Thigh pain manifests as uncomfortable sensations and conditions in the area of the legs between the knees and hips. The onset of pain can be sudden or progressively worsen over time, depending largely on its specific location and underlying causes. However, whether it occurs suddenly or is chronic, thigh pain hinders mobility and prevents us from performing daily activities such as walking, running, climbing, sitting, and other activities.
The causes of thigh pain are diverse and can result from various injuries or traumas to muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones, as well as nerves and blood vessels, and can also be the result of certain diseases and atypical bodily conditions. For these reasons, neglecting them can lead to complications over time, making timely intervention and treatment key to alleviating painful conditions.
Symptoms of thigh pain that are (not) benign
Pain, as the primary and most significant symptom of thigh problems, can be a signal of various damages, injuries, or specific conditions that cause pain. Therefore, proper diagnosis and identifying the cause are essential for any treatment plan.
Thigh pain can manifest as mild discomfort and a "dull" ache, escalating to severe sharp stabbing pain at different parts of the thigh. The pain may be concentrated in a specific spot and occur only during certain activities (such as movement or climbing stairs) or may radiate throughout the entire thigh towards the knee, hips, and buttocks. In addition to pain, other accompanying symptoms of this issue can include a tingling sensation and numbness in the thigh, stiffness, an inability to move the leg, and swelling at the site of pain. If these symptoms persist or are recurrent, seeking professional medical assistance is necessary.
Treatment for thigh pain and the application of suitable therapy at Fizionova Center
Treating thigh pain requires thorough examinations, an accurate diagnosis of the underlying causes, and the implementation of appropriate therapy, which you can receive at our Fizionova Center.
Depending on the severity of the injury and the individual's overall health, therapists will create a unique treatment plan that adheres to special protocols, including Protocol No. 4 and Protocol No. 36, and employs state-of-the-art methods and equipment to provide patients with a faster recovery process.
Don't wait for the pain to worsen; schedule an appointment now.
Where can thigh pain occur?
The location of thigh pain and the determination of the exact site of injury or damage dictate the speed and success of treatment. The specific area where thigh pain occurs can also be indicative of certain conditions or diseases that require attention.
Thigh pain can occur on the front or back of the thigh, as well as on the outer or inner part of the thigh.
Front of the thigh pain – one of the specific painful conditions that more commonly affects people involved in recreational or professional sports. Pain can occur suddenly, and the primary cause is usually a strained muscle or trauma from an impact. If the pain is chronic and recurring, treatment is not carried out properly.
Back of the thigh pain – like front thigh pain, pain in the back of the thigh can be acute or chronic. It can occur suddenly or gradually, depending on the degree and severity of the injury or strain. Usually, after a few days of rest, everything returns to normal.
Pain on the outer part of the thigh - the most common cause of pain on the outer part of the thigh can be due to excessive strain following exercise or stretching, and sometimes due to nerve entrapment.
Pain on the inner part of the thigh – pain that occurs on the inner side of the thigh, between the groin and the knee, can have various causes and may indicate more serious conditions, such as hernias, arthritis, muscle injuries, etc...
Thigh and groin pain – a warning sign for examination
Thigh pain on the inner side that extends to the groin and abdomen can have various causes, and treatment can involve medication, physical therapy, or invasive methods. However, sometimes thigh and groin pain can be transient, while at other times, it can signal more serious health conditions.
Indeed, if groin pain mainly occurs when walking, it is most likely due to straining the groin and injuring the muscles or cartilage on the inner side of the thigh. Groin strain usually occurs in athletes. This condition is usually not serious, but it can be quite painful and requires a more extended period of rest.
A more severe condition that may be accompanied by thigh and groin pain is a hip injury or deformation due to the ageing process. As the cartilage in the hip joint wears down over time, it can lead to osteoarthritis and limited mobility, especially during prolonged sitting or walking. Symptoms that may occur include discomfort and pain in the hip or groin area, restricted mobility, stiffness in the hip area, and a clicking sensation in the hip joint.
The development of a groin hernia near the inner thigh is more common in men. It occurs when a part of the tissue passes through weakened abdominal muscles into the scrotum or groin area. Individuals with a groin hernia may have difficulty moving, bending, and coughing, and in addition to pain and a visible bulge, they may experience constipation, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Less common causes of thigh and groin pain can occur due to urinary tract infections, kidney stones, ovarian cysts, etc.
Even the fairer sex is not exempt – when does thigh pain occur in women?
The occurrence of thigh pain is characteristic of individuals of all ages, both men and women, depending on their lifestyle and health. However, certain conditions specific to women, such as pregnancy, bring numerous challenges with them that women face during those nine months. A woman's body undergoes changes during pregnancy, and the expansion of the uterus can lead to the onset of pain in the thighs, groin, abdomen, and back. These conditions are generally common and diminish with rest. However, if the pain is constant, seeking medical attention is necessary.
What are the causes of thigh pain?
As mentioned, the causes of thigh pain are numerous and generally occur after physical injuries during exercise. Such pains are acute, that is, immediate, as opposed to chronic pains, which occur gradually and last longer.
During exercise or sports, mild to severe complications may arise, such as quadriceps strain, hamstring injuries, bursitis, meralgia paresthetica, and others. Quadriceps strain, a muscle in the front of the thigh, typically occurs during physical activities such as running, jumping, or kicking. The resulting pain can be intense, and the thigh muscles can be sensitive to touch. Hamstring injuries can also occur due to exercise, and besides pain, they are often accompanied by stiffness, swelling, and bruising in the back of the thigh.
Bursitis is the inflammation of the lining of the hip, knee, or elbow joints. If bursitis occurs in the hip or knee area, severe pain radiates to the thighs, hindering daily activities.
Meralgia paresthetica refers to the entrapment of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve in the pelvic region. Pain may spread to one or both thighs and can worsen after standing or moving.
As the body ages, cartilage in the joint gradually deteriorates over time, leading to osteoarthritis. Pain and stiffness can occur on the inner side of the thigh when walking or sitting, making daily life challenging.
Free yourself from pain today – visit the Fizionova Center.
Don't allow yourself to live with a low quality of life and endure pain. Thanks to the expertise of our team and the state-of-the-art equipment, you can become one of our many satisfied clients and perform your activities with ease.
SCHEDULE A PHYSIATRIST'S EXAMINATION
Dr Jelena Kluz-Đurđević, a specialist in physical medicine
After a conversation with the patient, Dr. Jelena will conduct an examination to obtain a more comprehensive view of your health status, helping to determine whether it's an injury or a diagnosis.
The examination lasts for 30 minutes and includes:
Schedule a specialist examination by calling 011 2100 588 for the cost of 4,000 RSD.