What Is Inner Knee Pain?
Inner or medial knee pain refers to discomfort on the side of your knee closest to your body's center, which is next to your other knee. The term "medial" simply means "in the middle." Knee discomfort at night time is a regular occurrence. Whether the nocturnal knee pain makes it difficult to fall asleep, wakes one up, or makes people restless, it can significantly influence the sleep quality and, as a result, the overall health and quality of life. Over the course of the day, the pressures and strains on our knees pile up, and when we finally get a moment to relax and unwind, knee pain can attack with a vengeance. There are several things one can undertake to control inner knee pain, as well as therapies that can assist.
What Causes Knee Pain at Night?
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A lot is going on during the day, and other things typically divert our brains, so we do not have time to observe or think about the discomfort. When we jump into bed, however, with less activity and distractions, the ache that has been rumbling in the background instantly becomes quite loud since there is nothing to disguise it.
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There is less to divert our attention away from our discomfort, so the more we concentrate on it, the more aware we become, and thus more knee pain is experienced at night.
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Knee discomfort can occur due to a variety of factors, including injury, tendonitis (tendon irritation), and bursitis (inflammation of the bursa, which is a sac that cushions the bone and the joints). However, the most common cause of knee pain is arthritis.
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Osteoarthritis is a mechanical disease that develops as a result of wear and tears on the joints and the tendons and the cartilages that support them. This distinguishes it from rheumatoid arthritis, which is characterized by joint inflammation induced by an autoimmune condition. While osteoarthritis is most commonly associated with the elderly, it can also affect younger people, particularly those prone to overexertion of certain joints or have had serious injuries such as ligament tears.
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People take in oxygen from the air and then exhale carbon dioxide as they breathe. Our respiratory rate, or how many times we breathe in and out every minute, decreases when we sleep, and we breathe more slowly. As a result, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood rises, causing blood vessels to dilate. This can put pressure on nearby nerves, making them more sensitive, resulting in nighttime knee discomfort.
What Are the Symptoms of Inner Knee Pain?
Different people experience pain on the inside of the knee in different ways.
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It could be severe pain, a scorching agony, or a dull ache. It may come and go, or one may have pain when performing certain actions like squatting, moving upstairs, or straightening their leg.
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Other symptoms people may experience are dependent on the cause of the discomfort. Swelling may occur, and the knee may click or become locked in one position as a result of some types of injury.
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The ache in the inside portion of the knee can also be caused by patellofemoral pain syndrome. It is commonly in front of the kneecap, although it could also be to the right or left. Running, climbing stairs, kneeling, or sitting for an extended period of time aggravates it.
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Osteoarthritis in the knee typically generates pain when weight is put on the affected leg, which goes away when the leg is rested. One may have tightness and loss of movement in the early morning or after sitting for an extended period of time. Swelling can also be observed around the knee.
How Do I Relieve Knee Pain at Night?
Gentle exercises, over-the-counter medications, and home treatments such as cold or heat packs, relaxation, and deep breathing can all be used to assist decrease knee discomfort at night. Try the following strategies to relieve knee discomfort while in bed during the nighttime.
1. Physical Therapies and Home Treatments
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Use a pillow to support the aching regions of the body while sleeping. If one rests on their side, place the pillow between the knees; if one sleeps on their back, place the pillow under the knees. Propping pillows are available in a variety of designs. Pain and inflammation can be managed with the use of heat and cold. Before going to bed, use an ice pack or a heating pad for 15 to 20 minutes. During the night, use a hot water bottle. Remember to wrap the ice pack in a towel to avoid skin harm.
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Before going to bed, apply a Capsaicin-containing topical medicine to the affected area.
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Relax in a warm bath before going to bed. The warm water will aid in enhancing blood flow and relieve knee discomfort by relaxing tense muscles.
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Exercise on a regular basis. Water-based activities are beneficial because they relieve pressure on your knees. Strength and flexibility can be improved through tai chi and yoga. Exercise can also aid in stress reduction. You can hangout by going to a day center, joining a group, spending time with family, friends, or neighbors, and engaging in social gatherings.
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Increased stress can lead to an increase in pain and a decrease in pain tolerance. Talk to a medical professional if you are concerned that the stress and anxiety levels are too high or do not seem to go away. They may be able to provide assistance in the form of therapy or medicine.
2. Medication
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In some circumstances, over-the-counter drugs can help relieve inflammation. Topical preparations, such as Capsaicin, oral medicines, such as Acetaminophen can help. If over-the-counter pain relievers are not powerful enough to relieve discomfort, the doctor may prescribe a stronger medication.
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One may need to change the timing of their prescriptions if discomfort keeps them awake.
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The doctor can advise on whether modifying the dosing schedule may help the patient sleep better at night. Some drugs might cause drowsiness.
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Consult the doctor if you find yourself dozing during the day after starting a new medication. They may advise switching to a different choice or lowering the dosage.
3. Surgery
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Medication and lifestyle adjustments may help manage symptoms if you have osteoarthritis.
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The doctor may propose knee replacement surgery if the pain becomes unbearable and starts to compromise the patient's mobility and quality of life.
Conclusion:
Knee discomfort during sleeping may be addressed with simple at-home preventative tactics and strategies. At-home treatments are frequently focused on temporarily treating or preventing symptoms. If a person's symptoms do not improve, they should continue to work with medical professionals. To manage inflammation and pain, a doctor may prescribe more potent drugs or suggest other pain treatments. Finding a comfortable position and using a pillow for cushioning that feels right can help achieve better sleep at night.
