Differential Diagnosis for Lower Medial Knee Pain while Biking
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Medial meniscus injury or medial plica syndrome: This is a common issue in cyclists due to the repetitive bending and straightening of the knee, which can cause irritation or injury to the medial meniscus or the medial plica.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL) strain: The MCL can be strained due to valgus stress (a force that bends the knee inward) while biking, especially if the bike fit is not optimal or if the cyclist is not using proper technique.
- Pes anserine bursitis or tendinitis: The pes anserine is a tendinous structure that inserts on the medial aspect of the tibia, and inflammation of the bursa or tendons in this area can cause medial knee pain.
- Overuse or repetitive strain injury: Cycling can cause repetitive strain on the muscles and tendons around the knee, leading to overuse injuries such as tendonitis or muscle strain.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Osteonecrosis of the knee: Although less common, osteonecrosis (death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply) can occur in the knee and cause medial knee pain, especially in older adults or those with certain medical conditions.
- Infection or septic arthritis: Infection in the knee joint can cause severe pain, swelling, and redness, and requires prompt medical attention to avoid serious complications.
- Tumor or cancer: Although rare, a tumor or cancer in the knee or surrounding tissues can cause persistent pain and should not be missed.
- Rare diagnoses
- Sartorius muscle strain: The sartorius muscle is a long, thin muscle that runs down the medial aspect of the thigh and inserts on the tibia, and a strain of this muscle can cause medial knee pain.
- Medial knee ligamentous instability: This is a condition where the ligaments on the medial aspect of the knee are loose or unstable, causing pain and instability in the knee.