The medial collateral ligament (MCL) runs along the outside of your inner knee to stabilize the joint. If the ligament overstretches, you may have an MCL sprain. The inside of your knee can hurt for many reasons, but it often occurs due to cartilage deterioration. It can also follow a sports injury or trauma to your knee.
Dealing with knee pain can be a frustrating and debilitating experience for many individuals. Whether the pain is caused by injury, arthritis, or other conditions, finding the right treatment can make all the difference in improving quality of life.
It can be caused by injury, overuse, aging, arthritis, or a variety of other medical conditions. Oral ginger supplements are thought to have anti-inflammatory biological properties that make them potentially useful in treating knee pain. Research has found that taking ginger can lead to statistically significant improvements in pain and function in people with osteoarthritis. In addition, there is questionable evidence supporting the use of a partial meniscectomy surgery to treat degenerative meniscal tears caused by osteoarthritis. Instead, addressing this type of pain with physical therapy seems to produce superior outcomes over time. Last, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have been utilized more recently to treat knee osteoarthritis and chronic patellar tendonitis.
You can usually treat knee pain at home by taking a break from physical activities and taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. Visit a healthcare provider if you’re feeling pain that’s bad enough to affect your daily routine or that’s making it hard to move. See a provider if you experience knee pain that lasts more than a few days without getting better. The knee is the biggest joint in your body, and it absorbs and supports a lot of your weight as you move. That’s why it’s one of the most commonly injured joints. Knee pain can be a temporary, short-term problem, but it can also be a chronic (long-term) issue that needs diagnosis and treatment by a healthcare provider.
Treatment Options
When it comes to managing knee pain, there are several treatment options available. From physical therapy and medication to injections and surgery, the key is to find the approach that works best for each individual’s unique situation.
Bone cancer or cancer that spreads to the bones may cause knee pain. The anatomy, biomechanics, and kinematics (degree of motion) of the outer knee are less prone to wear and tear than the inner knee. For this reason, lateral compartment OA is less common than medial compartment OA. The causes and symptoms of lateral compartment OA mirror those of medial compartment OA. The only real difference is that the pain is experienced on the outside of the knee.
But the good news is treatment can relieve some of the symptoms. Treatment might even slow down or stop the disease from getting worse. Unfortunately, the research on these supplements is still mixed. They are thought to provide relief from osteoarthritis pain temporarily, but were not found to be effective for longer than 26 weeks. A knee brace can help improve pain after more severe ligament sprains or tendon strains, when instability in the joint commonly occurs. In limited situations, a knee brace may also help improve the pain you are feeling in your knee and add support to damaged structures in the joint.
Less commonly utilized, CAM approaches are not considered to be the first line of defense when treating knee pain. That said, in certain situations, some complementary and supplemental options can have pain-reducing effects on your joint. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider before trying any alternative or supplemental treatments. In treating many types of knee pain, doctors try to break what’s called the inflammatory cycle.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is often recommended as a first-line treatment for knee pain. By strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee joint and improving flexibility, physical therapy can help reduce pain and improve function.
Medication
For individuals dealing with chronic knee pain, medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation, while acetaminophen can provide relief from mild to moderate pain.
Injections
In some cases, injections may be recommended to help alleviate knee pain. Corticosteroid injections can help reduce inflammation, while hyaluronic acid injections can provide lubrication and cushioning within the joint.
When conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be necessary to address the underlying cause of knee pain. Procedures such as arthroscopy, partial knee replacement, or total knee replacement may be recommended depending on the severity of the condition.
It’s important for individuals experiencing knee pain to work closely with their healthcare provider to determine the most effective treatment plan for their specific needs. By exploring various treatment options and staying proactive in managing symptoms, it is possible to find relief from the pain of knee treatment.
