Differential Diagnosis for Inner Thigh Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Meralgia Paresthetica: This condition, caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, is a common cause of inner thigh pain, especially if it's associated with numbness, tingling, or burning sensations. The compression often occurs at the inguinal ligament and can be due to various factors such as tight clothing, obesity, or direct trauma.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Groin Strain: A common injury in athletes, particularly those involved in sports that require quick changes of direction, groin strains can cause pain in the inner thigh due to the pull on the adductor muscles.
- Adductor Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons of the adductor muscles can cause pain in the inner thigh, often exacerbated by activities that involve adduction of the thigh.
- Osteitis Pubis: An inflammatory condition affecting the pubic bone and surrounding structures, osteitis pubis can cause pain in the groin area, including the inner thigh, especially in athletes.
- Stress Fractures: Stress fractures of the femur or pubic rami can cause inner thigh pain, particularly if the fracture is in the early stages and not yet visible on X-ray.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Although less common, DVT can cause pain in the inner thigh due to the location of the deep veins. It's crucial to consider DVT, especially in patients with risk factors such as recent surgery, immobilization, or cancer, as it can lead to life-threatening pulmonary embolism if not treated promptly.
- Aortic Aneurysm or Aortic Dissection: These are rare but potentially life-threatening conditions that can cause pain in various locations, including the inner thigh, due to the proximity of the aorta to the femoral vessels.
- Testicular Torsion (in males): While the primary symptom is testicular pain, referred pain to the inner thigh can occur. This is a surgical emergency that requires immediate attention to preserve the testicle.
Rare Diagnoses
- Avulsion Fractures: These are rare fractures where a fragment of bone is pulled off by a tendon or ligament, which can occur in the inner thigh, particularly in the context of severe trauma or sports injuries.
- Soft Tissue Tumors: Rarely, soft tissue tumors such as lipomas, sarcomas, or other benign/malignant tumors can cause inner thigh pain, depending on their location and size.
- Nerve Entrapment Syndromes (other than Meralgia Paresthetica): Other nerves in the thigh can become entrapped, leading to pain and other neurological symptoms in the inner thigh, though these are less common than meralgia paresthetica.