What could cause pain in the inner thigh near the knee?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pain in the inner thigh near the knee is often caused by nerve-related conditions such as saphenous neuritis (irritation of the saphenous nerve) or femoral neuralgia (compression or damage to the femoral nerve). Other possible causes include muscle strain, adductor tendinopathy, or referred pain from the hip or lower back.

Because inner thigh pain near the knee can stem from many overlapping causes—ranging from minor muscle issues to nerve compression—guessing isn't your best option. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you quickly narrow down likely causes based on your unique symptoms, giving you clarity and confidence about what to do next—whether that's rest, self-care, or seeing a specialist.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Pain in the inner thigh close to the knee can have several causes. One possible reason is saphenous neuritis, which happens when a nerve near the knee gets irritated. This can cause pain in the inner thigh area.

Another cause could be femoral neuralgia, which occurs when the femoral nerve is affected, sometimes due to trauma from medical procedures. This can lead to pain that might be felt near the knee or thigh.

Lastly, an obturator hernia could also be a reason for the pain, although this is a very rare type of hernia. This is when a part of the intestine pushes through the obturator canal, causing pain in the inner thigh. To better understand what might be causing your symptoms, try our free AI symptom checker for personalized insights and consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

(References)

Morganti CM, McFarland EG, & Cosgarea AJ. (2002). Saphenous neuritis: a poorly understood cause of medial .... The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 11929207.
Hallett JW Jr, Wolk SW, Cherry KJ Jr, Gloviczki P, & Pairolero PC. (1990). The femoral neuralgia syndrome after arterial catheter trauma. Journal of vascular surgery, 2335836.
Belli AK, Memiş G, Dere Ö, Koşan U, & Nazlı O. (2016). Obturator hernia should be considered in the differential .... Ulusal travma ve acil cerrahi dergisi = Turkish journal of trauma & emergency surgery : TJTES, 28074454.

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