Medial (Inside) Knee Pain – Symptoms & Treatment in Bromley

Key Points​

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Pain on the inside (medial side) of the knee is often linked to ligament injuries, meniscus tears, or joint degeneration.

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It can affect athletes, runners, and people with arthritis or poor biomechanics.

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Symptoms include sharp pain, swelling, stiffness, or instability on the inner side of the knee.

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At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, we use osteopathic care, ultrasound imaging, blood tests, and personalised rehabilitation to treat inside knee pain and prevent recurrence.

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What is Medial Knee Pain?

The inside (medial) aspect of the knee includes:

• Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) → prone to Ligament Sprains

• Medial Meniscus → cartilage cushioning the joint, commonly torn with twisting injuries

• Pes Anserine Tendons (hamstring attachment) → can become inflamed (Tendon Injuries)

• Joint capsule and cartilage → affected in arthritis

Pain may come from sports injuries, overuse, or gradual degenerative change.

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Symptoms of Medial Knee Pain

• Sharp or aching pain on the inner side of the knee

• Pain when twisting, pivoting, or side-stepping

• Swelling or stiffness, especially after activity

• Tenderness along the joint line or MCL

• Locking, catching, or clicking if meniscus is involved

• Instability or “giving way” in more severe sprains

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Causes & Risk Factors

• MCL sprain or tear (contact sports, twisting injuries)

• Medial meniscus tear (common in football, tennis, skiing)

• Pes Anserine tendonitis/bursitis

• Arthritis (degenerative joint disease affecting medial compartment)

• Overuse from running or repetitive loading

• Flat feet or knock knees increasing medial stress

• Previous injury such as Muscle Strain or Ligament Sprain

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Diagnosis of Medial Knee Pain

At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, diagnosis includes:

• Osteopathic assessment – joint mobility, ligament stability, meniscus testing

• Ultrasound imaging – to assess MCL, tendons, bursae, and detect fluid or inflammation

• Blood tests – for recurrent pain, assessing vitamin D, metabolic, or arthritis-related markers

• Referral – for MRI or X-ray if meniscus tear, cartilage degeneration, or fracture is suspected

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Self-Help for Inside Knee Pain

• Rest and avoid twisting movements during flare-ups

• Apply ice to reduce swelling and pain

• Use supportive footwear or insoles for biomechanical correction

• Gentle stretching of hamstrings, calves, and quads

• Strengthen hips and glutes to reduce load on the knee

• Consider a knee support or brace if unstable

• Apply the POLICE Principle for acute injuries

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Treatment Options at Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

✅ Osteopathic treatment – mobilisation, swelling management, and soft tissue release
✅ Exercise rehabilitation – strengthening quads, hamstrings, and glutes for stability
✅ Sports massage – deep tissue therapy for hamstrings and pes anserine region
✅ Ultrasound imaging – confirms diagnosis and tracks recovery progress
✅ Blood testing – identifies systemic or metabolic factors affecting recovery
✅ Return-to-sport planning – tailored programmes to reduce risk of reinjury

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Prevention

• Warm up and stretch before sport

• Strengthen hip, glute, and core muscles to stabilise knee

• Wear supportive footwear and avoid uneven surfaces

• Gradually build up running mileage or training load

• Maintain healthy weight to reduce joint pressure

• Address early signs of stiffness or swelling before they worsen

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FAQs – Medial Knee Pain

Q: Is inside knee pain always a meniscus tear?
No. It could be ligament sprain, tendon irritation, bursitis, or arthritis.

Q: Do I need a scan?
Ultrasound can assess ligaments and tendons. MRI is useful for meniscus or cartilage tears.

Q: Can medial knee pain heal on its own?
Mild sprains may resolve with rest and rehab. Persistent or severe pain needs assessment.

Q: Why are blood tests relevant?
They can highlight systemic factors such as vitamin D deficiency or arthritis markers.

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Book Your Appointment

Don’t let inside knee pain hold you back. Book your medial knee pain assessment in Bromley today for expert diagnosis, treatment, and prevention advice.

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📍 Bromley Sports Injury Clinic | Same-week appointments available

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