What should you know about groin and flank pain?

A kidney stone can cause intense, wave-like flank pain that moves toward the groin. Nausea, restlessness, or blood in the urine may occur. A Kidney Infection can cause flank pain with fever, chills, feeling unwell, or urinary changes. A Urinary Tract Infection more often causes burning and frequent urination, but symptoms can overlap.

Muscle strain, hip problems, or a hernia can also cause pain in the groin or side. The location, movement pattern, urine symptoms, temperature, and examination help distinguish these possibilities. Pain radiating toward the groin is not enough to identify one cause.

Rest from heavy lifting and note when the pain began, whether it comes in waves, and what makes it worse. Sip fluids normally unless a clinician has told you to restrict them. Do not force large amounts of water to pass a suspected stone. Use only pain relief that is safe for you and follow the label.

Arrange prompt medical review if pain persists, returns, or is joined by urinary symptoms. A clinician may examine your abdomen and back, test urine, and decide whether imaging is needed.

Seek urgent care for severe or uncontrollable pain, fever with flank pain, repeated vomiting, inability to pass urine, fainting, confusion, or blood in the urine with feeling unwell. Pregnancy, one functioning kidney, or significant immune suppression lowers the threshold for urgent assessment.

Could this be a stone, infection, muscle injury, or hernia? Do I need a urine test or scan? Which pain medicines are suitable with my health history? What changes should bring me back urgently?