Simply defining, thigh muscle pain can be cited as aching sensations or discomfort in the upper leg area. Pain in thighs can severely affect an individual’s physical activities, daily routine, and overall health. The condition can make a person struggle while walking, climbing stairs, or even running. As per the data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 36.5% of adults stated experiencing lower limb pain, which includes thigh pain, in the last three months.
Occasionally, a person can experience upper thigh pain when walking or inner thigh pain after an injury or trauma. In certain scenarios, it may be associated with underlying health symptoms that emerge without any evident reason. In rare cases, pain in the thigh can be caused by cancer. Keeping track of this pain can help you pinpoint the exact cause. With this overview, let’s understand the causes of thigh muscle cramps and ways to treat it.
Causes of Thigh Muscle Pain
Muscle injury is one of the prominent causes of thigh muscle pain. Let’s understand in detail the various causes leading to this condition.
Muscle Strains and Sprains
A sprain happens whenever a ligament gets stretched or damaged. Note that ligaments are connective tissues holding bones together, and tendons connect muscles to the bones. Strains and sprains can lead to thigh cramps when you fall off suddenly after undergoing a strenuous workout. Moreover, you may suffer from thigh muscle pain if your joints or muscles have been overstretched.
Rigorous Physical Activity
Excessive usage of muscles can lead to thigh muscle pain. Whenever any muscle inside or around the thigh feels under strain for a prolonged duration, then it can cause pain in your thighs. Another reason can be that you haven’t warmed up before exercise. Feeling pain after strenuous physical activity or exercise is the most common symptom of this condition.
Other Causes
In addition to intense physical activity and muscle strains and sprains, thigh muscle pain can also be experienced due to several other factors. They are discussed below.
- Nerves present in the upper thigh can create pain. Damaged nerves lead to nerve pain.
- Thigh muscle pain can also happen if you sit for long hours throughout the day or lead an inactive lifestyle. These factors can strain your muscles and joints, specifically in the legs and hips.
- Moreover, weakened thigh muscles can lead to prominent muscle soreness.
- Thigh muscle cramps can be due to injuries in other body parts. For example, a hip injury can radiate pain and lead to upper thigh muscle pain.
Symptoms of Thigh Muscle Cramps
Thigh muscle cramps are abrupt, spontaneous contractions of the muscles in the thigh leading to pain and discomfort. Some common signs and symptoms of a thigh muscle strain are:
- Sharp pain or a dull, aching sensation
- Difficulty while walking, bending, or climbing stairs
- Redness or swelling in the thigh (due to injury/inflammation)
- Tingling sensation or numbness in the thigh
- Muscle weakness in the thigh
Treatment Options for Thigh Cramps
Thigh cramps can be quite uncomfortable but several treatment options are available. You can try any of these treatment options to relieve/reduce thigh muscle pain.
- If you encounter minor strains in the thigh muscle or injuries due to overexertion, then it is recommended to first rest the affected thigh area. Subsequently, ice packs should be applied to diminish pain and the effect of swelling and inflammation.
- A qualified physical therapist can help prepare a customized exercise program that you can follow to strengthen weak muscles of the thigh and benefit from flexibility.
- You can take over-the-counter pain relievers like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen. These medications help treat mild to moderate thigh pain. If you suffer from severe pain, then you need prescription medications.
- To diminish the effect of inflammation, you can take corticosteroid injections under medical supervision.
- Wear compression stockings or wraps to enhance blood flow in the thigh area. Subsequently, it can reduce pain felt due to conditions like varicose veins.
- If the pain persists and the condition is more acute, then it is recommended to undergo surgery. It will help solve issues like torn ligaments, fractures, or even advanced arthritis.
Bottom Line
Thigh pain can have a prominent negative impact on your quality of life and the daily activities you undertake. Thoroughly understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options helps you to manage this condition effectively. If you have been experiencing this pain for longer than six weeks, then it is recommended to get in touch with a healthcare professional and get a diagnosis. Focusing on prevention strategies and seeking proper treatment can help you restore the smooth functioning of your thighs.
References
https://www.verywellhealth.com/thigh-pain-causes-treatment-4174433
https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/thigh-pain-causes-symptoms-and-treatment-options
https://www.healthline.com/health/pain-in-upper-thigh
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/muscle-bone-and-joints/leg-and-foot-problems-and-conditions/thigh-problems/
https://www.buoyhealth.com/learn/thigh-pain
