Knee pain on the inner side, treatment: Focus Physical✓

Medial Knee Pain, medically known as pain on the inner side of the knee, is one of the most common locations for complaints in the lower extremities, as the inner part of the joint bears the highest percentage of weight-bearing during walking. This region encompasses the medial meniscus, the medial collateral ligament, and the muscle attachments that stabilize the leg, known as the pes anserinus or "goose's foot." Since the inner side of the knee is directly exposed to the forces generated with every foot strike, the structures in this area are more prone to faster cartilage wear and chronic tendon inflammation.

The anatomy of the medial knee is specific because the inner meniscus and ligament are tightly connected, making them sensitive to sudden rotations and lateral impacts. When the leg axis is disrupted, as in the case of "X legs" (genu valgum), the inner part of the joint is subjected to excessive pressure, while the ligaments are overstretched. Understanding the relationship between foot stability and the inner edge of the knee is crucial for identifying the exact source of pain in the patient. Timely physiotherapeutic diagnosis and gait correction help prevent more severe damage to the inner cartilage and allow for long-term joint longevity.

• Medial meniscus
• Medial collateral ligament
• Knee arthritis
• Bursitis

The cause of pain on the inner side of the knee is most often associated with mechanical overload, sports injuries, or degenerative processes that are specific to older age. Factors such as fallen arches of the feet, weakness of the inner quadriceps, or excess body weight directly contribute to the accelerated wear and tear of the inner part of the joint. Although the pain occurs in the knee, the root cause is often found in the improper weight transfer from the foot to the rest of the leg.

The main causes of pain on the inner side of the knee are:

• Medial meniscopathy, or compression or tearing of the inner meniscus due to sudden rotational movements.
• Pes anserinus bursitis, inflammation of the tendons of the "goose's foot" (Pes anserinus), which commonly occurs in runners and people with flat feet.
• Medial collateral ligament lesion, which occurs due to forced inward movement of the knee during sports or falls.
• Medial gonarthrosis is the process of cartilage wear on the inner side of the knee, which is very common in individuals with bow legs (O-shaped legs).
• Plica syndrome is irritation of the inner fold of the joint capsule, which can catch on the bony structure of the femur.

Accurate identification of the cause of irritation allows for the creation of a treatment plan that will permanently eliminate the pain and strengthen the inner stability of the leg. Each of the listed causes requires a specific approach in rehabilitation to ensure that the tissue heals properly and returns to function.

Treatment of Pain on the Inner Side of the Knee at the Focus Physical Therapy Center is aimed at reducing compression in the inner part of the joint and strengthening the muscles that correct the alignment of the leg. The therapeutic protocol combines the application of modern technology for cartilage regeneration with manual techniques that restore full mobility to the joint. Successful rehabilitation involves pain relief and the establishment of proper biomechanics for the entire kinetic chain of the leg.

The modern rehabilitation approach includes the following phases:

• Detailed functional assessment of foot statics, joint mobility, and strength of the inner part of the thigh.
• Use of physical procedures such as tecar therapy, high-power laser, and magnetotherapy for the rapid elimination of pain and swelling.
• Manual therapy and joint mobilization to reduce internal pressure and improve the nutrition of joint cartilage.
• Kinesiotherapy with a focus on specific exercises to strengthen the vastus medialis muscle and hip stabilizers.
• Education on the use of custom orthotic insoles and choosing appropriate footwear that prevents excessive inward twisting of the knee.

Continuous execution of the learned exercise program is essential for maintaining the achieved results and preventing the recurrence of symptoms. This comprehensive treatment restores the patient's confidence in their legs and allows for a return to daily activities without the fear of re-injury.