Running can be an effective way to decrease your stress, burn calories and boost your immune system. Many people take up running as a type of exercise, a hobby, or as part of playing a specific sport, such as baseball. However, if you feel inner knee pain while running, it can interfere with your motivation to stay active.
Inner knee pain refers to feeling pain in the medial part of your knee, which is the side that faces your opposite knee. When running, there are joints, tendons and muscles in the medial area that contribute to the motion. If you feel inner knee pain while running, there are a few medical conditions or injuries that could explain the issue. By learning about the possible explanations for the pain, you can determine the best courses of action for treatment that will get you back to running comfortably.
Possible reasons that you’re feeling inner knee pain when running
Did you know that your knees have to carry more than seven times your body weight while running? With such a heavy reliance on the synovial joint while running, it’s important that knees receive the care they need to keep functioning as comfortably as possible. That means that you shouldn’t brush off inner knee pain when running, as there is a risk of worsening the symptoms.
If you feel persistent or worsening inner knee pain during movements, such as running, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your concerns. They can evaluate your symptoms and knee function. They'll likely run diagnostic tests, such as an X-ray.
Here are a few potential diagnoses for inner knee pain when running:
Runner’s knee — When it comes to injuries that are developed by runners, patellofemoral pain syndrome is the most common. Often referred to as runner’s knee, this syndrome is an overuse injury. It can stem from damage to the cartilage located under the kneecap. When the thighbone rubs against the cartilage during activities like running, it can result in pain in the inner knee as well as around the kneecap.
Torn meniscus — Pieces of cartilage located on both sides of your knee, known as menisci, protect the joint and work as shock absorbers. It’s possible to tear a meniscus if you forcefully twist your knee while your foot is planted, such as quickly pivoting while playing basketball. Also called a medial meniscus tear, a torn meniscus can cause inner knee pain during many everyday activities, including running.
Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury — Your MCL starts at the bottom of your thighbone and runs down to the inside of your knee, ending on top of your shinbone. If you’re hit while playing a contact sport or you forcefully bend your knee, you can overstretch or sprain your medial collateral ligament. Along with inner knee pain while running, an MCL injury can also cause a popping sensation, knee instability and bruising.
Pes anserine bursitis — There are five major bursae in the knee, which are fluid-filled sacs that work as cushions between bones and the surrounding soft tissue. The pes anserine bursa is located on your inner knee. If the bursa becomes inflamed due to repetitive knee motions or overuse, it can cause inner knee pain when running, as well as tenderness and swelling.
Osteoarthritis — Arthritis in the knee usually refers to osteoarthritis, which is the most common type. It occurs when the knee joint cartilage gradually breaks down over time, resulting in the bones rubbing against each other. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including inner knee pain that worsens during movement like running, along with stiffness and swelling that make it difficult to bend the knee.
Find help for inner knee pain at KC Rehab
Having inner knee pain when running can be frustrating for anyone, especially if the activity is a part of your regular routine. That’s why it’s important to talk to your health care provider and determine how to treat the issue safely and effectively.
For many people who experience inner knee pain when running, there are many nonsurgical ways to alleviate the pain while restoring the joint’s function, strength and mobility. At KC Rehab, we can help you address the cause of your inner pain and design a treatment plan that can help you get back to your everyday activities, such as running.
With options like physical therapy, dry needling and aquatic therapy, we can help you with pain management as well as exercises and techniques for improving the overall quality of your knee. These treatments can also help reduce the risk of issues in the future and boost your athletic performance.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
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