What might cause pain in the upper thigh and groin area in females at night?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Nighttime pain in the upper thigh and groin area in females is most commonly caused by three conditions: sacroiliac joint disorder (dysfunction of the joint connecting the pelvis to the spine), femoral neuralgia (irritation or compression of the femoral nerve), and, in rare cases, a painful intramuscular lipoma (a benign fatty tumor within the muscle). Symptoms often worsen at night due to prolonged positioning, pressure on affected nerves, or reduced distraction from daily activities.

Because these conditions share overlapping symptoms but require very different treatments, identifying the underlying cause early is essential. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you quickly narrow down the possible causes based on your specific symptoms, guide you on whether to see a specialist, and give you clarity on the next steps—so you can stop guessing and start addressing the real source of your pain.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Pain in the upper thigh and groin area at night can be caused by several conditions.

Sacroiliac Joint Disorder: This condition can lead to leg symptoms, including pain in the thigh and groin. At night, discomfort might worsen due to changes in posture or pressure on the joint, which can affect nerves and muscles in the area.
Femoral Neuralgia: This condition can occur after trauma or injury. It can cause pain in the thigh and groin due to irritation or damage to the femoral nerve.
Intramuscular Lipoma: Although lipomas are common, an intramuscular lipoma is rare. A painful lipoma, which is a benign fatty tumor, can develop in the thigh muscles. This can cause discomfort, especially when lying down at night, as pressure on the lipoma increases.

These conditions can present with similar symptoms, but their underlying causes differ. If the pain persists, it is important to seek medical advice for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. You can start by taking a free symptom checker test to help identify potential causes of your discomfort.

(References)

Murakami E, Aizawa T, Kurosawa D, & Noguchi K. (2017). Leg symptoms associated with sacroiliac joint disorder and .... Clinical neurology and neurosurgery, 28410481.
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.
Gutknecht DR. (2004). Painful intramuscular lipoma of the thigh. Southern medical journal, 15586608.

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