What could cause my inner thigh to hurt when I walk?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Inner thigh pain when walking is often caused by lower back disc problems, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, or fractures near the pubic bone. Other common causes include muscle strains, hip joint issues, hernias, or nerve compression. The exact cause depends on the pain's location, intensity, and accompanying symptoms like numbness, swelling, or weakness.

Because inner thigh pain can stem from so many different conditions—some minor, others requiring prompt medical attention—guessing the cause on your own can delay proper care. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what may be behind your pain, identify possible conditions, and guide your next steps toward the right care.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Inner thigh pain when walking can happen for a few reasons.

Lower Lumbar Disc Herniation: This is when a disc in your lower back pushes out and can cause pain that spreads to the groin area. This is because the nerves from the lower back can affect the groin and thigh.
Sacroiliac Joint Disorder: This joint is in your lower back where the spine meets the pelvis. If it gets irritated, it can cause pain in the leg, including the thigh.
Fractures Near the Pubic Area: If there is a break or crack in the bones near your pubic area, it can lead to pain in the groin and thigh. This can happen due to injury.

Each of these conditions can cause discomfort in your thigh when you move, like when walking. If you are experiencing this type of pain, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to help identify what might be causing it and determine the best next steps for feeling better.

(References)

Yukawa Y, Kato F, Kajino G, Nakamura S, & Nitta H. (1997). Groin pain associated with lower lumbar disc herniation. Spine, 9259784.
Murakami E, Aizawa T, Kurosawa D, & Noguchi K. (2017). Leg symptoms associated with sacroiliac joint disorder and .... Clinical neurology and neurosurgery, 28410481.
Nicholas JJ, Haidet E, Helfrich D, Herndon JH, & Cooperstein L. (1989). Groin and hip pain due to fractures at or near the pubic .... Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 2774889.

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