Thigh pain is a common injury, but that does not mean it can’t be serious. While sometimes pain and discomfort is unavoidable, arming yourself with accurate information can protect you. The best way to manage chronic thigh pain is to learn about the location, causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Pain in the thigh may be caused by conditions that affect the ligaments, tendons, muscles, joints, bones, nerves, blood vessels, and skin. When left untreated, thigh pain can lead to potentially life-threatening complications.
Location of Thigh Pain
The precise location of thigh pain can vary depending on the underlying issue. Once your doctor has determined the reason behind your painful thighs, your treatment plan will focus on pain relief and controlling the root cause.
Front Thigh Pain
Pain in front of the thigh is known as anterior thigh pain. Upper front thigh pain can happen suddenly and may be caused by muscle strains or contusions from a direct blow. Chronic or gradual onset of front thigh pain may occur if an injury has not been treated correctly.
Back Thigh Pain
Pain in the back of the thigh is called posterior thigh pain. It can be sudden and acute, or it may be chronic and develop slowly. Back thigh pain may also occur after an injury that fails to heal properly.
Outer Thigh Pain
The cause of pain in the outer thigh is sometimes obvious, such as a pulled muscle during a vigorous workout. However, outer thigh pain can also be due to less obvious conditions, such as a pinched nerve.
Inner Thigh Pain
Inner thigh pain can be different for each person. How pain in the upper thigh presents itself depends on the root cause, but most people define the pain as a kind of jolt that keeps them awake at night. An obvious cause of inner and upper thigh pain is a pulled inner thigh muscle, but other causes are not related to physical activity.
Thigh Pain Causes
What causes thigh pain? There are different reasons a person may experience mid-thigh pain or lower thigh pain. Some appear suddenly after a specific incident, while others develop gradually. Here are common causes of thigh pain:
Quadriceps Strain: The muscles in our thighs are made up of three major groups: the adductors, the hamstrings, and the quadriceps. A tear in the quadriceps is the most common cause of sudden pain in the front of the thigh. Quadriceps strains typically develop during kicking, jumping, or sprinting.
Hamstring Contusion: Upper thigh pain causes discomfort, especially when the area is touched. If there is stiffness, bruising, and swelling, the pain may be caused by a hamstring contusion. A bruise develops when the muscle is crushed against the thigh bone. Hamstring contusions can range from mild to severe.
Bursitis: Inflammation or irritation of the bursa typically causes intense pain in the upper, outer thigh. For those with bursitis in the knee, certain activities, such as standing from a seated position or climbing stairs, can be painful.
Referred Pain: If your knee and thigh pain is associated with hip, back, or glute pain, referred pain is often the cause. The term describes pain that is felt in one location though it originates from a problem elsewhere.
Meralgia Paresthetica: Whether it is left thigh pain or right thigh pain, meralgia paresthetica occurs when too much pressure is put on a nerve in the pelvic area. When this nerve is pinched, the feeling in the upper thigh is affected, resulting in thigh pain. Meralgia paresthetica can be easily confused with other conditions.
Avulsion Fracture: An avulsion fracture is one of the less common causes of thigh pain. It happens because of excessive tension where a tendon or ligament attaches to the bone, which results in a bony fragment. An avulsion fracture is associated with sharp pain, loss of function, and swelling.
Symptoms of Thigh Muscle Pain
The symptoms of thigh muscle pain are often worse with prolonged standing and walking or during activities that require repetitive hip extension. The sensations vary, and discomfort is usually alleviated by lying down or sitting. Symptoms associated with thigh pain include:
Severe pain in calf and thigh when walking or going up and down stairs
Shooting pain in thigh and knee following a high-impact collision
Numbness and burning pain in back of thigh
Bruising, swelling, or tenderness
Weakness and popping sensation at the time of injury
Diagnosing Sharp Pain in Thigh
Pain in thigh bones can be characterized as stabbing, with the severity and duration depending on the cause. A dull, aching pain in the thigh rarely requires a doctor visit. Most cases are simple muscular injuries that heal with rest and at-home treatments.
However, there are certain conditions and circumstances that require medical advice. To diagnose thigh pain, your doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination to look for signs of a serious condition. If further assessment is required, an MRI scan or ultrasound may be used to confirm the severity and location of your injury.
Treatment for Deep Thigh Pain
The best treatment options depend on the underlying cause. Understanding what caused your thigh pain makes it easier to choose the right form of treatment. Below are effective treatment methods for muscle pain in the thigh.
Rest
Deep thigh pain resulting from physical trauma can be treated at home. The first step is to rest your legs. Elevate them above your heart to improve blood circulation and minimize swelling.
Cold Therapy
Apply a quality ice pack to your thigh to relieve pain and reduce swelling. ( See Product )
Apply an ice pack at intervals of 20 to 30 minutes, about four times a day. Do this for two to three days to control inflammation of the soft tissue. You may also use the ice pack to gently massage the sore area. Cold therapy provides instant pain relief and manages swelling.
Medications
Thigh pain due to a minor condition typically responds to over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs. Depending on the severity of your pain and your specific medical condition, your doctor may recommend you try several different medications.
Massage
The massage roller ball by Vive makes it easy to provide a thorough self massage that gets deep into the tissue of sore, stiff and injured areas ( See Product )
If you are experiencing thigh and calf pain, use a massage roller ball to relieve discomfort. Massage roller balls are simple, cost-effective tools to target muscle knots and relieve pain and stiffness. Simply position your sore thigh above the massage ball, place your weight on the ball, and roll back and forth. Roll slowly, and do not press yourself to excruciating pain. Massage therapy is a quick and soothing pick-me-up for your sore thighs and calves.
You may also consider using pain cream along with massage techniques for pain relief. Applying and massaging a topical gel to sore or stiff areas helps to increase circulation and blood flow while providing a cooling relief. Check out our leading US made formula here!
Hip and Thigh Pain Support
To treat pain in hip and thigh muscles, the correct hip and thigh support is crucial. A good support will keep you moving at full speed. Consult your doctor to determine which brace is best for your injury.
Groin Support
Supporting your injured thigh is crucial to making a full recovery and preventing re-injury. ( See Product )
Comfortable and lightweight groin braces support the hip flexor, groin, and thigh area. They minimize symptoms and provide support to injured muscles. Look for a brace that is breathable and comfortable, as you’ll be wearing it all day under your clothes, and make sure it provides adjustable compression so you can relieve your pain safely.
Thigh Wrap
A thigh wrap provides compression to encourage healing and relieve pain. ( See Product )
Support aching thigh muscles with a neoprene thigh wrap. Thigh wraps provide soothing compression to relieve pain, increase blood flow, and reduce recovery time. A breathable thigh brace is ideal for aiding in recovery from injury to the hamstring, quad, or groin.
Once the sharp pain in thigh has subsided and swelling has gone down, you can perform strengthening exercises and simple stretches to help you return to activities sooner. Exercising increases mobility and strengthens the surrounding muscles to prevent re-injury. Always consult your doctor before beginning any new exercise regimen.
Straight Leg Raise
Step 1: Lie on the floor with your legs straight in front of you.
Step 2: Bend your uninjured knee, keeping your injured knee straight.
Step 3: Tighten the quad on your affected side and slowly lift your leg about 8 inches off the floor.
Step 4: Hold the position for 5 seconds, then slowly lower your leg back down.
Step 5: Perform 2 sets of 15.
Quad Sets
Step 1: Sit on the floor with your affected leg straight and the opposite leg bent.
Step 2: Tighten your quad muscles so your knee goes down toward the floor.
Step 3: Hold the position for 10 seconds, then relax.
Step 4: Perform 2 sets of 15.
Prone Knee Bend
Step 1: Lie on your stomach with your legs straight out behind you.
Step 2: Slowly bend your affected knee, bringing your heel toward your buttocks.
Step 3: Hold the position for 5 seconds, then relax and return your foot to the floor.
Step 4: Perform 2 sets of 15.
Wall Squat
Step 1: Stand with your head, shoulders, and back against a wall.
Step 2: Position your feet shoulder-width apart, about 3 feet from the wall.
Step 3: Slowly slide down the wall until your thighs are almost parallel to the floor.
Step 4: Hold the position for 10 seconds. Tighten your thigh muscles as you gently slide back up to the starting position.
Step 5: Perform 2 sets of 8 to 12.
Lunge
Step 1: From a standing position, take a large step forward with one leg.
Step 2: Slowly lower your hips until both knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. Make sure your front knee is aligned with the ankle and the other knee is not touching the floor.
Step 3: Keep your weight on your heels as you return to the starting position. Switch sides and repeat.
Step 4: Perform 2 sets of 8 per leg.
Recovery Time for Sharp Pain in Thigh Muscles
Painful thigh muscles can be brief or debilitating. The timeframe for returning to daily activities depends on the severity of your injury. Mild thigh pain typically heals within ten days, while moderate strains can take up to six weeks. The rehabilitation process for severe pain in the thigh area may require three months or longer.
Severe Thigh Pain Care and Prevention
Thigh pain can be intermittent or constant. It can develop gradually or suddenly. While it can be frustrating, know that sharp pain in thigh muscles is easy to treat and is usually preventable. If you don’t know what is causing your severe thigh pain, talk to your doctor to determine the cause and to find the best treatment plan to manage your pain.
Jessica Hegg is the content manager and at ViveHealth.com. With vast product knowledge and understanding of individual needs, she aims to share valuable information on making smart buying choices, overcoming obstacles and overall improving the quality of life for others. Avid gym-rat and nutrition enthusiast, she’s interested in all things related to staying active and living healthy lifestyle.
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