Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. weakness. One of the most common signs of PID is a pain in the upper thigh and groin area. Arthritis of the hip joint occurs when the usually smooth hip joint is worn away. These medications reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain, including localized pain in the upper thigh and groin. Other causes of groin pain are less common but may be just as serious. Running. Nerve entrapment in the hip region: current concepts review. Groin pain is pain that occurs where the inner, upper thigh and lower abdomen meet. Pain in the upper thigh and groin area is a common yet distressing condition in females. A CT captures multiple X-rays and combines them to form a three-dimensional image. Sciatica is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, which can cause pain in the upper thigh and groin area. Keep in mind that your recovery time will depend on the cause of your groin pain, and your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions about what to expect. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Tendons connect muscles to bones. If anything makes your pain better or worse. Nerve damage and compression can also cause groin pain. Learn about all potential causes, Pain above your knee may indicate a number of potential conditions. However, it can also indicate an underlying medical issue, including deep vein, Pain in the back of the knee has many potential causes, including Baker's cysts and muscle injuries. Medically reviewed by Jeffrey M. Rothschild, MD, MPH. If you do not feel a very sharp pain in that area, it is likely that you have only a strain that is fully treatable with a 10-week rehab program built around restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility to your core. You can expect a groin strain to take from three to six weeks to heal, depending on the severity. Stair climbing. Many causes are related to hip injuries or osteoarthritis. Over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen) can be helpful for some conditions. All rights reserved. If NSAIDs fail to provide adequate relief, stronger medications can be used to help manage the pain. Most hip-related causes of groin pain require physical therapy. Sometimes, the mumps virus triggers orchitis. It may also happen when an awkward movement of the hip joint leads to stretching or tearing of the inner thigh muscles, and groin pain after hip replacement is a common complication. Do what you can to rule out pregnancy and take note of any other symptoms you have. It may also be caused by something benign like kidney stones or a UTI. These can include: They may also experience it during. Inguinal hernia. It can lead to sharp, dull, or aching pain in the groin. She is based in northern Virginia. is an injury to the muscles and tendons in the groin area, which can cause pain and tenderness. Sometimes an MRI is performed with contrast. Learn about what causes this pain, how it's treated, and when to seek medical, If your arm hurts, you may first think its injured. Rarely, pain in the upper thigh can be due to a blood clot in a blood vessel. carrying a wallet or . Many hip and groin pain results from conditions involving the bones and other body parts around the hip joint. This is often an athletic injury. For example, a pinched nerve in the back can sometimes refer pain to the groin. Left untreated, pain in the upper thigh may get worse. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on If surgery is needed, a full recovery may take up to three months. Physical therapy is excellent for those suffering from pain in the upper thigh and groin area due to muscle and joint problems. These conditions include: Osteitis pubis is an inflammatory condition affecting the pubic symphysis (the joint that connects your two pubic bones). Review/update the These symptoms commonly occur on one side of your body and might intensify after walking or standing. , this treatment involves extracting the patients cells, concentrating them, and reinjecting them into the injury or pain site. The pain can be severe. A direct blow to the hip can also cause these breaks. The condition causes varying levels of pain, which youre more likely to feel in the pelvic region or throughout the whole body. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Meralgia paresthetica may cause these symptoms affecting the outer (lateral) part of your thigh: Tingling and numbness. 2013;21(9):558-70. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-21-09-558. Prostatitis: This is swelling or infection in your prostate gland. Our extensive 50-page guide on diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating a sports hernia injury goes super in-depth on countless factors so we will keep this one brief and focus specifically on the test. joint wears down, it can cause severe joint pain, bone marrow, the process is called Bone Marrow Concentrate. is an infection of the reproductive organs that can cause pain in the upper thigh and groin area. The groin area is basically where your abdomen ends and your legs begin. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. X-rays are the best way to see the extent of cartilage damage. Falls are the most common cause of hip fractures. Learn about symptoms and treatment. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Gregg, G. (1974, August 1). Sciatica is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, which can cause pain in the upper thigh and groin area. No statements or treatments presented by CellAxys have been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A groin strain can be diagnosed by physical exam alone. For some types of groin pain, you can recover at home with simple self-care. People with unexplained chronic pain may need to try several treatments before something works. While most cases of calf pain can be treated at home, sometimes they may require immediate medical attention. ", American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: "Muscle Strains in the Thigh.". But pain in one part of the body can sometimes originate elsewhere. For testicular sources of groin pain, your healthcare provider may recommend elevating and icing the area. These are very rare, however. Some causes of groin pain can be prevented. The pain can range from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation. Having more weight on one leg than the other. How to Improve Your Upright Sitting Posture. A person may experience upper thigh muscle pain due to impact trauma, sprains, or strains. In some cases, physical therapy, prescription medications, and surgery may be required. The most significant challenge with pain in this area of the body is getting a diagnosis. Hip joint problems usually cause groin pain. Meralgia paresthetica (lateral femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment). If the intestine or fat gets stuck in the abdominal muscle wall, its blood supply may get cut off. See your doctor if you have symptoms of meralgia paresthetica. Groin strain is also called a pulled groin muscle. pregnancy. Numerous chronic conditions can cause pain in the upper thigh. If a strain causes your groin pain, your doctor can recommend a physical therapist. Continuing . Most groin strains are caused by a failure to warm up before exercise or overuse of the muscle due to repetition or overly vigorous activity. During your physical exam, the healthcare provider will perform: People with hip joint problems often have discomfort while bending and rotating the hip joint. Stress Fractures: these overuse injuries tend to be more common in women, . Sciatic nerves may become compressed or irritated due to a herniated disk, pregnancy, an anatomical defect, or a tumor. But sometimes, it can be an indicator of a serious condition, including a blood clot. other information we have about you. Accessed Dec. 17, 2021. The condition is caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which supplies sensation to your upper leg. People who have upper thigh pain due to a sedentary lifestyle may also feel pain throughout their body. Scientists use genetic rewiring to increase lifespan of cells, sudden pain following a fall, an intense workout, or an overstretched joint, difficulty stretching or moving the thigh, unexplained pain in a leg that does not get better after a few days, swelling, redness, or heat along a leg vein, shortness of breath when a clot breaks loose and moves to the heart and then to the lungs (pulmonary embolus), chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes and, a history of injuries to the legs or hips, blood tests to assess for medical conditions such as, joint aspiration, a procedure that involves removing fluid from a joint to check for certain joint problems, nerve tests, such as nerve conduction studies and electromyography, pain relief medication for unexplained chronic pain, medication for chronic conditions, such as fibromyalgia and arthritis, surgery to repair damaged or trapped nerves, surgery to repair damaged muscles, tendons, or ligaments, diabetes medications to prevent further nerve damage, blood thinners if there is a blood clot in the leg, alternative treatments, such as massage therapy, chiropractic, and, taking frequent stretching breaks during extended periods of sitting, working with a personal trainer to determine a healthful level of activity that will not lead to overuse injuries, managing and treating medical conditions, such as diabetes and arthritis. The most effective ones include the following: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the first line of defense for upper thigh and groin area pain in women. Ultrasounds and CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis can also diagnose intestinal problems or other conditions of the abdomen and pelvis. Physical therapy includes exercises to help strengthen your leg and hip muscles. During this procedure, an anesthetic called lidocaine is injected into the hip joint. A femoral hernia can cause considerable pain in your upper thigh and groin area by putting pressure on the nearby structures and nerves. It's not the same as pain in your testicles, though that can sometimes cause pain that can spread to your groin. They include: Caused by pressure on the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, meralgia paresthetica (MP) may cause tingling, numbness, and a burning pain in the outer part of your thigh. But in meralgia paresthetica, the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve becomes trapped often under the inguinal ligament, which runs along your groin from your abdomen to your upper thigh. Meanwhile, when they extract highly-concentrated cells from your. Pain on the inside of the hip or groin area is usually due to problems within the hip joint. It is important to seek medical help if you have had a severe fall or injured your hip in some other way. Groin pain syndrome: an association of different pathologies and a case presentation. Injuries in other areas of the body can cause pain to spread to the upper thighs. Not getting enough exercise or spending too much time sitting each day can damage the muscles, causing chronic pain. Groin pain is mainly caused due to overuse or straining. These medications reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain, including localized pain in the upper thigh and groin. A pulled groin muscle usually causes sharp, sudden pain. The most serious complication of thigh pain is typically related to DVT, which can be life-threatening if not treated. Groin strain may also lead to inner thigh muscle spasms and leg weakness. Testicular torsion: This happens when a testicle gets twisted inside your scrotum. When the pain is intense or does not go away, however, it may signal a more serious problem. Osteonecrosis is sometimes called avascular necrosis. But sometimes, its painful. These can include: Using the methods explained in the guide, upon reaching week 6 you will be able to determine if you can successfully heal without surgery or going under the knife. It can be dull, sharp, throbbing, or even burning. People with inguinal hernia often report a tugging sensation in the groin area, sometimes with a dull groin pain with exertion, such as when lifting things. Nerve pain occurs when there is damage to the nerves. Lastly, seek emergency care if you have severe, one-sided testicular pain and swelling. The pain of sacroiliitis most often occurs in the buttocks and lower back. Unlike a groin strain, groin pain from a tumor does not generally worsen with exercise. FAI also causes pain in the groin or the outside of the hips. Lack of activity may also cause the muscles to weaken, triggering widespread muscle pain. Groin pain can have many potential causes, including muscle strain, inguinal hernia, and kidney stones. Because groin pain can have many possible causes, your healthcare provider could diagnose your condition in a number of different ways. You may feel this pain during ovulation and menstruation, lasting the entire cycle. See your doctor. These are also used after surgery for an infected hip joint. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Groin pulls are often divided into three degrees of severity: 1st degree: Mild pain, but little loss of strength or movement 2nd degree: Moderate pain, mild to moderate strength loss and some. This happens to a lot of men who play sports. It can take visits to several specialists to work out the cause of the pain. In this article, we look at the potential causes of pain in the groin and down the leg and their treatment options. If you are forced to seek surgery for the injury, all is not lostnot even close. The swollen area of the groin may appear as a lump . The pain can quickly resolve, or it can last, and become a throbbing pain at rest with sharp stabs of pain when you try to move your leg or walk. See additional information. Waltham, Mass: Martin RR, Martin HD, Kivlan BR. All rights reserved. Burning Sensation in Hip: Causes and Treatment, Lower Back and Groin Pain in Women: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments, The Causes and Treatments of a Hip Joint Labral Tear, Dual Mobility Total Hip Arthroplasty Is Not Associated with a Greater Incidence of Groin Pain in Comparison with Conventional Total Hip Arthroplasty and Hip Resurfacing:A Retrospective Comparative Study, Urolithiasis presenting as right flank pain: a case report, Current concepts on osteonecrosis of the femoral head, Sports hernia/athletic pubalgia: evaluation and management, Mechanisms of low back pain: a guide for diagnosis and therapy, Osteitis pubis: a rare cause of suprapubic pain, Comprehensive approach to the evaluation of groin pain, Groin pain syndrome: an association of different pathologies and a case presentation, Approach to hip and groin pain in the athlete and active adult, Nerve entrapment in the hip region: current concepts review, Groin pain in athletes: a novel diagnostic approach, Severe pain around the bulge in your groin, A musculoskeletal exam focusing on your hip, Wrapping the upper thigh with an elastic compression wrap, Hip replacement for advanced hip arthritis, Arthroscopic hip surgery for some labral tears, Core decompression surgery for hip osteonecrosis, Maintain a healthy weight to reduce inflammation and pressure on the body, Engage in low-impact sports like swimming or cycling, which place less stress on the hip, Talk with your healthcare provider about ways to prevent falls, such as balance training or tai chi, Commit to moderate, daily exercise to help slow bone loss and maintain muscle strength, A bulge or lump in the groin area that may be tender to the touch and visible through the skin. It typically occurs on one side of the body and is caused by compression of the nerve. If you think you have an inguinal hernia, call your healthcare provider. People often think of their hip as the area on the outside of the upper thigh or even the area at the back of the hip and buttock. Serious conditions may require surgery. You may experience pain, burning sensation, numbness, a tingling sensation, muscle weakness in the legs, and difficulty walking or sitting. These medications are highly effective but come with a high risk of dependency, so they should only be used when other. 2014;89(1):27-34. Common causes of meralgia paresthetica include: Treatment involves identifying the underlying cause, then taking measures such as wearing looser clothing or losing weight to alleviate pressure. Prescription medications and surgery may be recommended in some cases. Johnson R. Approach to hip and groin pain in the athlete and active adult. Eva Umoh Asomugha, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in all conditions involving the foot and ankle region. NINDS meralgia paresthetica information page. In this process, the doctor takes your blood sample, isolates platelets, and reinjects them into your upper thigh and groin area. Burning pain. Groin pain that gets worse with movement or the inability bear weight on the affected leg are common symptoms. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Fibromyalgia, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/deep-vein-thrombosis, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10903608, https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Darshan_Shastri/publication/302594378_, https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Peripheral-Neuropathy-Fact-Sheet, https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/sports-injuries/Pages/Preventing-Overuse-Injuries.aspx, https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/pain-management/understanding/types-of-pain.php, https://nzihf.ac.nz/fitness-training/sprains-vs-strains/, http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/bone,-joint,-and-muscle-disorders/diagnosis-of-musculoskeletal-disorders/tests-for-musculoskeletal-disorders, A safer blood thinner? This is especially true if the tumor is in the area of the inner thigh muscles. Sometimes, right-sided groin pain results from an injury to a muscle in the hip, groin . Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00340. If you need help finding a primary care doctor, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool. Last medically reviewed on October 23, 2017. The pain is usually sharp and can be felt during certain hip movements. You can help prevent hip-related problems, for example, with these strategies: It is also important to see your healthcare provider for routine check-ups and screenings. Pain on one side of the scrotum that comes on slowly. Director Angiography at Harvard Clinical Research Institute Stress Fractures: These overuse injuries tend to be more common in women, . 2013;57(1):69-75. Meralgia paresthetica may cause these symptoms affecting the outer (lateral) part of your thigh: These symptoms commonly occur on one side of your body and might intensify after walking or standing. Standing a long time. This can help prevent groin pain caused by conditions unrelated to the hip, such as sexually transmitted diseases. Sitting for long periods can put pressure on the joints and muscles, particularly of the hips and legs. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You may also have fever, swelling, warmth, and redness around the hip. There are numerous conditions that may contribute to upper thigh pain. Hip flexor muscles can be strained with overuse, and can cause pain or muscle spasms in your thighs as well. This ends up restricting your hip's movement. Hip fracture pain is often felt in the groin. After diagnosis, the next step is making a plan for treatment. This creates the feeling of pain even when there is not a physical injury to the thigh. Read our. If the doctor harvests them from your adipose (fat) tissue, the process is called Minimally Manipulated Adipose Tissue Transplant (MMAT). Meralgia paresthetica. A blood clot is a medical emergency that needs immediate medical treatment. It's caused by compression of the nerve that provides sensation to the skin covering your thigh. Gomella P, Mufarrij P. Osteitis pubis: a rare cause of suprapubic pain. Dual Mobility Total Hip Arthroplasty Is Not Associated with a Greater Incidence of Groin Pain in Comparison with Conventional Total Hip Arthroplasty and Hip Resurfacing:A Retrospective Comparative Study. Decreased sensation. If we combine this information with your protected Jonathan Cluett, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery. These may be used for conditions like: An injection of a steroid like Cortone (cortisone acetate) may help some conditions. Antibiotics are given after the procedure to ward off infection. Injuries or sprains of the hamstring can cause pain in the back of the thigh. Click here for an email preview. The most common cause of groin pain is a muscle, tendon or ligament strain, particularly in athletes who play sports such as hockey, soccer and football. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. has been a popular treatment for many sports, spine, and orthopedic injuries in athletes for decades. For a pinched nerve, an injection into the lower back may be helpful. A person may experience this pain as burning or shooting, and the condition can cause periodic numbness in the upper thigh and hips. As long as you pick a qualified surgeon (picking one who specializes in mesh for this injury is a terrible idea as we have touched on in the past) who can perform the minimal suture approach, your chances of a full recovery following the rehab process are almost 100%. Some common muscle injuries in this area include: Sprains and strains can affect any of the many muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the thigh. When the joint wears down, leg movements become painful and stiff. Its usually in your back or belly, but it can be in your scrotum or at the tip of your penis, too. We avoid using tertiary references. All rights reserved. Besides groin pain, the hip joint may feel stiff. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Common causes of this compression include any condition that increases pressure on the groin, including: Nerve injury, which can be due to diabetes, trauma after surgery or seat belt injury after a motor vehicle accident, for example, also can cause meralgia paresthetica. A hip labrum tear can cause pain in the groin or buttocks. World J Orthop. In: Fricker P, Fields KB, eds. If you have groin pain with these additional symptoms, see a healthcare provider at once: The same is true if your groin pain is severe or persistent, regardless of accompanying symptoms. Meralgia paresthetica. Osteoarthritis of the hip is a condition caused by the breakdown of the cartilage in the joint, resulting in pain and stiffness in the groin area in women. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. This condition is called lumbar radiculopathy. people may also feel a catching and popping sensation in the hip. The most significant complication is if there is a blood clot in the leg. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Groin pain can seem worse when sitting because the position causes the hip to flex. scar tissue from a past injury or surgery. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This pain can range from mild to severe, can last for days or weeks, and can worsen with movement. A few, like testicular torsion or hip joint infection, require emergency surgery. There are ways that you can help prevent groin pulls that result from strains: Ask your doctor about other things you can do to make groin pulls less likely.