Upper leg pain, Inner thigh and groin pain.

Patrick's fabere test is for hip conditions causing upper leg and groin pain.

Patrick's fabere test is for hip conditions causing upper leg and groin pain.

What could be causing my frequent but sharp and intermittent pain in my right groin and inner thigh. Difficult to walk or lift leg when this happens. Seems to involve the thigh muscle.


I have had a right knee replacement.

Pain is increasing in frequency. May not be related but if I sleep on my stomach I have a lot of lower back pain upon awaking. I also have infrequent bouts of right hip pain at night. Any help would be appreciated.




Hello Rose,
Firstly try and break that habit of sleeping on your stomach. It causes a facet syndrome in your lower back, and that's probably the reason for your morning low back pain. Bad for the neck too.

There are numerous possibilities concerning your groin and inner thigh pain, but I need more information:

Pull your other knee to your chest, and then towards the opposite shoulder. Remember what you feel. Repeat with the knee on the sore groin side. What's the difference?

When was the knee op, and did it relieve your knee pain? Hip conditions often radiate to the knee, and may be confused with a knee condition.

I'd get an X-ray of your pelvis. Send me a digital copy if you can.

Let me know about those little tests, and we'll take this further. Your age?

Dr Barrie Lewis DC
 

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Jun 16, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Electrical shock knee
by: Anonymous

Hello

I have been experiencing electrical shock pains on my left leg by the side above the knee. What is the cause and what can I do.



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


Apologies for the delay in answering your question.

There are a number of possibilities and the first step is to work out what increases and relieves these pains.

For example, does bending forwards, or backwards or to the side affect your leg? Do you for that matter have any back pain?

Do movements of the knee or hip bring them on?

Pull your knee to your chest and rotate the hip; is there any pain or stiffness?

What about bending the knee, and contracting the quadriceps muscle? Lying on your side, does abducting your lower leg and thigh provoke anything? The ilio-tibial band may be affected.

The Slump test for sciatica would test the nerve; use the site search function in the navigation bar. The femoral nerve is more difficult to test at home.

Then there's a condition called Meralgia Paresthetica; a pinched nerve in the back and groin; again the site search function.

Then there are deep problems, in the bone itself for example. This is a complex subject and as always if it doesn't start improving on its own, then consult a health professional.

I hope this contributes. Let me know what comes of it.

Dr Barrie Lewis
Dec 15, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Left leg groin to knee pain
by: Allen

The pain started about a week ago, it feels like my left leg has been pulled off my body and then stuck back on. When I’m off of it sitting or laying down no pain but when I stand up and put weight or pressure on it the pain starts and within a couple of hours I can’t stand. When I do the exercise you mentioned - laying on my back pulling my knee to my chest and then towards the opposite shoulder my glute is tight and in severe pain.

Two things, I’ve been on Humira 40 mg injections for the last five years for joint inflammation.
I have prostate cancer and was told last week by MDA that it was in my left back pelvic bone area and my right front pelvic bone. I’m scheduled to start a medication treatment program next week with my oncologist.

Right now I can’t stand long enough to function.
Jul 10, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		Pain where thigh meets groin
by: Anonymous

Hi
I have a dull sometimes burning pain in the thigh/ groin crease. I tried the knee exercise you suggested to another poster - when I have my knee on the painful side pulled towards opposite shoulder the top of my thigh is pretty painful - and now my hip feels like it is burning. Any advice?



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


 
Sorry not to have seen your question; you've linked onto someone else's comment.

A burning pain is often neurological, but in this case it sounds more like an impingement in the hip, or one of the tissues around the joint.

Run you thumb from the crest of the ilium down through the groin and down the inner thigh; is it very sore? Compare to the other side. Take care in the area as the femoral artery and nerve pass through the groin.

If you drop you hip into the lotus position is it restricted or painful?
Apr 27, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		Reply to my post
by: Aaron Elefson

No pain when putting the gracilis under stress, I think its something in the hamstrings now. It only happens when I lock my knees and widen the stance of my feet past my shoulders, and then while standing bend at the hip. There is a feeling like something is caught on something, then there is a pop which gives way to a little less acute pain but still an ache with some sharpness to it.
Apr 27, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		Pain in inner thigh crease?
by: Jaimie O

When I was around 10 I had some severe pain in my inner thigh crease area. It went on for months. It even kept me from walking for a short time. After having and ultrasound we found out I had some "lumps" in this area. I was put on a series of meds, and this did not help. So we scheduled surgery. The day before I went in for preop, they were still there. The day of my surgery the doctor came in to feel for these lumps, and they had mysteriously disappeared.

I am now 22 and have been experiencing similar pain in the same are. It hurts to sit "Indian style", hurts to bend or stand a certain way; it has been about two months and it feels as though it is gradually getting worse. It is now a constant aching pain. That shoots down my knee to my heel, especially when I try to cross my foot on my knee to try to bend it downward. What could this be?



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


 
Hello Jamie,
It's best when trying to contact me to begin your own comment at a Chiropractic Help page. When you tag on to someone else letter it's likely going to be delayed. My apologies.

There's a fairly deep suspicion that when you were 10 you had a condition called Perthes' disease that spontaneously went into remission; it often does.

The question is whether it left its mark. It's important that you have an x-ray of your pelvis taken, preferably standing to also check if you have a short leg.

Once you've seen your doctor and had the radiograph taken, start a new thread at say the 'groin and upper thigh pain' page, repeating this story, add the radiologist's report and, if you can get a digitised copy of the picture, attach to the page so I can see it.

Take this seriously; meantime be sensible; it's not time to start long distance jogging.
Dr Barrie Lewis
Mar 16, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Deep upper groin clenching, popping, and pain
by: Aaron Elefson

I have weird popping sounds and pain when I try to move my legs apart past a certain amount which is accompanied by popping sounds. The pain is right under my butt on the groin side. Doing groin stretches doesn't affect it unless my legs are straight. If I am sitting on a chair and put my left foot, the injured leg, on my opposite knee and try to squeeze that muscle it cramps almost immediately (it isn't painful, but it is exactly where it hurts while stretching). I have been to many people who tell me it is just a gracilis injury, but it has been a year and it hasn't gotten much better. Any help is much appreciated.



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


 
Hello Aaron,
A popping sound suggests to me that the hip is subluxating. Have you had an x-ray of the pelvis and is there any family history of hip disease like arthritis or dysplasia?

If you pull the knee to the chest, and then to the opposite shoulder, and then make a circle is there pain or stiffness?

The gracilis is an adductor; putting it under strain without movement of the hip would test it; place a ball between your knees and squeeze, first lying supine and then with hips and knees bent. Pain? Do you get a popping sound in the hip as you do it?

Frankly, I'm unsure, but I hope this gives you some pointers.
Dr Barrie Lewis
Feb 16, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hip groin and knee pain
by: Anonymous

I had a left side TKR on 12/07/2015. My knee burns and turn red and hot as fire. My left hip and groin hurts when I walk and it hurts to lift my leg. Before surgery I complained to my Ortopeadic doctor about the pain in my hip and groin and was given a steroid shot and was told I needed a TKR. I'm in pain more in the hip and groin than before the TKR. I believe I never need a TKR but a Hip replacement. Now after Xrays on the hip, I am told I need a Hip replacement. I don't like eating Norco to relieve the pain I thought I would not be experiencing after the TKR.



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


 
Hip arthritis classically hurts in the groin and radiates to the knee. Many total knee replacements are done when the source of the pain is actually in the hip.

More likely though, is that you have knee and hip arthritis.

Do you have access to the films taken before the knee replacement? That will answer the question.

I'm afraid you are also in for a hip replacement.

The knee turning red and 'hot as fire' concerns me; you may have an infection in the joint. I'd see a different orthopaedic surgeon for an opinion.

If you have weight problem, get it off, or the surgery will likely not be a success.

Dr Barrie Lewis
Jan 29, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		Acute pain in the tailbone and groin to the knee when sitting cross legged
by: Vince

About 15 years ago I had slipped and fell and it resulted in a broken tail bone. At that time I also tore my right shoulder as I grabbed a railing trying to arrest my fall. I soon after had a open shoulder surgery to repair the damage. The surgeon told me that it would be best to let the tail bone heal as is and had me use the donut pillows.

Now after 15 years, as I am reaching my 50th year, I am having a lot of pain again in my tailbone area when I sit in any chair and especially on a hard seat. I have started to use a donut pillow again. This has been going on for over 6 months.

More recently, in the last 6 to 8 weeks I have started to experience acute pain in my right thigh radiating from just below groin to the knee and also in the outer right thigh whenever I try to sit cross legged or put the right leg over the left when seated in a chair. It becomes unbearable if I try to pull the right leg up towards my chest.

Not sure if these two are related, but I am in pain and would appreciate a remedy as I am not interested in taking palliatives and having it come back when the medicine wears off. Thanks.



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


 
Apologies for the delay in answering, Vince.

These are probably two different conditions.

If you slide your middle finger down the crease between the buttocks, and then press deeply just before the anus, you'll feel the coccyx; is that very tender? Or is it in the bone you sit on, known as the ischium? Or in the buttock?

If pulling your knee to the chest, and sitting crossed legged hurts, the most likely cause is a condition of the hip; if it's also very stiff then arthritis of the hip is likely. Another possibility is femoro acetabular impingement syndrome.

I would start with an x-ray of your pelvis and, if the coccyx is tender, a "lateral coccyx".

Let me know.
Jan 14, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		Pain in groin
by: Anonymous

I suffer from sciatica and also when I rubbed my hand along side my the hip dwn to knee I had knots, 2nd pain DR found it was bursa in the hip. Got Cortisone shots in the hip and for the 1st time in 2 years no groin pain or hip pain.



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


 
That is great but remember the cortisone is a powerful anti inflammatory that is giving you temporary relief. Now look to the cause of that bursitis or in a month or two you'll be back to square one.
Jan 13, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		groin pain
by: shirley

hi,
I,m at my wits end and in a lot of intense pain mainly at night but it is like that during the day too. my apin is in both sides of my groin and very intense. I'm popping the pills like smarties just to try get some sleep. I try every position with a pillow between my thighs or under my legs, eventually I will drop off for a couple of hours but when I wake up my legs are weak. I can alos get pain right down to my foot depending on how I lie or stand but if I change position that will instantly go. I also get a pain in my right hip that sometimes makes me walk with a limp I,ve had an MRI of spine and they see no major problems a few slight bulging disks but nothing touching nerves. I've had my hips and pelvic x-rayed and he said it all looks lovely and smooth and no abnormal shapes going on. When he's examined me he says it seems to be coming form my sacroiliac joint, and they're going to do an MRI scan. What treatment is there if it is my sacroiliac joint, I'm 52 and a female and this is really becoming unbearable the pain is that intense. I cant even stand my clothes touching my groin
Jan 03, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		Pain in left groin especially in the lotus position
by: Anonymous

Hello, I have had pain in my left groin for about 6 weeks. I can't remember doing anything to pull a muscle, it just started hurting one day. It's usually not a sharp pain, but if I move it just wrong I do get a sharp pain. Sitting criss-cross with my legs was my most comfortable position, and I can no longer do that with my left leg - it will not splay out and reach the floor.

I figured I just pulled a muscle and it would heal on it's own, but it has not. I had a frozen shoulder about 7 years ago, and it reminds me of that.

Can you get a 'frozen' groin? I have a doctor's appt tomorrow to take a look at it. Wondering what things I should have them check for.



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


Hello,
That not being able to lower your left leg into the lotus position - known as the Fabere position in orthopaedic jargon - is very significant. I would recommend starting with an x-ray of the pelvis. Let me know what comes of your consult.
Dec 19, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Please help
by: Anonymous

I have lower back left side leg groin feet pain, the pain then travels to my upper back, i start feeling hot and nausea ans sick and cant eat. It lasts for months on end. It first got triggered after having sex with my partner. Ive had previous partners but never had this problem. I broke up with him and now dating someone else, we haven't had sex but have done otger things, the pain started straight after with groin lower back leg, sickness hotflushes heavyness in leg. Im extremely concerned please help. Ive been unwell for too long its been 9 years now, and ive never had these problems please i beg someone to please give me advive, im scared as i dont want to feel sick agin. Please
Dec 18, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		SEVERE PAIN in groin and left arm
by: Kayleigh

Hi, I'm a 24 year old female. Every now and then I get severe pain from my inner left groin straight up my body and down my left arm into my pinky; it's very frightening and painful- makes me go very hot and clammy. Happens for around 5 minutes.

Can you help as to what this weird and awkward pain can be. It's like someone has a very sharp object and is dragging it round these areas.



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


Hello Kayleigh,
The pain in your groin and left arm is almost certainly from two different problems; they are probably unrelated.

Severe pain in the groin calls for an x-ray of the pelvis. Pull your knee to the chest; does it reproduce the pain? Drop the knee into the lotus position; what do you feel?

Pain radiating down the arm to the pinky usually comes from the neck, but a spot in the funny bone behind the elbow is a possibility too.

It's time for a thorough examination.
Nov 30, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Sharp pain on front of thighs
by: Anonymous

I had a L1 through L5 fusion six months ago. I also need a knee replacement. I've had knee pain prior to back surgery as I tore my ACL and my meniscus, as well as my calf muscle due to several falls. They won't repair these, instead they are gonna do a replacement after recovery from my back surgery.

I completely understand the reasoning for all of this. However for about the past month, I've been getting these sharp shooting pains in the front of both my thighs sometimes going into my groins. These pains occur after I go to stand up after sitting for a long period of time. The pain lessens after I walk some.

Also I'm getting pain in my lower back again. Especially if I stand up straight for more than a couple of minutes. However it also hurts sitting. What could be causing the thigh pain and is there anything I can do to lessen it?



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


Apologies, I've been on leave for a month.

The question is whether this front of the thighs pain is
1. From the hip joints which often refer to the thigh, and knee for that matter.

2. Caused by lumbar stenosis, or arachnoiditis after surgery.

3. From the knee injury.

Only a careful and very thorough examination can make this call, and that I can't do.

Does pulling the knee to the chest cause stiffness and groin and that from of thigh pain?

Are you doing any lower back and knee exercises? That's where I would start; get help to be certain you are doing them correctly.

Dr Barrie Lewis

Nov 22, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Inner groin pain.
by: Anonymous

I am a 21 year old male. I used to do martial arts. The first time the pain appeared was 5 months ago when I jumped over a tall fence. I kicked my left leg high to the side so it can go over and I felt a sharp pain in my inner groin that went all the way to my knee. I went on with my day feeling a slight discomfort in the area of the knee. When I got home I treated it with ice. This pain didn't bother me for a long time.

Later on I only felt it when split stretching which I did extremely rarely. Now fast forward to the present day, I decided to start stretching regularly and this pain has still not gone away. I tried the 'knee to the chest' test and I have the following discoveries:

For my right(fine) leg when I try to push the knee to the opposite side I feel stiffness in a muscle in my upper leg which from what I researched happens to be the 'iliopsoas'.

For my left(sore) leg when I try to push the knee to the opposite side I feel aching in my glutes instead. Overall it feels like my right leg is stiffer than my left leg. When I'm split stretching it feels the opposite. Also I am able to kick high with my right leg to about head level. I am unable to do that with my left leg without experiencing the sharp inner groin pain.

Thank you for your read. I am about to ice treat the spot again. What else should I do?



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


I'd start with a pelvic x-ray, preferably taken standing, to rule out an impingement syndrome in the hip.

It seems all these pains only began after you started stretching; too enthusiastic?

Frankly I'm unsure, unable to examine your. Since this all began some five months ago, it's definitely time for a professional examintion and opinion.

Let me know what comes of it.
Nov 13, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Pain in front of right thigh, and outside, and a little pain in right butt cheek
by: Anonymous

I had a bilateral diskectomy on L2-L3 on October 2nd, 2017. My left leg is completely fine but my right leg isn’t good. Besides still having pain in front of my thigh, sometimes going down to my knee and sometimes front and side of calf. It’s affecting my family and work; I start physical therapy tomorrow. When I tuck my chin to my chest I can feel the pain in my thigh! What does that mean?



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


 
Hello,
It's early days after surgery, and I wouldn't fuss too much at this stage. I'm sure the surgeon never told you that you'd be back at work and pain free in six weeks.

Tucking your chin causing radiating pain in your leg is called Lindner's sign. Google it. What it means is that the meninges that run from your brain down the spinal cord are still being affected. Flexing your neck tightens them, and they must still be tethered in the cauda equina; there's plenty of swelling after surgery, so perhaps it's to be expected; ask the surgeon.

The long and the short of it is that whether you go to a chiropractor, or a surgeon, for treatment of a slipped disc, that a lifetime of good back care lies ahead. That means daily back exercises EVERY morning before getting out of bed, choosing your chairs carefully and in general trying to sit less, walking or swimming regularly, preferably both, going down on one knee rather than bending at the waist, and accepting that heavy lifting should probably be destined to the past.

Ask the PT for some gentle exercises that you can start with. Ask him also to do a femoral nerve stretch; is it strongly positive in the front of your thigh?

More important, is your knee starting to give on the stairs; how was the knee jerk reflex both before and after the surgery?

Be patient, take it slowly or there's risk of arachnoiditis; not nice.

Let me know how you get on.
Oct 24, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Severe pain in left upper thigh and groin area
by: Anonymous

Hi, I am almost 2 year post lumbar fusion L3-S1 in September 2015 and 3 years post lumbar fusion in January 29, 2016, redo fusion surgery and add bigger screws and fuse a new herniation at L2. A microdissection in 2005 on L5-S1 level. I have developed CRPS and I have uncontrollable chronic inflammation, Fybromyalgia, Bilateral Scacretic Syndrome, Lumbar neuropathy and severe spinal nerve damage.


Severe stabbing/hot/heavy/numbing/burning/tingling and the pain is excruciating pain in my Left upper thigh and groin area and it hurts terribly when I try to walk. I can't move my left leg forward without agonizing pain running up and down my leg. After last fusion, mid April 2016, I have trouble holding to urinate. the side of my left leg also hurts and the whole leg at this point feels like pins and needles.

This pain also started about 2 months ago and it has gotten much worse and on some days. It does come and go. But just the past few days, the pain is stabbing and I can lie on my back with the pain, and stomach. When lying flat on my back in bed, I can not scoot my body over by myself. Pain shoots from the growing area, sciatica, and left buttocks.

I would appreciate so much if you could let me know what I need to do. Thank you so much.



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


 
Let's start by making certain there isn't also a hip condition lurking. Lie on your back and pull first your right knee to the chest, then to the opposite shoulder, and then drop it into the lotus position. Remember what you feel.

Now repeat with the left leg; what is the difference; let me know.
Sep 18, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Pain
by: Teresa

I just had the x-rays done and they gave me injections in both hips but no cure yet. Any thoughts?


Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis



Hello Teresa,
Can you get the x-rays and send me a digital copy to Contact?

And write the report here in this column.

I asked some questions on August 13 that you haven't responded to.
Aug 13, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Pain
by: Teresa

Adding to my message below I have had hip injections. Any thoughts?



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


 
What was the doctor's diagnosis?
Aug 13, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Pain
by: Teresa

I had a fusion done back in 2015. And also have a spinal cord stimulator. Now I am having hip and inner upper thigh pain. At times it is sharp with movement. I can't lay on my back or my right side because of pain. I have done PT. I don't know what else to do.


Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


 
Hello Teresa,
The problem is that from what you've told me there is no clear diagnosis. Do you feel this is radiating from your lumbar spine, or the hip joint proper. It's sharp with which movement? Hip or back?

If you lie on your back and pull your knee to the chest is there pain? Where? If you drop your knee into the lotus position?

Have you had an x-ray of the pelvis?

And do you have a family history of hip problems? Any total hip replacements?

Let us have a few answers.
Aug 03, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Bad back and hip since car accident in which I broke both legs.
by: Anonymous

Bad back and hip since car accident in which I broke both legs demands a very thorough examination to come up with the correct diagnosis; only then can the correct treatment be given.

Hello.

I had a car accident 10 years ago, I broke both legs; my right leg first had a cage for a few days, then a pin placed right down the centre of the bone. This was then removed a year later due to pain.

Since the accident, I have had a bad back and hip. I have sciatic pain, from my back, down my hip and in my bum. My hip has a large scar and you can feel the bone from the outside which is sore.

I struggle to sleep; I sleep with my leg on a pillow, to sit and to stand. When I walk, my leg completely stops working and I get pain at the top of my thigh; I end up in agony.

Recently, I cycled 7k on a bike in the gym and felt pain in my hip.

I've seen many physios over the years, with many different theory's, including a bad back, disc problems, a slightly abnormal walk placing pressure on my pelvis and this week being told I had an 'unstable core' making other muscles overcompensate for this.

I have recently had a baby and would like another one, I found pregnancy difficult and could not walk from 20 weeks, needing at times to shuffle up the stairs on my bum. In labour, I could not lay flat due to sciatic pain, and ended up having to have an epidural.

I would like another baby and would like a diagnosis to explain to midwives and doctors and hopefully to be a bit better in order to make the process more manageable.

Any advice would be appreciated.



 

Hello,
Yours is a long and complex history, and I'm afraid I have no simple solution; but one question immediately springs to mind.

Are your regularly, faithfully, every single day doing a simple set of lower back exercises? I recommend doing them in bed before arising; every single morning without fail; they take less than two minutes. Of course doing them several times a day would be better still.

The term 'hip' is a vague one; to one person it's where the thigh bone joins to the pelvis, to another buttock or sacroiliac pain.

In short there's no clear diagnosis that you've been given; four doctors have narrowed it down to one of four conditions! Every one has a different opinion.

Of course you have weak core muscles; but that's a result of the problem, not the cause; but still needs to be addressed.

The other question that springs to mind, is you make no mention of a chiropractor. Is it perhaps time to have a fifth opinion added to the mish mash?

Look for someone with a reputation for being thorough; it's going to take that; perhaps go for a consultation without treatment, and go with your gut feel after the report of findings.

Start with those exercises; faithfully EVERY morning.




Jun 18, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Inner thigh/groin pain.
by: Anonymous

I have a sharp pain when (lotus) trying to cross my right leg over the left. Had the pain for over a month; 54 yr old male, mildly active.

I can duplicate this pain by trying to rotate my right leg outward while standing. No problems walking; I was thinking Posterior Labrum tear. I haven't seen anyone yet; trying to see if it will heal itself.

I had a rotator cuff a few years back, just did physical therapy (no surgery); pain feels like that.



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


 
You're at the stage where you have to make a decision. Is it improving, or isn't it?

You don't want to allow it become chronic; then it's far more difficult to manage.

Do some gentle exercises, not anything that causes pain, and then make a decision within the next week or two.
May 31, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Still undiagnosed groin pain after seven months.
by: Anonymous

Still undiagnosed groin pain after seven months must be ver

Ooh, please someone help me. In Nov. 2016 I woke with a twinge in left pelvic groin area; I was fine the night before with no out of the ordinary activity. By mid morning I was doubled over in severe pain, and could not bear weight.

Kidney stone was ruled out, I was in hospital 3 weeks rehab a month, physical therapy; I've had countless x-rays, MRI, cat scans, ultra sound, with contrast, sports Drs, gastros, with exception of normal 55 aging and mild stenosis there is no diagnosis.

Seeing a chiro is helping little but still have constant pain. The meds knock it down but not away, I do not know where to go from here, and I'm frustrated, depressed, scared and in pain, please someone help me, it's been almost 7 months with no diagnosis. Thank you.



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


 
I'm going to take you through a series of simple tests; the more accurately you can answer, the greater the chance I may be able to help your still undiagnosed groin pain.

Seven months is a long time; I can understand you are feeling depressed and frustrated.

Lie on your back, and pull your right knee to the chest; then towards the opposite shoulder, make a circle in the hip, and then finally drop your knee into the lotus position. Remember what you feel.

Now repeat with the naughty hip. What's the difference?

Describe for me exactly what you feel and where.

Please answer from your computer not a cellphone; correcting your grammar is not my most favoured activity! Read through your reply before posting please.

Dr Barrie Lewis
Apr 19, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Intermittent Pain
by: Anonymous

I have upper/inner thigh, and groin intermittent pain that just started. The pain is a sharp jabbing type pain. I noticed that rubbing my fingers over the spot brought on the pain; also there seemed to be a lump on a vein that was sensitive also.

I do have spinal stenosis, peripheral neuropathy, and arthritis.



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


 
Lumps in the groin always need a medical examination; it could be an aneurism so don't go bothering it, but more likely an enlarged lymph node.

Probably the most common cause of groin pain is hip arthritis; if you pull your knee to the chest, and then towards the opposite shoulder is it stiff and sore?

Dr Barrie Lewis
Mar 27, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Groin and upper thigh pain
by: Anonymous

I have groin pain and upper thigh tightness and pain. My pain dramatically worsens when carrying items, even if they are not very heavy. I can barely step if I have something in my hands to carry. The trash, purse, book, etc all cause a limp all the time.

Heat helps but only for a short time. Pain when walking lessens if I put pressure on the groin with my finger and hold it, pulling a little to the medial area while stepping.

I am 70 but very active and never had back or hip problems. This has been constant for the past two months. I have flexibility in all directions when lying flat. Was able to do your test with a bit more stiffness on the affected right side. My X-ray of the hip shows arthritis but it has been that way since I was 35 without any problems.



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


 
After two months, it's time for a thorough examination and diagnosis; there are many possibilities; like an inguinal hernia, for example, but it's highly likely related to that arthritis seen on the x-ray.
Mar 10, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Intense upper leg and groin pain
by: Amanda

I have been having pain in my left leg right where the leg meets the pelvis. It started out as annoying but now after a couple months it's excruciating. I can't even put on my pants without an intense sharp pain. Forget about crossing my legs at all. The pain is very sharp (breath taking) and very painful anytime I try to bend my leg up to the side. Lift it. But only pulling I . Not pushing out. What could this be?



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


 
Firstly a little lecture, Amanda! Don't allow conditions like this to become chronic as you've done; they become far more difficult to manage and you risk having it for the rest of your life; nip them in the bud.

The important difference is whether it hurts only when you lift your thigh, but not if someone else lifts it; then it's probably muscular.

However I have my doubts; if crossing your legs is painful, and presumably the lotus position too, then we are probably looking at a hip condition.

Lie on your back, and pull your knee to the chest, towards the opposite shoulder, make a circle and then drop your leg into the lotus position; compare with your other leg. Is it much more stiff and painful? Then an impingement syndrome or arthritis. If very mobile but still painful then there's suspicion of a dysplasia.

Do you have hip disease in the family? All of this is entirely speculative; there are many other possibilities; it's time for an x-ray of your pelvis. Soon.
Oct 18, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		DDD @ L2 & L3
by: Terry

I did the leg test you suggested. My right leg was pretty flexible and I was able to pull up toward my left shoulder. However, the left side was much tighter. Most of the pain I am experiencing I coming from the right hip and upper right thigh and into my right knee.



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


 
Hello Terry,
Your condition has got mixed in with a whole lot of other people.

What would be helpful is to collect them all, and copy and paste into your own comment form; to be honest I've lost track.

It would seem then that the right is not arthritic, and probably doesn't have an impingement syndrome, though internal rotation, is difficult for you to test.

It's vaguely possibly the loss of mobility in the left hip is affecting the right.

You need to find someone local who will take the time to examine your spine, sacroiliac joints and hips carefully and thoroughly and come up with a diagnosis and plan of action.

Meantime keep active, don't overdo it, exercise the hips and lower back every morning before getting out of bed..
Oct 18, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Daughter has groin pain for over a year
by: RH

Hello... My daughter has had groin pain for over a year now. We have taken her to physical therapy and she has been doing exercises but has not helped. My daughter is only 11 years old and she can't do sports because of this. She is constantly pushing on her thigh near her groin to relieve the pain. She is starting to walk with a limp and tonight she was laying in bed and she can't lift her leg. She doesn't have the strength to lift it. She can lift her right leg, just not her left leg. She also can't bend her leg very far toward her chest without it being painful. I am getting very concerned. I have been reading various things and there is mention of nerve issues. I would appreciate any help. THanks, Rh



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


Dear RH,
If one hasn't been taken, it's vital she immediately have an x-ray of her pelvis. Perthe's disease is not uncommon, and missed it leads to a lifetime of misery.

More likely she has dystrophy or an impingement syndrome; there are many possibilities.

If she has had an x-ray, would you send the report please, and if possible send the radiograph itself to contact for me to view.

I would urge an immediate orthopaedic opinion; this has gone on far too long in a child. Or adult, for that matter.

Let me know.
Sep 24, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		DDD @ L2 & L3
by: Terry

Started with hip pain and tightness. Then shooting pain in front of quad into knee. Some pain in both legs especially after sitting. X-ray indicated the DDD. Have tight psoas muscle in pelvic area. Prescribed exercises to do which help but still good days and bad days. Have had since June.



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


 
Hello Terry, just to be sure that degenerative disc disease isn't a so called incidental finding, lie on your back and pull your knee to the chest, towards the opposite shoulder and then drop it into the lotus position. How does it compare with the other leg?
Sep 22, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Pain in upper left thigh and groin
by: Rena

I have been having this pain on my left upper thigh area, and in my groin. It seems to throb a lot in my groin. I walk with a limp and it often feels as if my knee is going to give out on me and I could just crumple to the ground. I have had an MRI on my back that came back saying normal. I have lower pain in my back.

I was referred to physical therapy, that seemed to help my back but not the pain in my groin and thigh area. I was sent for an X-ray and it said something about the femoral head and to get MRI if further concerned. Waiting on doctor to call me to explain more. However the pain seems to be getting worse.

I currently take gabapentin for neuropathy as I have lupus; I have been prescribed naproxen as anti inflammatory only take as needed, mainly at night. I have tried laying on my back and yes the painful side hurts when I pull towards opposite shoulder. I really hate being in pain when walking.

What should be my next step?



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


 
Hello Rena,
This is almost certainly a hip condition, and not your back; in fact it's pretty classic; would I be correct in asking if your doctor examined your hip? And the physical therapist?

To advise further I need two details. Firstly your age, and secondly a copy of that x-ray report of your hip.

Better still, could you send a copy of the xray itself to contact?
Jul 23, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Groin pain right leg
by: Tineke

I have a sore heavy right leg. When I bend over forward to pick up something, it feels as if something hooks over something else. Then when I straighten up, it is difficult to stand up straight. I went to a neurologist on Friday and she could not find anything. I have to use my arms to pick up my leg in and out car or bed. What could it be?


Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


 
Hello Tineke,
Ben je Nederlands?

Most likely is a hip condition, but the sacroiliac joint and lumbar spine may be involved too. Has an x-ray of your pelvis (bekken) been taken? If not, I'd start there.

Then, lying on your back, several times a day, pull the knee gently to your chest ten times, and then rotate the upper leg by moving the knee.

Do it gently, with no sharp pain.

Then, sitting, take a little oil and, starting at the ASIS (google it), run your thumb down through the groin and inner thigh towards the knee. In the centre of the leg you cross over the femoral nerve and artery and should lighten up. This is often extremely painful if it's a hip condition.

Really what's needed is a diagnosis; there are many possibilities. If you're not getting anywhere wtih the medical world start looking for a local chiropractor.

Let me know how you get on.
Dr Barrie Lewis
Apr 25, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Upper leg pain, Inner thigh and groin
by: Doris

I've been dealing with this for several years. Sitting for a long period of time makes it difficult to move. I had a MRI about four or so years ago. The doctor only saw arthritis.



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


Sitting almost always aggravates a back condition, so there's nothing unusual about that. As you can see it's only a careful and thorough examination that is going to determine where your upper leg and inner thigh and groin pain are coming from.

Watch for the knee starting to give. A femoral nerve lesion may cause weakness of the quadriceps muscle.

Sometimes a small "pincer" in a condition called FAIS of the hip can cause pain radiating down the distribution of the femoral nerve. Then pulling your knee to the chest will be stiff and painful.
Apr 25, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Upper leg pain, Inner thigh and groin
by: Doris

My doctor said it was sciatica nerve and prescribed medication, but it's not helping. Yes I do have back pain on the right side along with the upper leg pain, inner thigh and groin that makes it very difficult to walk. Should I seek chiropractic help or another.



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


Hello Doris,
This is unlikely to be sciatica, but rather the femoral nerve which supplies the area you describe.

Just to be sure it's not related to your hip, please lie on your back and pull your knee to the chest and then towards the opposite shoulder. Now make a circle with the knee, and finally put your right heel on the left knee and drop your right knee into the lotus position. Does this give you pain in the groin of side of the hip?

These are all conditions that chiropractors treat on a regular basis, but after so long in pain you are going to have to be patient; Rome wasn't built in a day.
Apr 25, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Upper leg pain, Inner thigh and groin
by: Doris

I am 67 years old, but this pain make me feel a lot older. My life style has changed tremendously. I can't do the things I want to do. Please give some direction as to who I need to see.



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


Hello Doris,
Could you give me more details please. Do you have back pain? When did it start? Was there an injury? What increases the pain, have you had an x-ray, what did the doctor say, previous treatment; all that sort of thing.
Feb 04, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		upper thigh and groin pain
by: Anonymous

Hi I am 50 years old and in pretty good shape; I normally exercise and eat right but for the last 2 months I have been having pain in my upper right thigh that goes to my groin area and sometimes to my stomach. It does not happen everyday; maybe once a week.

I run about 6 miles a week and also walk the same. The pain really happens when I sit for a long period of time.



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


Hello, yes, you certainly must be in good shape; well done, it takes a lot of time and commitment to exercise and eat well.

Any pain, particularly with the radiation to or from the bowels needs a medical opinion in my book.

From a joint perspective, the first step is to consider whether you have hip arthritis developing, or an impingement syndrome.

Lie flat on your back and pull first the knee on the good side to your chest and make a circle; repeat with the naughty leg. Is there a significant difference?

If so, start by getting an xray of your pelvis.

Prod around in your groin; no lumps or bumps? Hernias and lymphomas lurk occasionally.

If we're going to continue this, would you start a new thread of your own please.

Dr Barrie Lewis
Sep 17, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Inner upper thigh and groin pain
by: Anonymous

This pain, inner thigh and groin started last night and this evening it's sharp when I walk. Constant when I'm not walking but does sharpen when I sneeze or cough. I had sciatic pain on my left side and seen a neurologist and he says I have spinal stenosis.

Now with this new pain I'm having I'm just thinking "Geeze, now what"? I can't find anything on the intranet and I don't see the neurosurgeon till November. I'm so sick of pain and the length of time it takes to see a doctor. However I was wondering if this new symptom could be from spinal stenosis or could I have even been mis-diagnosed. I just feel so fed up and confused.



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


This isn't sciatica but it's possibly related to the spinal stenosis, but unlikely as it's from much higher in your lumbar spine.

However, just as likely is a hip, or even inguinal hernia condition. The sudden onset isn't typical of stenosis.

Even if it was, chiropractors are treating spinal stenosis on a daily basis; it's really not uncommon. Just find an experienced, thorough DC in your neck of the woods. Take your xrays with you.

But is it your hip; lying on your back, pull your hip to your chest, then to the opposite shoulder and then rotate it. Does it hurt in your groin? Compare with the other hip.

You'll be astonished what a difference a daily set of gentle lower back exercises, done every day before you get out of bed will make.

Very occasionally a Maignes syndrome can via the superior cluneal nerves give pain in the buttock and groin. It's also something to be considered. Use the search function at Chiropractic Help for these terms.

I hope this contributes.
Oct 24, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		pain, thighs, groin, & lower back
by: Anonymous

also have pain in lower back



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


Is this you, Linda? Remember, I said that a branch of the Femoral nerve supplies the groin area, the vaginal area and the upper thighs.

Time to see a chiropractor perhaps.

How are you doing with your weight? Without that your whole health is going to fall apart, not just leg pain, I'm afraid. You already know it, so I'm not going to lecture you! It can be done, a patient with knee arthritis yesterday told me has now lost 19kg. About 45 pounds. You can do it too.
Jan 30, 2012
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starstarstarstar 		Upper leg, Thigh, groin pain also
by: Linda

Hi, I have the same issues but in both upper and inner thighs. It got so bad one time I had pain in the vaginal area. Felt like I was kicked with steel toe boots. I had to use two canes to get around. It took about 3 days and then I was back to normal.

I did not have knee surgery but I did have gastric bypass and my legs are the largest part of my body. I question if too much excess skin and flab is pulling down on me.

I had x-rays of my spine and hips and they were negative. No arthritist either. I have more pain now in my leg groin area than before the surgery.

Any ideas?



Dr. Barrie Lewis Dr. Barrie Lewis


Hello Linda,
There are many conditions that cause groin pain. If it's going to the vaginal area then the upper lumbar spine and the Femoral nerve need to be examined. There's a small branch that supplies the groin and labia. Do you have back pain?

Then there are a variety of hip conditions. Can you send me a digital copy of those X-rays? If you can save them to your desktop, then you can attach them to this page.

Obviously you weight is probably a large part of your problem, but then you know that. Get it off, Linda, or face increasing disability, wheelchairs, pain... easier said than done, I know. Follow our weight loss guidelines at C-H. Start by greatly increasing the vegetable protein in your diet: homemade hummus, tofu, beans, lentils, chickpeas. It is the easiest, healthiest, cheapest way.



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