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What Causes Upper Thigh Pain And Difficulty Walking?

Posted on Tue, 7 Oct 2014

Question: I recently had a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy. The following day I started having upper thigh pain. Also I developed a staph infection in my groin and on my vulva. The pain is made worse by walking or lifting my leg. The pain is generalized from the bone joint to the knee joint. I also have an artificial knee on the right side some four yrs. ago. I don't know who to go to! my pcp says he thinks the pain is related to my back problem. Please help me! I don't think so, but may be wrong.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Your pain is likely to be related to your back .

Detailed Answer:
Hi,XXXXXX

Welcome to healthcare magic.

I'm Dr Sudhir Kumar

After going through your query I think you may be suffering from backache with sciatica because pain is made worse by walking or lifting your leg.
I think your pcp is correct.

Second possibility can be that you may be having cellulitis of thigh as you recently had a staph infection in my groin .

I have few queries from you.

1.Which thigh/leg is effected right or left?

2.Whether you have fever?

3.How many days after you developed a staph infection in your groin and on your vulva this pain started?

4.Whether area effected by pain swollen as compared to other side.

5.Whether pain is on same side in which you developed a staph infection in your groin?

Both conditioned are generally taken care by orthopedic surgeon so you can see orthopedic surgeon.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (18 minutes later)

The pain is in my right leg and is on the same side as the infection. I am taking Bactrim and using an ointment prescribed by my pcp on the staph. I am happy to say it seems to be improving. I was shocked when I heard staph! as you might imagine. I do not believe I have had any fever, nor is my leg swollen. Strange as it ma seem, my left ankle has been swollen and I have actually gained 5 pounds. My leg began hurting at the same time as my staph began. I could hardly walk into the Drs. office because I hurt so much in the leg and lower abdomen. I have not been in as much pain today, but use the heating pad on my leg and try to stay off of my feet as much as possible. Sitting does not hurt as much, so I try to sit as much as possible. My husband is very cooperative and realizes I cant stand long enough to cook! I have had five surgeries on my back, but this pain seems different. Thanks for your reply.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Pain related to back but aggrevated by infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,XXXXXX

Welcome back,

I am happy to know that your condition is improving.It is less likely cellulitis because there to no swelling and fever.

But as infection makes nerve endings more sensitive to pain so infection aggravated and added to your back pain.

Further In my opinion please continue drugs prescribed by your pcp, take rest.Hope your condition will further improve fast.

If needed you may see orthopedic/spinal surgeon for back problem.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.

Wishing you good health.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (44 minutes later)

I have read your answer, and hope I can avoid surgery because it would be very risky due to blood clotting factor. My Hematologist has told me it would be very risky. But, if pain continues, I may consider it. Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Pain related to back but aggrevated by infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi,XXXXXX

Welcome back,

I am happy to know that your condition is improving. You can very well avoid surgery.Your pain should be less once infection completely cured. You can discuss this with your treating doctor. You have answered all my questions.Thank you for answering my all questions.We have already discussed all issues.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.

Wishing you good health.

Take care

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju