Published on: 5/6/2025
Pain on the inner side of the knee can come from a few things, like inflammation of a small fluid sac (pes anserine bursitis), irritation of a nerve (saphenous neuritis), or a small tear in the knee’s inner structures (meniscocapsular separation).
There are several causes for pain on the inside of the knee. One common cause is pes anserine bursitis, which happens when the fluid-filled sac near where three tendons meet the shin bone becomes irritated. This irritation often comes from repetitive activities or changes in weight. Another possible cause is saphenous neuritis. This is when the saphenous nerve, which runs along the inside of the knee, gets pinched or irritated, causing sharp or burning pain. A third cause is a small tear or separation at the medial meniscocapsular junction. This is where the inner edge of a cushioned area (meniscus) in the knee might separate from its surrounding tissue, leading to long-lasting discomfort on the inside of the knee. Each of these conditions can affect how the knee moves and cause discomfort during everyday activities. If your pain continues or worsens, it is important to talk to a doctor for more advice.
(References)
Morganti CM, McFarland EG, Cosgarea AJ. Saphenous neuritis: a poorly understood cause of medial knee pain. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2002 Mar-Apr;10(2):130-7. doi: 10.5435/00124635-200203000-00008. PMID: 11929207.
Hetsroni I, Lillemoe K, Marx RG. Small medial meniscocapsular separations: a potential cause of chronic medial-side knee pain. Arthroscopy. 2011 Nov;27(11):1536-42. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2011.06.025. Epub 2011 Sep 19. PMID: 21937194.
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