Thigh problems

Thigh problems can cause a range of symptoms including:

• pain
• swelling
• bruising

In many cases, new pain or a flare-up of long-standing thigh problems should begin to settle within 6 weeks without the need to see a healthcare professional.

When to seek help

What causes thigh problems?

Thigh problems can be the result of an injury caused by:

• overstretching or twisting during activities or sport
• a fall
• a direct blow to the thigh

Pain in your thigh may also come on for no apparent reason.

Can thigh pain cause problems anywhere else?

You may feel some pain in the muscles around your hip, knee or calf. This should improve as your thigh problem gets better.

If you experience these for longer than 6 weeks, you may need to speak to a healthcare professional.

Occasionally, problems felt in your thigh can be due to a back problem – even though you don’t feel pain in your back. People with this sort of problem often describe the pain as pins and needles, sharp, hot or burning pain.

If you have any of these symptoms it would be helpful to read about back problems.

Self-help

There are a number of things you can do to help your thigh problem.

Keeping your thigh moving is an essential part of your treatment and recovery.

How to get moving

Within the first 24 to 48 hours after a thigh problem you should try to:

• reduce your activities but move as much as your symptoms allow
• move your leg gently for 10 to 20 seconds every hour when you are awake
• avoid long periods on your feet

When using stairs it may help to:

• lead with your good leg when going upstairs to reduce the strain on your thigh
• lead with your problem leg when going downstairs to reduce the strain on your thigh
• use a handrail (if available) when going up and downstairs

After 48 hours:

• try to use your leg more – exercise really helps your thigh and can relieve pain
• do whatever you normally would and stay at, or return to work – this is important and is the best way to get better

It’s beneficial to do specific exercises that can help in your recovery. They may be challenging at the beginning so just do what you can and try to build it up over time.

Exercises to help with thigh problems

Benefits of keeping active

Keeping active’s the single best thing you can do for your general health.

Being physically active can:

• maintain your current levels of fitness – even if you have to modify what you normally do, any activity is better than none
• keep your other muscles and joints strong and flexible
• prevent a recurrence of the problem
• help you aim for a healthy body weight

Avoid sports or heavy lifting until you have less discomfort and good movement. Remember to warm up fully before you start sporting activities.

Pain treatments

The following can help to reduce the pain:

• pain medication – this can help you move more comfortably, which can help your recovery
• heat or ice packs

More about taking painkillers.

Treating with ice or heat

Heat or ice can be beneficial in the management of musculoskeletal pain.

Ice is most beneficial if your thigh problem is related to an injury. You can try heat to help your pain levels if there’s no swelling and your symptoms are not related to a recent injury.

Never place ice or heat directly on your skin. Use a barrier, like a towel, to protect your skin from a burn.

How long you use ice as a treatment can vary. However, you should generally apply heat or ice for up to 15 minutes. You should also leave a few hours between treatments.

You should stop treating the area with ice or heat and seek advice from a medical professional if you notice an increase in redness, discolouration or blistering of the skin.

If you have any issues with circulation or sensation, you shouldn’t use ice or heat as a treatment for thigh pain.

Work

It’s recommended you stay at or return to work as quickly as possible during your recovery. You don’t need to be pain and symptom-free to return to work.

Help and support

Following this advice, you should see gradual improvements over time.

You should see the biggest change in your symptoms within the first couple of weeks. Most problems should have improved within 6 weeks.

If your thigh problem hasn’t improved within 6 weeks of following this advice, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional about your symptoms.

Find out how to access MSK services in your area.