What could be the causes of upper inner thigh pain in females?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Upper inner thigh pain in females is commonly caused by nerve conditions such as genitofemoral neuralgia, a femoral hernia, injuries from prior medical procedures, or tendon problems in the thigh. Less often, it may stem from muscle strains, hip joint issues, or referred pain from the pelvis or lower back.

Because these causes vary widely in seriousness and treatment, identifying the source of your pain early is important. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand possible causes based on your specific symptoms and guide you on the right next steps—whether that means self-care, seeing a primary care doctor, or consulting a specialist.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Upper inner thigh pain in females can have several causes. One possible cause is genitofemoral neuralgia, which is a nerve issue that can lead to pain in the thigh area. This happens when the genitofemoral nerve, which runs through the groin, gets irritated or damaged.

Another cause could be femoral neuralgia syndrome. This can occur after a medical procedure, which might accidentally affect the femoral nerve, leading to pain. Another cause can be a femoral hernia with can cause thigh pain.

Lastly, calcific tendinitis in the proximal thigh is another condition that can cause pain. This happens when calcium deposits build up in the tendons of the thigh, leading to inflammation and discomfort.

These conditions can cause discomfort and may need medical attention to manage the pain effectively. If you experience persistent thigh pain, you can start by using a free AI symptom checker to help identify potential causes, but it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

(References)

Lobaina M, Leslie SW, & Shanina E. (2025). Genitofemoral Neuralgia. Unknown Journal, 39163445.
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.
Hodge JC, Schneider R, Freiberger RH, & Magid SK. (1993). Calcific tendinitis in the proximal thigh. Arthritis and rheumatism, 8216407.

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