Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Is It Kidney Stones or Muscle Strain?

Left lower abdominal pain?

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a dull pain in my left lower abdomen near the groin for several months.
The pain comes and goes; sometimes it is quite noticeable, while other times it is very mild.
I had a colonoscopy at Chang Gung Hospital in June, and the doctor said everything was normal.
I initially thought it might be kidney stones, as I have a history of three episodes of stones.
However, I recently used a topical analgesic gel (Ketoprofen) on the painful area, and it provided quick relief.
The pain sometimes recurs, but reapplying the gel alleviates it again.
This confuses me—if it were kidney stones, would a topical analgesic be effective? Or could it be muscle pain? Should I visit a clinic for further evaluation? Thank you for your clarification.

Ong Picton, 60~69 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/09/02

Dr. Xu Wencang reply Urology

It may not be a stone; follow-up examination in the outpatient clinic.

Reply Date: 2020/09/02

More Info

Left lower abdominal pain can arise from various causes, and distinguishing between kidney stones and muscle strain is crucial for appropriate management. Based on the symptoms you've described, it seems that your pain has been intermittent and varies in intensity. The fact that you have a history of kidney stones adds another layer of complexity to your situation.

Firstly, let's consider the characteristics of kidney stone pain. Typically, kidney stone pain, or renal colic, is severe and often described as sharp or stabbing. It usually originates in the flank (the side of the body between the ribs and the hip) and can radiate to the lower abdomen and groin. This pain is often accompanied by other symptoms such as hematuria (blood in urine), nausea, or vomiting. The pain tends to come in waves, correlating with the movement of the stone through the urinary tract.

In your case, the pain is located in the left lower abdomen near the groin and has been present for several months, which is somewhat atypical for kidney stones. Additionally, the fact that topical analgesics like the pain relief gel you used provide relief suggests that the pain may be more muscular or related to soft tissue rather than originating from the kidneys or urinary tract. Muscle strain or injury can cause localized pain that may be exacerbated by certain movements or activities, and it can also respond well to topical treatments.

Given that you underwent a colonoscopy in June with normal results, it is less likely that your symptoms are related to gastrointestinal issues. However, it is still essential to consider other potential causes of left lower abdominal pain, including:
1. Muscle Strain: Overuse or injury to the abdominal muscles can lead to localized pain that may feel worse with certain movements or activities.

2. Hernia: An inguinal or femoral hernia can cause pain in the groin area and may be exacerbated by physical activity.

3. Referred Pain: Sometimes, pain from other areas, such as the hip or lower back, can manifest as abdominal pain.

4. Urological Issues: While your symptoms may not strongly suggest kidney stones, other urological conditions, such as urinary tract infections or bladder issues, could also be considered.

5. Gynecological Issues: In females, conditions such as ovarian cysts or endometriosis can cause similar symptoms.

Given the complexity of your symptoms and the potential for various underlying causes, it would be prudent to seek further evaluation from a healthcare professional. A thorough physical examination, along with additional imaging studies such as an ultrasound or CT scan, may be warranted to rule out kidney stones or other significant conditions.
In summary, while your history of kidney stones raises concern, the nature of your pain and the relief provided by topical analgesics suggest that muscle strain or another non-urological issue may be at play. Consulting with a healthcare provider for a comprehensive assessment is advisable to determine the exact cause of your symptoms and to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

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