US Medical Term · symptoms
Flank Pain
Dolor en el flanco
Also: Dolor en los costados (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Flank Pain |
| Spanish (Español) | Dolor en el flanco |
| Chinese (中文) | 側腹痛 |
| Korean (한국어) | 옆구리 통증 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Đau hông sườn |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Sakit sa gilid ng katawan |
| Portuguese (Português) | Dor no flanco |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | อาการปวดข้างลำตัว |
| Japanese (日本語) | 側腹部痛 |
What it means
Flank pain is discomfort felt on one or both sides of the body, between the lower ribs and the hip. It can range from a mild, dull ache to severe, cramping pain. The most common causes are kidney stones, urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney infections (pyelonephritis), or musculoskeletal problems such as a muscle strain. Kidney stone pain often comes in intense waves and may radiate to the groin or inner thigh. Flank pain from a kidney infection is usually accompanied by fever, chills, and painful urination. See a provider promptly if you have fever, blood in your urine, severe or worsening pain, vomiting, or any difficulty urinating.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have a sharp, severe pain on my right side between my ribs and hip.
Tengo un dolor agudo y severo en el lado derecho entre las costillas y la cadera.
I have flank pain with burning when I urinate and I think I might have a kidney infection.
Tengo dolor en el flanco con ardor al orinar y creo que podría tener una infección de riñón.
The pain on my side comes in waves and I feel it moving toward my groin.
El dolor en mi costado viene en oleadas y lo siento moverse hacia la ingle.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026