Pain Inside Thigh
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We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Pain in the inner thigh can happen for many reasons, including a muscle strain, a hernia, and kidney stones. The treatment will depend on the cause, but resting and applying warm or cool compresses may help. Share on Pinterest Pain around the inner thigh may be accompanied by muscles stiffness or a limited range of movement. Depending on its cause, pain around the inner portion of the thigh may either be described as:
a dull achea sharp pain
A person may feel pain in the inner thigh muscles or adductors. These muscles sit close to the groin, which refers to the region of the hip between the stomach and thigh. Pain in the groin and inner thigh may overlap because of this proximity. Inner thigh pain may occur with other symptoms, such as:
muscle stiffnesslimited range of motion inflammation clicking or grinding when moving
Other symptoms may also be present, depending on the cause. Muscle injuries The inner thigh muscles, or adductors, can become strained or torn by certain movements or activities. These can include running or turning too quickly. The resulting muscle damage can cause pain in the inner thigh or groin region.
- The intensity of the pain will vary, depending on the extent to which the muscle was damaged.
- The pain can also be accompanied by swelling or bruising around the affected region.
- Bone conditions Bone conditions that affect the hip can cause discomfort in the thigh area.
- One example is osteoarthritis, a condition where cartilage on the ends of bones is broken down, causing inflammation in the joints.
Other symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
pain and stiffness in joints in the surrounding area, which may spread to the inner thigha grating or crackling sounds when moving
Another bone condition is called femoroacetabular impingement. This happens when extra bone develops in the hip joint, causing friction between the bones as they rub together. Over time, this can cause damage to the joint, pain or an ache in the thighs, stiffness, or a limp.
Osteosarcoma is a rare type of bone cancer that develops in growing bones, most commonly around the knee, including the femur or thigh bone. It is most common in people aged 10 to 25. It can induce swelling and tenderness in the affected area. Hernia A hernia occurs when an internal body part pushes through surrounding muscle or tissue wall.
Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia. They occur in the groin area, where the intestines push through the lower abdomen, causing a fleshy bulge to develop. Pain may be felt around the affected region, including the inner thigh. There may be no or very few other symptoms.
aching in lower back or groin arearestlessnessnauseapain when urinatingintense bouts of abdominal painblood in urine
Pregnancy Someone who is pregnant can develop pubis dysfunction, a condition that causes the pelvic bone to become unstable. This is caused by the ligaments supporting the pelvic bone becoming too relaxed and typically occurs during the second trimester.
This can cause severe pain in the pelvis, which may be felt in surrounding regions, including the inner thigh. It can also restrict mobility and cause clicking or grinding noises when moving. Menstruation Along with uterus cramps, a person may feel cramps, aches, or pains in other areas of their body near the uterus.
These include the back, pelvis, and thighs. If a person has substantial pain in their lower abdomen and the surrounding area during menstruation, it may be worth consulting a doctor. Two conditions called endometriosis and adenomyosis are among those that can cause painful periods.
Resting, Avoiding activity in the thighs is important in the early stages of a muscle injury, or immediately after physical activity in people with bone conditions. Heat and ice therapy, Hot compresses or ice packs can reduce inflammation, therefore alleviating pain in the inner thigh. This is useful for osteoarthritis and muscular injuries. Hot compresses and ice packs are available in pharmacies and online, Physiotherapy, Physiotherapy can help with the symptoms of femoroacetabular impingement, or in some cases, osteoarthritis. It can also be used to return function to a muscle following injury, after a suitable rest period. Painkillers, Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication can be enough to alleviate inner thigh pain in some cases. Bandages or compression wraps, These can provide additional support for a muscular injury, and help it heal faster. Both are available to purchase in supermarkets, pharmacies, and online, Hot bath, Soaking the muscles can reduce pain, as it helps to relax the inner thigh muscle. Supportive equipment, Using a cane or a brace can reduce pressure on the joints, which is particularly useful for bone conditions, such as osteoarthritis. Pelvic support belt, These are used to stabilize the pelvis in people with pubis dysfunction to reduce pain Lifestyle changes, For instance, weight loss may reduce pressure on the joints in people with bone conditions.
It is essential to work out the cause of inner thigh pain when deciding what methods to try. More serious conditions, such as hernias, osteosarcoma, or kidney stones, will require hospital treatment or surgery to reduce the pain. Share on Pinterest Maintaining good physical fitness while avoiding high-intensity exercise may help.
losing weightavoiding high-intensity exercisekeeping hydratedeating a balanced diet, rich in vitamin D and calcium maintaining good physical fitnessusing proper footwear when exercisingavoiding lifting heavy objects
Some causes, such as kidney stones or pubis dysfunction, are not as easily preventable. In most cases, inner thigh pain is temporary and can be treated with home remedies or over-the-counter pain medication. However, if the pain is persistent or severe, medical attention should be sought.
If a lump has developed with the inner thigh pain, it could be a hernia, which requires medical attention. Intense pain in the abdomen could indicate the inner thigh pain is caused by kidney stones, which would require immediate emergency care. Most cases of inner thigh pain do not pose any serious health risks, and they are often caused by a muscular injury.
The pain will often disappear after a few days, but it can sometimes take longer, depending on the cause. It can usually be managed without the need for medical treatment unless the pain is the result of a more serious health condition.
Contents
- 1 Should I be concerned about a pain in my thigh?
- 2 Is thigh pain serious?
- 3 What causes nerve pain in inner thigh?
- 4 Can stress cause thigh pain?
- 5 Is thigh pain related to kidneys?
- 6 What causes thigh pain in one leg?
- 7 What is the muscle on the inside of your thigh?
- 8 Why does my thigh near my groin hurt?
Should I be concerned about a pain in my thigh?
Thigh pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle strains, sprains, stress fractures, nerve damage, infections, blood clots, and certain medical conditions. A proper medical evaluation is necessary to determine the exact cause of thigh pain.
Why does my groin and inner thigh hurt?
How Is It Diagnosed? – If you see your physical therapist first, your therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation that includes taking your health history. The first goal of your physical therapist is to rule out any other serious conditions that may be causing your symptoms that would warrant a referral to another health care provider.
What were you doing when you first felt pain? Where did you feel the pain? Did you hear a “pop” when it occurred? Did you receive a direct hit to your leg or groin area? Did you notice any swelling in the first two to three hours after the injury? Do you feel pain when lifting your leg, walking, moving the leg away from you, or drawing your knees together?
Your physical therapist will perform special tests to help determine a diagnosis, such as:
Gently moving your leg away from your body. Asking you to resist against their hand as they try to gently push your leg outward (muscle strength test). Gently feeling parts of the muscle to find the specific location of the injury (palpation).
To provide a final diagnosis, your physical therapist may collaborate with an orthopedist or other health care provider. The orthopedist may order further tests — such as an X-ray or MRI — to confirm their diagnosis and to rule out other issues. These tests, however, are not commonly required for groin strain.
Is thigh pain serious?
What are the risk factors associated with thigh pain? – Even though thigh pain is usually not considered a serious concern, this condition can still cause discomfort and anxiety for people suffering from it. Some of the common risk factors include:
- Following a sedentary lifestyle
- Lack of physical activity or inversely, repetitive and excessive exercise
- Injury in the legs and hips
- Overweight or obesity
What can cause thigh pain without injury?
Nerve pain – People may also experience pain from nerves in the upper thigh. Nerve pain occurs when there is damage to the nerves. This creates the feeling of pain even when there is not a physical injury to the thigh. Some common types of nerve pain include: Peripheral neuropathy Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage that causes nerve pain.
- It is often due to other conditions, such as diabetes,
- People with this pain may experience unusual sensations in the thighs and elsewhere, including burning, numbness, prickly sensations, and shooting pains.
- Meralgia paresthetica Meralgia paresthetica is also called Bernhardt-Roth syndrome.
- Damage to or pressure on the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, a nerve that affects feeling in the outside of the thigh, can cause this painful sensation.
A person may experience this pain as burning or shooting, and the condition can cause periodic numbness in the upper thigh and hips.
What causes upper inner thigh pain?
Frequently Asked Questions –
What causes leg pain at night? Leg pain or cramps at night may be caused by sitting for extended periods of time, sitting improperly, overuse of leg muscles, or standing and working on concrete floors for a long time. What causes inner thigh pain? Inner thigh pain is often caused by a muscle strain or an underlying health condition such as a hernia, kidney stones, or osteoarthritis. However, there are many other potential causes of inner thigh pain. The first step in treatment should be meeting with a healthcare provider who can diagnose the issue. Which muscles are in the front of the thighs? The quadriceps muscles are located in front of the thighs. These muscles straighten the knee and help flex the hip. What causes numbness in the thighs? Potential causes of numbness in the thighs include a pinched spinal nerve, spinal stenosis, sciatica, and multiple sclerosis. What nerve causes pain in front of the thigh? Compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (a major sensory nerve in your thigh) can cause pain or numbness in the front or outer part of your thigh. This condition is called meralgia paresthetica or Bernhardt-Roth syndrome. What causes pain in upper inner thigh and groin? The most common causes are a pulled groin muscle (muscle strain), inguinal hernia, kidney stones, or osteoarthritis in the hips. What does sciatica leg pain feel like? Sciatica leg pain can feel several different ways in one or both of your legs:
Leg crampBurning sensationSharp, shooting pain that goes down your legMild tinging or numbness, like pins and needlesDull ache
What causes nerve pain in inner thigh?
Meralgia paresthetica causes pain and sensations of burning or numbness in your thigh area due to compression of a nerve. Several conditions and situations can cause it, such as wearing tight clothing, pregnancy and direct injury to your nerve. Meralgia paresthetica is treatable.
What does a pinched nerve in the inner thigh feel like?
Symptoms – Pinched nerve signs and symptoms include:
Numbness or decreased sensation in the area supplied by the nerve Sharp, aching or burning pain, which may radiate outward Tingling, pins and needles sensations (paresthesia) Muscle weakness in the affected area Frequent feeling that a foot or hand has “fallen asleep”
The problems related to a pinched nerve may be worse when you’re sleeping.
Can stress cause thigh pain?
Muscle aches and pains – Stress can cause your muscles to tense up — and over time, that can lead to pain and soreness in virtually any part of the body. The most common stress-related aches and pains are in the neck, back, and shoulders.
Location – Back pain can be felt at any location of the back, from the top of the spine by the base of the neck all the way down to the bottom of the spine near the tailbone. Possible causes of back pain could include damage to the Kidney pain occurs in a more specific area than general back pain.
Can sciatica cause inner thigh pain?
How Sciatica Can Cause Groin Pain – Knowing the areas that sciatica affects, it only seems natural that it would cause some level of pain or discomfort in the groin. In fact, it’s very well-documented that sciatica has a direct link to chronic pain in the glutes and groin.
- Sufferers of this particularly nasty variant of sciatica may experience pain in their inner thighs, lower abdominal ache, anal pain, as well as pain and discomfort in and around the genital area.
- The reason sciatica causes groin pain is the same as why it causes pain and discomfort in every other area it affects: because your nerves are pinched, damaged, or otherwise obstructed in such a way that it causes errant signals to be shot down the leg.
Much like sticking your finger in the business end of a running water hose, the flow of electricity through the nerves becomes scrambled and interrupted in places, which can lead to the loss of sensation in some areas and burning pain in others.
What causes thigh pain in one leg?
Causes of thigh pain – Thigh pain can be due to a problem with your bones, muscles, blood vessels or nerves. Bone-related pain could be caused by a fractured femur, or a condition such as osteoporosis (brittle bones), for example. Muscle pain could be due to a cramp, a pulled or strained muscle, or tendinitis.
What is the muscle on the inside of your thigh?
Where are the adductors, hamstrings, pectineus, quadriceps and sartorius located? –
Adductors include five muscles: gracilis, obturator externus, adductor brevis, adductor longus and adductor magnus. They are on the inside of the thigh, starting at the pelvis and extending to the femur (thigh bone). Hamstrings are a group of three muscles: semitendinosus, semimembranosus and biceps femoris. They run down the back of the thigh, from the hip to just below the knee. Pectineus is a flat muscle that extends from the front of the pelvis to the top of the femur. Quadriceps include four large muscles located in the front of the thigh: vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, and rectus femoris. They start at the pelvis (hip bone) and femur (thigh bone) and extend down to the patella (kneecap) and tibia (shin bone). Sartorius muscle is a long, thin muscle — the longest in the human body. It starts by the hip and wraps across the front of the thigh, then downward toward the knee.
How do you get rid of inner thigh groin pain?
An Overview of Groin Pulls Reviewed by on June 18, 2023, Reading time: 4 minutes A groin pull – or groin strain – results from putting too much stress on muscles in your groin and thigh. If these muscles are tensed too forcefully or too suddenly, they can get overstretched or torn. Groin pulls are common in people who play sports that require a lot of running and jumping. Here are some symptoms of a groin pull:
Pain and tenderness in the groin and the inside of the thighPain when you bring your legs togetherPain when you raise your A popping or snapping feeling during the injury, followed by severe pain
Groin pulls are often divided into three degrees of severity:
1st degree: Mild pain, but little loss of strength or movement2nd degree: Moderate pain, mild to moderate strength loss and some tissue damage3rd degree: Severe pain, severe loss of strength and function due to a complete tear of the muscle
To diagnose a groin pull, your doctor will give you a thorough, Tests like X-rays and MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) may be needed to rule out other problems. Happily, a groin pull will usually heal on its own. You just need to give it some time and rest. To speed the healing, you can:
Ice the inside of your thigh to reduce pain and swelling. Experts recommend doing it for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days, or until the pain is gone. Compress your thigh using an elastic bandage or tape. Take anti-inflammatory painkillers, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (), like and, will help with pain and swelling. But studies show their effects are controversial especially if taken long-term. Additionally, these drugs can have side effects; they should be used only occasionally unless your doctor specifically says otherwise.
To assist tissue healing, your medical provider will guide you in active and strengthening exercises. Depending on grade of injury, this can start immediately or may require several days of rest. Pain is used as a guide. Too aggressive and further damage may occur.
Groin pulls can become chronic if the reason it happened is not determined and treated. Your physician or physical therapist should evaluate your core, hips, and lower extremities for potential sources such as weakness or instability that may be adding stress to the groin. Treatments that address not only the groin but also dysfunctions affecting the groin speed up recovery and minimize the risk of recurrence.
Most of the time, these conservative treatments will do the trick. But not always. If these techniques still don’t help, you may want to think about surgery. While surgery may give you relief, it’s a last resort. Not everyone can return to their previous level of activity afterward.
- So talk over the pros and cons of surgery with your doctor.
- You should also consider getting a second opinion.
- Everyone wants to know how quickly they can get back in the game after a groin pull – and how soon the pain will go away.
- But there’s no easy answer.
- Recovery time depends on how serious your groin pull is.
It may take 4 to 6 weeks, but that’s just a rough estimate. People heal at different rates. In the meantime, switch to a new activity that won’t put too much stress on your groin muscles. For instance, runners could try, Whatever you do, don’t rush things.
You can move your leg on the injured side as freely and as easily as your other legThe leg on your injured side feels as strong as the leg on the uninjured sideYou feel no pain when you walk, then jog, then sprint, and finally jump
If you start pushing yourself before your groin pull is healed, you could re-injure yourself. And if you get further groin pulls, they may be harder to treat and take longer to heal. They can even lead to permanent disability. Given that groin pulls can be painful and debilitating, the best advice is to prevent them. You should:
Always warm up your legs and groin muscles before, A light jog or other activities to increase body temperature have been shown to reduce the risk of muscle stains.Wear shoes with good support that fit well.Always increase the intensity of your physical activity slowly – a 10% increase a week is a good recomendation.Stop exercising if you feel pain or tightness in your groin or the inside of your thigh.Do regular strengthening exercises for your thigh muscles, especially if you’ve had a groin pull before.
Groin injuries can result from added stress due to weakness elsewhere. If involved in athletics and you have a history of groin injuries, ask your medical professional about activities that can help reduce your risk. © 2023 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. : An Overview of Groin Pulls
Why does my thigh near my groin hurt?
Summary – Groin pain can have many potential causes, including muscle strain, inguinal hernia, and kidney stones. Many causes are related to hip injuries or osteoarthritis. Less commonly, the pain may be the result of nerve injury, tumors, or a testicle infection.
Why do I have a sharp stabbing pain in my thigh?
Severe leg pain located around the thigh can be caused by trauma from a femoral break or muscle strain. A deep, shooting pain in the upper leg can also be caused by deep vein thrombosis, spinal stenosis, or a thigh bone infection. Read on for more information on causes and treatment options.
What doctor treats inner thigh pain?
When Should You See an Orthopedist for Leg Pain? | Center for Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Leg pain is a fairly common complaint that has various potential causes. It can result from overuse, wear and tear, an underlying medical condition, or injury affecting any of the bones, soft tissues, nerves, or blood vessels in the leg.
Most cases of leg pain go away either on their own or with self-care measures. However, there are cases that warrant a visit to an for prompt intervention. An orthopedist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and conditions that affect the bones and soft tissues.
Seeking treatment from an orthopedist can help you avoid complications down the road. The question is when should you see an orthopedist for your leg pain? You should see an orthopedist if your leg pain is accompanied by any of the following:
How do you treat a pulled inner thigh?
An Overview of Groin Pulls Reviewed by on June 18, 2023, Reading time: 4 minutes A groin pull – or groin strain – results from putting too much stress on muscles in your groin and thigh. If these muscles are tensed too forcefully or too suddenly, they can get overstretched or torn. Groin pulls are common in people who play sports that require a lot of running and jumping. Here are some symptoms of a groin pull:
Pain and tenderness in the groin and the inside of the thighPain when you bring your legs togetherPain when you raise your A popping or snapping feeling during the injury, followed by severe pain
Groin pulls are often divided into three degrees of severity:
1st degree: Mild pain, but little loss of strength or movement2nd degree: Moderate pain, mild to moderate strength loss and some tissue damage3rd degree: Severe pain, severe loss of strength and function due to a complete tear of the muscle
To diagnose a groin pull, your doctor will give you a thorough, Tests like X-rays and MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) may be needed to rule out other problems. Happily, a groin pull will usually heal on its own. You just need to give it some time and rest. To speed the healing, you can:
Ice the inside of your thigh to reduce pain and swelling. Experts recommend doing it for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days, or until the pain is gone. Compress your thigh using an elastic bandage or tape. Take anti-inflammatory painkillers, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (), like and, will help with pain and swelling. But studies show their effects are controversial especially if taken long-term. Additionally, these drugs can have side effects; they should be used only occasionally unless your doctor specifically says otherwise.
To assist tissue healing, your medical provider will guide you in active and strengthening exercises. Depending on grade of injury, this can start immediately or may require several days of rest. Pain is used as a guide. Too aggressive and further damage may occur.
- Groin pulls can become chronic if the reason it happened is not determined and treated.
- Your physician or physical therapist should evaluate your core, hips, and lower extremities for potential sources such as weakness or instability that may be adding stress to the groin.
- Treatments that address not only the groin but also dysfunctions affecting the groin speed up recovery and minimize the risk of recurrence.
Most of the time, these conservative treatments will do the trick. But not always. If these techniques still don’t help, you may want to think about surgery. While surgery may give you relief, it’s a last resort. Not everyone can return to their previous level of activity afterward.
- So talk over the pros and cons of surgery with your doctor.
- You should also consider getting a second opinion.
- Everyone wants to know how quickly they can get back in the game after a groin pull – and how soon the pain will go away.
- But there’s no easy answer.
- Recovery time depends on how serious your groin pull is.
It may take 4 to 6 weeks, but that’s just a rough estimate. People heal at different rates. In the meantime, switch to a new activity that won’t put too much stress on your groin muscles. For instance, runners could try, Whatever you do, don’t rush things.
You can move your leg on the injured side as freely and as easily as your other legThe leg on your injured side feels as strong as the leg on the uninjured sideYou feel no pain when you walk, then jog, then sprint, and finally jump
If you start pushing yourself before your groin pull is healed, you could re-injure yourself. And if you get further groin pulls, they may be harder to treat and take longer to heal. They can even lead to permanent disability. Given that groin pulls can be painful and debilitating, the best advice is to prevent them. You should:
Always warm up your legs and groin muscles before, A light jog or other activities to increase body temperature have been shown to reduce the risk of muscle stains.Wear shoes with good support that fit well.Always increase the intensity of your physical activity slowly – a 10% increase a week is a good recomendation.Stop exercising if you feel pain or tightness in your groin or the inside of your thigh.Do regular strengthening exercises for your thigh muscles, especially if you’ve had a groin pull before.
Groin injuries can result from added stress due to weakness elsewhere. If involved in athletics and you have a history of groin injuries, ask your medical professional about activities that can help reduce your risk. © 2023 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. : An Overview of Groin Pulls
How long does a groin strain last?
How Are Groin Strains Treated? – With rest and proper treatment, most groin strains heal on their own in about 4–8 weeks. More severe groin strains can take longer. It is very important to let the strain heal fully and get the doctor’s OK before going back to activities.
Rest the area and avoid activities that cause pain. For the first day or two, put an ice pack on the area 3–4 times a day for 15 minutes at a time. Put a towel between the ice and the skin to protect it from the cold. Use an elastic wrap to help support the groin and keep the swelling down. Raise the groin by lying down and putting pillows under the hips to lift the hips and thighs. Take medicine for pain such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or store brand) or acetaminophen (Tylenol or store brand). Follow the directions that come with the medicine for how much to take and how often.
When the doctor says it’s OK, people with a groin strain can do strengthening and stretching muscles through physical therapy (PT) or an at-home exercise program.