Sharp pain in your inner thigh: 9 things it could be

Having sharp pain in your inner thigh can occur for a variety of reasons. Finding relief from the pain will depend on the issue behind causing it. The pain you’re experiencing is likely a simple problem such as a pulled muscle, but it’s important to take note of any other symptoms as it could possibly be caused by a more serious issue. 

Symptoms of inner thigh pain

Inner thigh pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp pain. Accompanying the pain may be other symptoms:

• Inflammation.
• Stiffness.
• Difficulty walking.
• Limited range of motion.
• Muscle spasms.
• Clicking or grinding when moving. 

Pain in the groin region may also be experienced.

What can cause inner thigh pain?

There are many reasons that can be behind your inner thigh pain. Including thigh pain, lower limb pain can account for 36% of complaints in adults. The result of your sharp inner thigh pain could be:

• Muscle injury — The adductors, inner thigh muscles, can become strained or torn due to certain activities. The intensity of this pain will vary depending on the severity of the strain. This pain will likely be accompanied by swelling and bruising. If the pain doesn’t get better in a week or the pain worsens at any point, you should seek medical attention as the muscle could have a severe strain or even be torn.

• Tendinitis — Due to an overuse of the adductor muscles, the tendons can become inflamed, causing tendinitis. Stretching and adequate rest after exercise can help prevent adductor overuse.

• Osteoarthritis — Osteoarthritis in the hip can cause pain to flare and radiate to the inner thigh.

• Hip impingement — Hip impingement is when the bones of the hip joint rub against each other. The friction caused can send pain radiating through the thigh.

• Hernia — if you can feel a lump or bulge in your groin/inner thigh area accompanying the sharp pain, you could have a hernia. A hernia occurs when intestines push through a weak spot or tear in the lower abdominal wall. You may also experience pressure or weakness in the abdomen, as well as burning or aching sensations at the bulge. You should seek medical attention immediately.

• Pregnancy — Some pain during pregnancy is normal due to stretching and relaxing muscles. However, a condition called symphysis pubis dysfunction can cause severe pain. It typically starts in the second trimester. It can also include burning or shooting pain through the inner thigh; clicking or grinding when moving; and difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or rolling over in bed.

• Menstruation — Along with uterine cramps, it is possible to feel sharp cramps and muscle pain in the back, pelvis, and thighs during menstruation.

• Kidney stones — While kidney stones are possible to have with little to no symptoms, they can also cause inner thigh pain, especially as they pass through the urinary tract. Other symptoms of a kidney stone include: painful urination, cloudy urine, strong-smelling urine and more frequent urination. Medical attention is not always needed to treat kidney stones.

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — DVT is when a blood clot forms in one or more of the veins, usually in the legs. It can become a pulmonary embolism if not treated. If you are experiencing sharp inner thigh pain accompanied by warmth in the area, swelling, tenderness, and blue discoloration, you should seek medical attention immediately. 

How to treat sharp inner thigh pain 

Depending on the cause of your inner thigh pain, you may be able to treat your pain without medical intervention. Methods used to treat your sharp inner thigh pain can include:

• Heat and cold therapy.
• Lifestyle changes.
• Over-the-counter medications.
• Acupuncture.
• Physical therapy

How can physical therapy help treat inner thigh pain?

Physical therapy is often an effective option for pain in the inner thigh. A physical therapist may be able to help relieve your sharp inner thigh pain by using manual therapy techniques. By using these hands-on treatments, your physical therapist can help improve your circulation, break up any muscle knots and relieve tension. 

Excel Sports and Physical Therapy can help you with your sharp inner thigh pain

At Excel Sports & Physical Therapy, our physical therapy experts can assist you with managing the sharp inner pain you’re experiencing in your thigh. They can also create a personalized plan for you that’s designed to improve your quality of life. Let our team assist you in your journey to improved pain and better health. 

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.