Front thigh pain is not a common problem. It usually affects the calf region, knee, ankles and the feet depending on the cause. The pain can occur as a result of muscle strain as well contusion. Common symptoms of front thigh pain include muscle inflammation, muscle rupture or strain, bleeding into the muscles and contusions among others. Therefore, when you suspect the problem, it is crucial to seek medical advice for early treatment.
There are many causes of front thigh pain including injuries on the thigh.
The thigh can be injured when exercising, in the event of an accident, or even as a result of a simple fracture. As a matter of fact, fractures are major causes of the condition. Additionally, sprain in the muscle on the front thigh can lead to the condition. It is good to note that injuries that cause front thigh pain can be long term or short term.
The quadriceps muscle is a highly functional muscle in the thigh. When the muscle ruptures, you will experience sudden and severe pain. This is common when you engage in strenuous activities such as kicking and running.
Bone infection is also a common cause of front thigh pain. It occurs as a result of bacteria that affects long bones. Normally, bone infection or osteomyelitis can be chronic or acute, and it is characterized by tenderness of the muscle, inflammation of the affected bone and pain when sitting. Osteomyelitis can also occur following a surgery.
This is also one of the major causes of front thigh pain. It is characterized by cramps or spasms in the legs and more specifically on the thigh. Minor twitching and excruciating pain can also occur, lasting for a few minutes to a couple of hours.
During pregnancy, many women experience pain in the thigh. It occurs due to increased body weight as well as the increased size of the uterus among other body changes. When the thigh or knees are subjected to pressure, pain occurs. It can be minor or severe pain in the thigh.
Osteosarcoma is also a common cause of the condition and is a type of cancer. It occurs when cancerous cells originate in the bone causing swelling and pain in the front thigh. The pain can be mild but often severe when the disease is at its advanced stage.
Herniation can occur near the end of lower ribs and upper lumber spine causing front thigh pain. This can affect one or both legs, causing thigh and foot pain, numbness and tingling in the leg, lower back pain, and pain in the buttocks as well as loss of bowel control at its advanced stages. To relieve the pain caused by herniated disc, it is important to exercise regularly, avoid pressure on the damaged disc and lie down in more relaxing positions.
Myositis ossificans is common in sports men, and it causes front thigh pain. It is characterized by deep tissue bleeding following an injury and significant bruising.
Bursa inflammation occurs when bursa swells and no longer provides a slippery surface. Irritation also occurs to prevent bursa from providing its gliding capabilities.
This is a form of pain that originates from the upper lumbar spine, hip joint or sacro iliac joint.
Chiefly, these are the common causes of front thigh pain. Symptoms may vary from one patient to the other. If you experience swelling in the thigh or feet, pain in the groin to the front side of the leg, muscle weakness and pain when stretching, it is imperative that you seek medical assistance. An expert will be able to carry out proper diagnosis and recommend the best possible treatment for your condition. The good thing is that there are medical and home treatment options for front thigh pain.
Proper diagnosis of the condition will help to enhance your treatment. Treatments of front thigh pain include:
There are also home remedies that have been proven to be very effective in the treatment of front thigh pain. They are the best if the condition is severe and are great for pregnant women.
1. Take the RICE Method. The RICE method has been proven very effective in the treatment of front thigh pain. It involves:
2. Avoid Heat. Using heat to the affected area will increase the swelling and may cause myositis ossificans.
3. Massage Properly. A professional massage on the affected area in the later stage can aid in recovering flexibility and strength of your leg. But remember not to massage the newly injured quadriceps which may lead to myositis ossificans.
4. Follow the Prescribed Physical Therapies. When swelling and pain fading away, talk to the physician who will prescribe a rehabilitation program to help you return to normal.
5. Return to Activities Slowly. You can use crunches before walking normally. If you exercise with torn muscles, it will aggravate the condition and delay your recovery. You can’t start sports or activities until you are completely free of pain and allowed by your doctor.
6. Star to Recover. You can also engage in strengthening programs, but after the injury is no longer painful when touched in the morning, when stretching and when exercising. Light exercises should be done in 3 sets and for up to 12 repetitions. You can also stretch for 20 to 30 seconds to enhance your treatment.
7. For Pregnant Women. In pregnant women, a doctor will recommend that you get enough rest, sleep in a more relaxing position and avoid standing for long hours.