What should you know about MCL bursitis?

A bursa cushions movement between nearby tissues. Around the inner knee, repeated kneeling, friction, a knock or altered movement can irritate one of these sacs. The soreness is usually close to the inner joint line and may be more noticeable when climbing stairs, bending the knee or lying on that side. Bursitis is different from an MCL sprain, although both can follow a sporting injury and cause inner-knee pain. A clinician checks the exact tender area, joint movement, skin changes and signs of infection.

Reduce kneeling, direct pressure and activities that repeatedly rub the painful area. Use a cold pack wrapped in cloth for short periods if it eases discomfort, and keep everyday movement within a tolerable range. A clinician may discuss [Anti-Inflammatory Medication](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/anti-inflammatory-medication/) when appropriate. Persistent fluid or inflammation may lead to consideration of [Cortisone Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/cortisone-injection/) or [Joint Aspiration](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/joint-aspiration/); these are decisions for a trained clinician, not home procedures.

Arrange assessment if inner-knee swelling or pain continues despite reducing pressure, or if walking and sleep are being affected. Seek urgent care when the area becomes hot and red, swelling spreads, fever develops, or pain rises quickly. A painful swollen knee after an injury, especially with inability to bear weight or restricted movement, also deserves prompt review because the bursa may not be the only structure involved.

Is the pain coming from a bursa, the MCL or the knee joint? Could infection or crystal inflammation be present? Which activities should I pause? Would imaging, medication, aspiration or an injection add useful information or relief?