Running daily can be an excellent way to build immunity, strengthen muscles and enhance cardiovascular health. But if you find that running causes inner knee pain without swelling, this could be a telltale sign that something more sinister may be at play.
Inner knee pain is typically the result of irritating the pes anserine bursa located inside of the front of the knee joint, leading to symptoms like sharp stabbing or dull ache in that region.
Causes
Running can be an excellent cardiovascular exercise, but over time it can become detrimental to the knees. Running puts tremendous strain on a joint’s cartilage – even more so if muscles are unbalanced – placing added pressure on it and forcing inner knee tilt forward, placing extra strain on cartilage.
Cartilage damage and degenerative conditions, like osteoarthritis, are among the primary sources of inner knee pain after running. Osteoarthritis wears away at cartilage layers, leading to bones to grind against one another and put an enormous strain on a knee’s support structure.
Repetitive use can also irritate bursae, the fluid-filled sacs which act to cushion various tissues in the body, leading to bursitis. One common form is found inside of knee called the pes anserine bursa which, when affected, causes pain and inflammation on its inner side resulting in bursitis symptoms on either side.
Diagnosis
Running is an integral part of many lives for good reasons: cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance and social interactions all benefit from running. But when knees start hurting it may be time to visit a physician.
Your knees are complex joints composed of four bones, ligaments, tendons and cartilage that must work in harmony to move smoothly. Any strain, tear or injury to one component throws off balance the entire system causing pain when moving your leg.
Inner Knee Pain When Straightening Leg: Pes Anserine Bursitis can lead to inner knee pain when straightening your leg, as the bursa becomes inflamed from tight muscles and tendons overlying it.
Rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory condition, may also cause inner knee pain. It usually peaks early in the morning before subsiding throughout the day. OTC painkillers or icing your knee may help alleviate discomfort.
Treatment
If you are experiencing mild pain on the inside of your knee without swelling, it could just need time to heal. Slightly overstretched ligaments or bruised knee bones may need time off from running in order to rest and recuperate before returning.
Your doctor will evaluate inner knee pain by performing a physical evaluation and ordering an X-ray or MRI scan to check for damage to cartilage, meniscus or the actual joint itself. They can also perform blood tests to detect possible autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
To relieve pain and reduce inflammation, try placing an ice pack on your knee three to four times a day for 20 minutes for relief. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication like Ibuprofen may also provide some relief, however if home treatments don’t do the trick seek assistance from a physical therapist who will help find ways to manage your discomfort so you can continue running without feeling pain.
Prevention
Running has become an integral part of everyday life for many people, providing benefits that include cardiovascular health improvements, muscle strengthening and mental wellbeing gains, weight loss and staying in shape. While running can provide great aerobic benefits and weight loss potential, knees often take the brunt of the punishment during activity – therefore it is essential to keep them strong and healthy for optimum running experience.
Pes anserine bursitis is one of the leading causes of inner knee pain, occurring when folds in the lining of the knee joint become irritated by folds, leading to swelling and compression of tissues around it resulting in pain, tenderness and tenderness.
To combat this, ice packs and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories may help. Running on softer surfaces while wearing shoes that support your feet can also help ease pain. Strength training exercises designed to strengthen the muscles above the knee are another useful strategy; just be sure not to adopt the “no pain, no gain” mindset when doing exercises like these! Finally, listen to your body.
