Differential Diagnosis for Lower Abdominal Pain Radiating to Lower Limb
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Musculoskeletal strain or injury: This is often the most common cause of lower abdominal pain that radiates to the lower limb, typically due to overuse or direct injury to the muscles or tendons in the lower abdominal or groin area.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Herniated lumbar disc: A herniated disc in the lumbar spine can cause pain that radiates from the lower back down into the lower abdomen and limb, especially if the disc is compressing a nerve root.
- Ovarian cyst or torsion: In females, ovarian cysts or torsion can cause severe lower abdominal pain that may radiate to the lower limb, especially if the cyst is large or if torsion cuts off blood supply to the ovary.
- Kidney stone: A kidney stone passing down the ureter can cause severe pain that starts in the flank and radiates to the lower abdomen and groin, potentially affecting the lower limb.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although appendicitis typically presents with pain localized to the right lower quadrant, in some cases, especially if the appendix is retrocecal, the pain can radiate to the lower limb. Missing appendicitis can lead to perforation and severe complications.
- Ectopic pregnancy: In pregnant women, an ectopic pregnancy can cause lower abdominal pain that may radiate, and it is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention to prevent rupture and severe bleeding.
- Aortic aneurysm or dissection: Abdominal aortic aneurysm or dissection can cause severe, tearing pain that radiates to the back and lower limbs. This is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention.
Rare Diagnoses
- Pudendal neuralgia: This is a rare condition characterized by pain in the distribution of the pudendal nerve, which can include the lower abdomen, genital area, and lower limb.
- Neurogenic tumors: Rarely, tumors originating from the nerves, such as neurofibromas or schwannomas, can cause pain that radiates from the lower abdomen to the lower limb.
- Intra-abdominal testicular torsion: In cases where the testes are undescended and located within the abdominal cavity, torsion can cause severe lower abdominal pain that may radiate to the lower limb.