Differential Diagnosis for Left Medial Knee Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Medial meniscus tear: This is a common cause of medial knee pain, especially if there is a history of twisting injury or degenerative changes. The meniscus is a cartilage structure that can be damaged, leading to pain and mechanical symptoms.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain: The MCL is a ligament that provides stability to the medial aspect of the knee. A sprain can occur from a valgus stress (a force that bends the knee inward), leading to pain and instability.
- Pes anserine bursitis: This condition involves inflammation of the bursa that lies beneath the tendons of the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus muscles on the medial aspect of the knee. It can cause pain and swelling in the area.
- Osteoarthritis: Degenerative changes in the knee joint can lead to medial knee pain, especially if the pain is chronic and accompanied by stiffness and limited mobility.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Although less common, DVT can present with pain and swelling in the leg, including the medial aspect of the knee. It is a potentially life-threatening condition if not recognized and treated promptly.
- Septic arthritis: An infected joint can cause severe pain, swelling, and redness. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention to prevent long-term damage and complications.
- Osteonecrosis: Also known as avascular necrosis, this condition involves the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. It can cause severe pain and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent further damage.
Rare Diagnoses
- Pellegrini-Stieda syndrome: This is a rare condition characterized by ossification of the MCL, leading to chronic medial knee pain and stiffness.
- Medial knee compartment syndrome: This condition involves increased pressure within the medial compartment of the leg, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness. It is rare but can be a complication of trauma or intense exercise.
- Tumors: Although extremely rare, tumors such as osteosarcoma or chondrosarcoma can present with knee pain, including medial knee pain. A thorough evaluation is necessary to rule out these conditions.