Pain in the inner thigh can happen for many reasons, including a muscle strain, a hernia, and kidney stones. The treatment will depend on the cause, but resting and applying warm or cool compresses may help.

Home remedies can often alleviate the pain, but a person may also need medical treatment.

This article will discuss some possible causes of inner thigh pain, other symptoms, and ways to treat them.

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Depending on its cause, pain around the inner portion of the thigh may feel like a dull ache or a sharp pain.

A person may feel pain in the inner thigh muscles, called the adductors.

These muscles sit close to the groin, the hip region between the stomach and thigh. Pain in the groin and inner thigh may overlap because of this proximity.

Inner thigh pain may occur with other symptoms, such as:

Other symptoms may also be present, depending on the cause.

This section examines some possible causes of inner thigh pain.

Muscle injuries

Certain movements or activities can strain or tear the inner thigh muscles.

These activities and movements can include running or turning too quickly. The resulting muscle damage can cause pain in the inner thigh or groin region.

The intensity of the pain will vary, depending on the extent of damage to the muscle. A person may also experience swelling or bruising around the affected region.

Bone conditions

Bone conditions that affect the hip can cause discomfort in the thigh area.

Osteoarthritis

One example is osteoarthritis, a condition where the cartilage on the ends of bones breaks down, causing inflammation in the joints.

People with osteoarthritis may also experience pain and stiffness in joints in the surrounding area. Pain and stiffness may spread to the inner thigh. People may hear grating or crackling sounds in the joints when moving.

Femoroacetabular impingement

Femoroacetabular impingement is another bone condition. It occurs when extra bone develops in the hip joint, causing friction between the bones as they rub together.

Over time, this can cause:

  • damage to the joint
  • pain or an ache in the thighs
  • stiffness
  • a limp

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a rare type of bone cancer that develops in growing bones. It usually develops in bones around the knee, including the femur or thigh bone.

The condition is most common in people ages 10–14 years. It can lead to swelling and tenderness in the affected area.

Hernia

A hernia occurs when an internal body part pushes through the surrounding muscle or tissue wall.

Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia. They occur in the groin area, where the intestines push through the lower abdomen, causing a fleshy bulge to develop.

A person may feel pain around the affected region, including the inner thigh. They may experience very few other symptoms or no other symptoms at all.

Kidney stones

Kidney stones occur when crystals build up to form a solid lump in the kidneys.

They can cause significant discomfort when they pass through the urinary tract, particularly if the stones are large. It is possible to feel sharp pains in the inner thigh.

Other symptoms could include:

Pregnancy

A pregnant person can develop pubis dysfunction, a condition that causes the pelvic bone to become unstable.

This happens when the ligaments supporting the pelvic bone become too relaxed. It typically occurs during the second trimester.

This can cause severe pain in the pelvis and surrounding regions, including the inner thigh. It can also restrict mobility and cause clicking or grinding noises when moving.

Menstruation

A person may experience menstrual cramps, aches, or pains in areas of their body near the uterus. These include the back, pelvis, and thighs.

If a person has substantial pain in their lower abdomen and the surrounding area during menstruation, it may be best to consult a healthcare professional.

Several conditions can cause painful periods. These conditions include endometriosis and adenomyosis. People may be able to manage their symptoms with treatment.

It is possible to alleviate some types of inner thigh pain using home remedies or natural treatments.

The RICE method

The RICE method involves the following steps:

  • Rest: Avoiding activity of the muscle in question is important in the early stages of a muscle injury. It is also important immediately after physical activity in people with bone conditions.
  • Ice therapy: Ice packs can reduce inflammation, alleviating inner thigh pain. This is useful for osteoarthritis and muscular injuries. Ice packs are available in pharmacies and online.
  • Compression: Bandages and compression wraps can provide additional support for a muscle injury and help speed up healing. Both are available to purchase in supermarkets, pharmacies, and online.
  • Elevation: Keeping the area raised can help reduce swelling.

Other methods

Other home remedies to try may include:

  • Heat therapy: Warm compresses can help reduce inflammation. Soaking the muscles in a hot bath can also reduce pain by helping relax the inner thigh muscles.
  • Physiotherapy: Physical therapy can help with the symptoms of femoroacetabular impingement or, in some cases, osteoarthritis. After a suitable rest period, it can also help return muscle function following an injury.
  • Pain relievers: Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription pain medication can be enough to alleviate inner thigh pain in some cases.
  • Supportive equipment: Using a cane or a brace can reduce pressure on the joints, which is particularly useful for bone conditions such as osteoarthritis.
  • Pelvic support belt: These can stabilize the pelvis in people with pubis dysfunction to reduce pain.
  • Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy weight may reduce pressure on the joints in people with bone conditions. Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly can also help heal and strengthen the muscles.

It is essential to determine the cause of inner thigh pain before deciding what treatment methods to try.

More serious conditions, such as hernias or an osteosarcoma, will require hospital treatment or surgery to reduce the pain.

It may be possible to reduce the risk of developing inner thigh pain from some causes by making lifestyle changes, such as:

  • maintaining a moderate weight
  • developing good physical fitness but avoiding high intensity exercise
  • using appropriate footwear when exercising
  • avoiding lifting heavy objects
  • staying hydrated
  • eating a balanced diet rich in vitamin D and calcium

A person may wish to try taking certain supplements, but it is best to discuss these with a healthcare professional first. Some can have unintended consequences. For example, taking too much calcium can be a risk factor for developing kidney stones.

Some causes of inner thigh pain, such as kidney stones and pubis dysfunction, are not easily preventable.

In most cases, inner thigh pain is temporary, and a person can treat it with home remedies or OTC pain medication. However, if the pain is persistent or severe, it is best to seek medical attention.

If a lump develops with the inner thigh pain, it could be a hernia, which requires medical attention.

Intense pain in the abdomen at the same time as inner thigh pain could indicate kidney stones, which would require immediate emergency care.

Most cases of inner thigh pain do not pose any serious health risks. Muscle strain or injury are common causes.

The pain will often resolve after a few days, but it can sometimes take longer to reduce, depending on the cause.

A person can usually manage inner thigh pain without medical treatment unless the pain results from a more serious health condition. If pain is persistent or severe, it is best to contact a healthcare professional.