Why Is Your Thigh In Pain?

Thigh pain affects almost 10% of the adult population, increasing with age. Because of how vital the thigh is for sitting, lifting, and walking, thigh pain can be painful and debilitating.

This article seeks to understand the symptoms & causes and highlights measures to correct them. Comprehending the reasons behind your thigh pain can ensure you manage a life free from pain and mobility challenges. 

• Front Thigh Pain: Known medically as the anterior, the pain in the front part of the thigh is associated with excessive usage or physical trauma. Addressing the pain promptly and effectively will prevent chronic front thigh pain. 
• Back Thigh Pain: A common complaint from patients is the back of the thigh hurting. Medically known as posterior thigh pain, athletes are typical patients who experience pain in this area. A common cause of posterior thigh pain is pulling the hamstring, three muscles at the back of the thigh.
• Outer Thigh Pain: Injury, compressed nerves, or strained muscles can lead to outer thigh pain. 
• Inner Thigh Pain: There are different reasons for inner thigh pain. Strained muscles are the most common reason for inner thigh pain due to the insulation offered against direct blows.

• Quadriceps Strain: The quadriceps are located at the front of your thigh. Jointly, they contain more mass than the other muscle groups in your body and comprise the hamstrings, the quadriceps, and the adductors. A tear or a strain can happen from jumping, kicking, or sprinting.
• Hamstring Contusion: As an important muscle, the hamstring can be subjected to swelling from blows or falls when undertaking a strenuous physical activity or sports activities.
• Bursitis: A bursa is a small sac containing lubricating fluid across the body's joints. Major joints (e.g., knee joints) can have several bursae, and the human body has up to 160 bursae. Bursitis is the inflammation of the hip bursa. The pain is intense. Seemingly normal activities, like standing, can take a lot of work. This is a severe cause of pain in the thigh.
• Referred Pain: Referred pain originates from an issue in a distal portion of the body other than the part hurting. Your aching thigh could be the result of back or knee issues. With appropriate testing and an experienced doctor, it is easier to locate the causes of pain in the thigh.  
• Meralgia Paresthetica: This condition is closely linked to pregnancy due to pressure exerted on the nerves in the pelvic area. It is often the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and can occur on either side of the leg.
• Avulsion Fracture: An avulsion fracture results from a small chunk of bone attached to a tendon or ligament pulling away from the central part of the bone. The resultant effect is sharp pain, inability to move or stand, and swelling due to the bruised tissue. 

• Swelling, bruising, and tenderness
• Numbness and the “pins and needles” sensation
• Severe discomfort or pain when doing regular movements, such as pain on the inner thigh when walking.
• Weakened ability to perform physical tasks involving the lower body. 

Distinguishing between the types of pain is essential when deciding if a condition is an emergency or is treatable with home-based solutions.

Sharp pain, such as in the quad when squatting, usually indicates that medical attention is necessary. On the other hand, sore, dull pain, such as dull pain inner thigh, is typically an issue that can be handled from home.

In both cases, it is better to seek medical attention to determine the appropriate solution to remedy the pain.

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