Flank pain and tenderness: what to know

Pain that is sore when you move, stretch, or touch the area can follow lifting, coughing, or a minor injury and may involve the abdominal wall, ribs, or back. Deeper flank pain with fever, chills, nausea, or burning urine can occur with a kidney infection. A kidney stone may cause intense waves of pain and restlessness, with or without urinary changes. A urinary tract infection can cause burning and urgency, especially if discomfort spreads upward.

Do not repeatedly press the area to test it. Note swelling, bruising, a rash, fever, urine changes, and whether breathing or movement changes the discomfort.

Protect the area from heavy work and sudden twisting, while taking short gentle walks if comfortable. Use a wrapped warm pack for a muscle-like ache, and stop if it worsens symptoms. Maintain usual fluids unless you have a medical fluid restriction. A pharmacist can help check whether an over-the-counter pain medicine fits your conditions and other medicines.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for increasing tenderness, fever, vomiting, blood in urine, painful urination, or pain after a significant injury. Seek emergency help for fainting, severe breathing trouble, a hard or rigid abdomen, inability to urinate, or rapidly worsening pain.

Ask whether the tenderness appears superficial or deeper, whether you need a urine test or examination, and how to distinguish a muscle strain from a urinary problem. Ask which changes mean you should seek same-day care.