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: June 27, 2025 • View 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 Sudden Onset of Leg Pain between Knee and Hip

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Muscle strain: This is the most common cause of sudden leg pain, often resulting from overuse or direct injury to the muscles between the knee and hip, such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, or adductor muscles. The pain is typically localized to the area of injury and may be accompanied by swelling or bruising.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons, which connect muscles to bones, can cause pain in the leg. This condition is common in individuals who engage in repetitive activities or sports.
  • Bursitis: The bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints and reduce friction between bone and soft tissue. Inflammation of the bursae (bursitis) can cause pain, especially in areas like the hip or knee.
  • Stress fracture: A small crack in a bone, often caused by overuse or repetitive stress, can lead to pain that is typically sharp and localized to the area of the fracture.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in the deep veins of the leg can cause sudden pain, swelling, and warmth. DVT is a medical emergency because it can lead to pulmonary embolism if the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs.
  • Compartment syndrome: Increased pressure within a muscle compartment can lead to pain, swelling, and decreased circulation. This condition is an emergency that requires prompt treatment to prevent permanent damage.
  • Osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis): The loss of blood to the bone can cause the bone tissue to die, leading to pain. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma, steroid use, or excessive alcohol consumption.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Narrowing or blockage of the arteries can lead to decreased blood flow to the legs, causing pain, especially during walking (claudication).
  • Neoplastic processes: Tumors, either benign or malignant, can cause leg pain by compressing or invading nerves, bones, or soft tissues.
  • Inflammatory diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can cause inflammation and pain in the legs, though these are less common presentations for these diseases.

Related Questions

What are the management options for a seroma?
What is the management for a 60-year-old male with a 10-year history of diabetes (diabetes mellitus) presenting with sudden onset of edema and redness of the right foot, with diabetic neuropathy, no pain, no fever, and normal laboratory results?
What are the recommended first-line treatments for seizure disorders?
Should statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) be taken with or without food?
Is polycythemia vera (PV) associated with decreased bone density and fractures?

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.

Ask Question