Inside knee pain

The inner side of the knee can hurt from several sources: the MCL ligament (which stabilizes the knee), the medial meniscus (cartilage), tendons and bursae where muscles attach, or referred pain from arthritis or muscle strain.

Inner knee pain is common and usually treatable at home with rest, ice, and stretching. Serious injuries causing severe pain or swelling need urgent assessment.

Inner knee pain when walking often comes from the MCL being stressed (especially on uneven ground) or from pes anserine bursitis (tendons being pulled).

Walking on level, even surfaces reduces stress. If pain is mild, walking itself can help—avoid only severe pain. Pain should improve within 1–2 weeks with rest and ice.

Inner knee pain when running often comes from the MCL or medial meniscus being stressed, or from weak hip muscles altering running biomechanics.

Rest from running while pain settles (usually 4–8 weeks). Strengthen your hip and glute muscles—weak hips force the knee to work abnormally. Return to running gradually.

Inner knee pain when bending (squatting, climbing stairs) can come from MCL strain, meniscus damage, or pes anserine bursitis being compressed.

Avoid deep bends while acute. As pain settles over weeks, gradually increase bend depth. Gentle strengthening helps muscles support the joint.

Inner knee pain when squatting often signals MCL strain or meniscus stress. Pain may be sharp or a deep ache.

Avoid full squats while acute; instead, do partial squats (half-depth) or wall squats. Gradual strengthening helps you return to full range.

If you twisted your knee or took a direct blow to the outside of the knee, inner side pain may follow—a sign of MCL injury. Immediate swelling and pain suggest a significant sprain or tear.

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation help in the first 2–3 days. Most MCL injuries heal well without surgery if you protect the knee while it recovers.

Swelling on the inside of the knee can come from MCL strain (usually mild swelling), meniscus injury (often more swelling), or pes anserine bursitis (localized swelling low and inside).

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation reduce swelling. If swelling is severe and came on in minutes, or if it is accompanied by heat and feeling unwell, contact your GP same-day.

The MCL (medial collateral ligament) stabilizes the inside of the knee. A twisting injury or direct blow to the outside of the knee can sprain or tear it.

MCL injuries usually heal well—most settle within 6–8 weeks with rest, ice, physiotherapy, and time. You rarely need surgery. A brace provides support while the ligament heals.

The medial meniscus is cartilage on the inner side of the knee. A twist can tear it, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes locking or catching.

Most meniscus tears improve with physiotherapy and time, though some need imaging to confirm. Avoid deep squatting while acute; pain usually settles within 8–12 weeks.

Pes anserine bursitis is inflammation of a fluid sac where three tendons attach on the inner, lower knee. It causes tenderness and swelling low and inside, often without remembering a specific injury.

Bursitis comes from overuse, repetitive movement, or tight muscles. Rest, ice, stretching the hamstrings and calf, and anti-inflammatory medication help. Most settle within 4–6 weeks.

Osteoarthritis can develop on the inner side of the knee, causing pain and swelling that worsens with activity and improves with rest.

Gentle strengthening, stretching, and low-impact activity help manage arthritic pain. Weight management also helps reduce load on the joint.

The hamstring and other tendons that attach on the inner knee can become inflamed (tendinitis) from overuse or muscle tightness.

Stretching the hamstring and calf helps significantly. Gradual strengthening prevents re-injury. Pain usually settles within 4–8 weeks.

See your GP if pain is severe, lasts more than 2 weeks, or if you cannot bear weight. Contact your GP same-day if the knee is hot, red, very swollen, or if you feel unwell.

Your GP can assess the injury and advise on whether imaging or physiotherapy is needed.

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are the foundation. Most inner knee pain settles within 4–8 weeks with this approach.

Once acute pain settles, stretching and strengthening speed recovery. Physiotherapy helps if pain persists or if you want to return to sports safely.