Differential Diagnosis for Medial Knee Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Medial meniscus tear: This is a common cause of medial knee pain, especially in individuals who participate in sports or activities that involve twisting or bending of the knee. The meniscus is a cartilage structure that can be damaged, leading to pain and stiffness in the knee.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain: The MCL is a ligament that connects the femur to the tibia and provides stability to the knee. A sprain can occur due to a sudden twisting or bending motion, leading to medial knee pain.
- Pes anserine bursitis: This is an inflammatory condition that affects the bursa located on the medial aspect of the knee. It can cause pain and swelling in the area, especially in individuals with osteoarthritis or those who are overweight.
- Medial knee osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can affect the knee, leading to pain and stiffness. The medial compartment of the knee is often affected, causing pain on the inner aspect of the knee.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Septic arthritis: This is a serious infection that can occur in the knee joint, causing severe pain, swelling, and stiffness. It requires prompt medical attention to prevent long-term damage to the joint.
- Osteonecrosis: This is a condition where the bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply. It can occur in the knee and cause severe pain, especially in individuals with a history of steroid use or trauma.
- Tumor: Although rare, a tumor can occur in the knee and cause medial knee pain. It is essential to consider this possibility, especially in individuals with a history of cancer or unexplained weight loss.
Rare Diagnoses
- Medial plica syndrome: This is a rare condition where the plica, a fold of tissue in the knee joint, becomes inflamed and causes pain and stiffness.
- Sartorius muscle strain: The sartorius muscle is located on the medial aspect of the thigh and can cause knee pain if it becomes strained.
- Medial knee stress fracture: A stress fracture can occur in the medial aspect of the knee, especially in individuals who participate in high-impact activities or have a history of osteoporosis.