Published on: 11/18/2024
Pain on the inner thigh can arise from various causes, including muscle strains, nerve issues, and underlying medical conditions. Identifying the specific cause is essential for effective treatment and management.
One of the most common causes of pain in the inner thigh is muscle strain or injury. The inner thigh muscles, known as the adductors, can become strained during activities that involve sudden movements, heavy lifting, or sports. Symptoms may include sharp pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the leg. Resting the affected area and applying ice can help alleviate symptoms.
Nerve-related problems can also lead to pain in the inner thigh. Conditions such as meralgia paresthetica occur when the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is compressed, leading to pain, tingling, or numbness in the thigh. This condition can be caused by tight clothing, obesity, or prolonged sitting.
Inguinal hernias can cause pain in the inner thigh area. A hernia occurs when an internal part of the body pushes through a weakness in the abdominal wall. Symptoms may include a noticeable bulge in the groin area, along with pain or discomfort, especially when lifting or straining.
Problems with the hip joint, such as osteoarthritis or hip impingement, can also lead to referred pain in the inner thigh. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can cause pain and stiffness, while hip impingement occurs when the bones of the hip joint do not fit together properly, leading to pain during movement.
Vascular conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can cause pain in the inner thigh. DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, often in the legs. Symptoms may include swelling, warmth, and tenderness in the affected area. This condition requires immediate medical attention.
Certain medical conditions, such as infections or tumors, can also lead to pain in the inner thigh. Infections in the groin area or pelvic region can cause localized pain, while tumors may present as a mass or swelling accompanied by discomfort.
(References)
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Barr KP. Review of upper and lower extremity musculoskeletal pain problems. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2007 Nov;18(4):747-60, vi-vii. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2007.07.009. PMID: 17967363.
Benhissen Z, Benaim C. Douleurs de la jambe : diagnostic différentiel et traitement [Leg pain : differential diagnosis and treatment]. Rev Med Suisse. 2019 Jan 23;15(635):216-220. French. PMID: 30673183.
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Family Medicine, Primary Care Roots Community Health Center, Hippo Education, Kameda Medical Center
Kenji Taylor, MD
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