Medial Knee Pain

Medial knee pain is pain on the inner side of the knee. It has several possible causes, from the knee joint itself to the way the feet and legs move. When the feet roll inwards too much, the knee can be pulled inwards with every step, putting extra strain on the inner knee.

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Symptoms

An ache on the inner side of the knee during or after activity
Pain going up or down stairs, squatting or kneeling
Tenderness just below the inner side of the knee joint
Stiffness after sitting or resting
Swelling around the inner knee

Common causes

Flat feet or over-pronation
A difference in leg length
Weakness in the hip and thigh muscles
A sudden increase in walking, running or other activity
Previous knee injury
Early wear and tear (osteoarthritis) in the knee
Weight gain

What else can look similar

A tear in the cartilage (meniscus) of the knee
A sprain of the inner knee ligament
Bursitis below the inner knee
Osteoarthritis of the knee
Pain around the kneecap
Pain referred from the hip

What you can try at home

Reduce the activities that make the pain worse
Cold compresses or ice after activity
Wear supportive footwear
Exercises to strengthen the hip and thigh muscles
If your knee locks, gives way or swells after a twisting injury, see your GP
If the pain is ongoing or recurring, it needs a professional assessment and diagnosis

How we can help

A physical examination of the knee and of how your feet and legs work together
A biomechanical assessment with video gait analysis
Foot orthoses, ranging from off the shelf and semi bespoke to tailor made
Strengthening exercises under the guidance of an HCPC registered podiatrist
Specific footwear advice
Running video gait analysis for runners
Acupuncture
Referral for a scan, physiotherapy or a specialist opinion when needed

Which appointment to book

If you have symptoms that sound like medial knee pain, you are recommended to book one of the following appointments:

A biomechanical assessment, for a full assessment of how your feet and legs move
A musculoskeletal (MSK) consultation
Running video gait analysis, if you are predominantly a runner

If you are not sure which appointment is right for you, call us on 02920 644900 or email info@feetinfocus.com and we will help.

Common questions

Can a problem with my feet really cause knee pain?

Yes. The way your feet move affects the whole leg. If the feet roll inwards too much, the shin and thigh rotate and the knee is pulled inwards, which puts extra strain on the inner side of the knee. Correcting how the feet work, with orthoses and exercises, often eases knee pain.

Do I need a scan?

Not usually. Most medial knee pain can be diagnosed with a careful examination. If your podiatrist suspects a problem inside the knee joint, such as a cartilage tear, we will advise you on a referral for a scan or a specialist opinion.

Should I keep exercising?

Staying active is important, but you may need to change what you do for a while. Lower impact exercise such as swimming or cycling is often easier on the knee. Your podiatrists will give you exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the knee.