There are various causes of front thigh pain. Any form of front thigh pain can affect the ability of the individual to walk, support weight on the affected side and maintaining stability. Most cases of front thigh pain originate from the structures on the anterior aspect of the thigh such as the quadriceps muscles but some cases are referred from a different part of the body such as the low back. The causes of front thigh pain are not typically serious, but pain that persists or worsens must be properly assessed by a doctor.
Common causes of front thigh pain
What is charley horse?
Charley horse can instigate front thigh pain. This condition is a muscle spasm specifically in the legs. Even though muscle spasms can occur on any part of the body, the legs including the front part of the thigh muscles are the typical locations where spasms occur. These spasms are characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that do not relax.
Take note that charley horse can be triggered by overused muscles, nerve irritation and dehydration. An anterior charley horse is quite common among athletes who engage in activities that involves jumping and running. The usual signs and symptoms linked with charley horse include the following:
- Severe pain
- Tightness in the affected muscle
- Increased muscle tone
- Bulging muscles
The activities that trigger this condition must be avoided and the involved leg should be stretched out and massaged for relief.
Quadriceps strain
Quadriceps strains can cause front thigh pain. Tears in the fibers of the bulky quadriceps muscles can trigger pain in the front part of the thigh. The severity of the quadriceps strain tends to vary, depending on the severity of the muscle tear.
These strains are quite common among athletes who engage in jumping, sprinting or kicking activities. The usual signs and symptoms linked with this strain include front thigh pain along with discomfort or pain in the affected area while walking as well as minimal swelling, muscle spasm close to the injury site and difficulty straightening the knee against resistance. Most cases of quadriceps strains are effectively managed with conservative measures including rest, compression as well as application of ice and elevation right after injury.
Contusion
Contusions can also cause front thigh pain. A traumatic event or repeated blows to a muscle from a blunt object triggers this injury. The force causing the contusion crushes the underlying muscle fibers and connective tissues, but not damaging the skin.
Athletes who engage in contact sports face a higher risk for ending up with a muscle contusion. Most cases of contusion are due to sports injuries. The usual signs and symptoms linked with quadriceps muscles contusions include pain in the affected area, skin discoloration, soft tissue defect or lump over the injury site as well as tenderness at the site. In addition, contusions that cause severe swelling and bleeding beneath the skin can result to shock.
FACT CHECK
https://www.healthline.com/health/pain-in-upper-thigh
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321001.php
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/muscle-strains-in-the-thigh/