain receive the right care, whether through conservative treatment or surgery, so they can return to daily activities and sports confidently.
Why choose Dr. Rik Kundra for expert care
If you’re dealing with persistent inner knee pain or pain on inner side of knee, it is important not to ignore it. Early intervention can help stop long-term damage and allow you to return to an active lifestyle safely. In Dubai, Dr. Rik Kundra specializes in diagnosing and treating medial knee pain (inner knee pain) using modern, evidence-based approaches.
Book a consultation today to discuss your symptoms and receive a personalized treatment plan.
Disclaimer
All content and media on this page are created and published for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Meet Dr. Rik personally for appropriate medical diagnosis and advice.
