What could cause pain from the buttock to the front of the thigh?

Pain that radiates from the buttock to the front of the thigh is most often caused by sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction or nerve entrapment in the hip region, such as compression of the femoral or lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. SI joint problems can trigger referred pain along the front of the leg, while pinched nerves in the hip can cause burning, tingling, or aching that follows the nerve's path. Other possible causes include hip joint arthritis, lumbar spine issues, or muscle strain.

Because these conditions share overlapping symptoms but require very different treatments, identifying the underlying cause early is essential to avoid worsening pain or long-term nerve damage. Rather than guessing—or waiting weeks for an appointment—you can take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insight into what may be causing your pain and clear guidance on the right next steps. It only takes a few minutes and could save you significant time, discomfort, and uncertainty.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026