If your inner knee clicks when running, see a doctor immediately. This could be caused by cartilage flaps catching and frictioning against each other or by swelling that decreases lubrication causing frictional rub.
Pain in your knee that worsens after sitting or lying down for extended periods could be indicative of arthritis. Your physician can diagnose it by asking about your symptoms and conducting a physical exam of your joint.
Stretches
Knee stretching may help relieve inner knee pain, although you might not immediately associate it with treating this ailment. While stretching may not come to mind as an effective treatment option for inner knee discomfort, strengthening and flexibility exercises in this joint area can make a substantial difference and potentially help avoid issues like bone spurs.
If the inner knee pain only worsens when bending and straightening your leg, this could be Pes Anserine Bursitis or Runner’s Knee. Though less likely than medial collateral ligament tears or meniscus injuries to be the source, mentioning it to your doctor immediately is still highly advised as urgent treatment must be provided quickly in order to stop further issues from arising.
Sit on the floor with legs extended out in front of you and bent slightly, hands reaching back towards you with gentle pull of one leg toward you until a stretch in back of thigh is felt. Repeat this action for both legs.
Rest
Many runners enjoy the soft ruffling of their hair as they run and the feelings of satisfaction that surge through their chest while running, but less-than-desirable sensations include sharp pain coming from inside of knee when straightening it, usually caused by running injuries such as pes anserine bursitis or MCL sprains.
The MCL connects your thigh bone and shin bone and serves to stabilize your knee. A tear may occur from falling hard onto it, twisting your knee improperly or overusing it, which may increase its chances.
Over time, repeated knee flexing can cause inflammation in the medial plica and result in pes anserine bursitis; an inflammation affecting your inner knee that results in inner knee pain, stiffness and clicking or popping sounds when you bend your knee. You may also notice some slight swelling. To treat this issue effectively, rest your leg, apply ice, and take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
When pain on the inner knee worsens when bending it, this could indicate inflammation of a small fold called a medial plica lining of your knee, also known as pes anserine bursitis or plica syndrome. Inflammation of this structure results in excess fluid and pressure within the knee joint which leads to swelling, tenderness and an audible clicking or popping sensation when moving your leg.
Aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen are often prescribed to alleviate knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. While low doses are safe to take regularly long-term, long-term use could cause stomach upset, kidney damage and liver issues.
Physical therapy can also offer great assistance. Therapists can teach runners proper warmup and cooldown techniques as well as stretching strategies for hips and lower back to reduce running injuries, providing support with braces or tape, knee exercises to increase flexibility and teach an incremental increase in activity to avoid overuse injuries in knees.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy may be necessary when rest and over-the-counter pain relievers don’t alleviate inner knee discomfort. An experienced physical therapist can teach stretches and strengthening exercises designed to alleviate inner knee discomfort.
Running-related medial knee pain typically arises from either a tear of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) or strain to the medial meniscus, usually as a result of rapid pivoting or twisting. If this type of injury suddenly presents itself it would be wise to consult a physician as they may recommend an MRI as soon as possible.
Bone spurs are another frequent cause of medial knee pain, often manifesting themselves in lumpy outgrowths of bone that protrude from within your knee joint and cause greater pressure in this region. For more information regarding symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of bone spurs in knee joints visit our Knee Bone Spurs section.
