What is the cause of lower abdominal pain that worsens with ambulation (walking)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: May 13, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Lower Abdominal Pain with Walking

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Musculoskeletal strain: This is a common cause of lower abdominal pain that worsens with walking, often due to overuse or poor posture.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Ovarian cyst or torsion: Walking can exacerbate the pain caused by ovarian cysts or torsion, especially if the cyst is large or the torsion is severe.
    • Uterine fibroids: Fibroids can cause lower abdominal pain that worsens with physical activity, including walking.
    • Inguinal hernia: An inguinal hernia can cause lower abdominal pain that worsens with walking or straining.
    • Endometriosis: Endometriosis can cause chronic lower abdominal pain that worsens with physical activity, including walking.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Ectopic pregnancy: Although less common, an ectopic pregnancy can cause severe lower abdominal pain that worsens with walking, and is a medical emergency.
    • Appendicitis: Appendicitis can cause lower abdominal pain that worsens with walking, and if left untreated, can lead to serious complications.
    • Ovarian cancer: Ovarian cancer can cause lower abdominal pain that worsens with walking, and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Intestinal obstruction: An intestinal obstruction can cause severe lower abdominal pain that worsens with walking, and is a medical emergency.
    • Retroperitoneal fibrosis: This is a rare condition that can cause lower abdominal pain that worsens with walking, due to the formation of fibrotic tissue in the retroperitoneum.
    • Abdominal aortic aneurysm: An abdominal aortic aneurysm can cause lower abdominal pain that worsens with walking, and is a medical emergency if it ruptures.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.