Front Thigh Pain

We often experience pain in the leg due to various reasons. Pain in leg is usually observed in the knees, calf region, the feet and ankles. Thigh pain is quite rare and can also be experienced due to different reasons. Front or anterior thigh pain can be caused due to problems in the back, the spine or the thigh itself. Here we will see more on front thigh pain causes and treatment methods in brief.

Causes of Front Thigh Pain

Pain in the front of the thigh can be caused due to several reasons. The following are some of the major causes and symptoms of upper thigh pain in the front side.

Injury
Any injury or contusions on the thigh can result in pain. Similarly, a fracture in the thigh bone is also one of the other major causes of anterior thigh pain. On the other hand, a pull or sprain in the ligament or the muscle can also lead to sharp thigh pain or front thigh pain when running which can be sudden and last for a long time.

Rupture of the Quadriceps Muscle
A rupture in the quadriceps muscle or the muscle of the thigh also results in sudden and severe thigh pain. This occurs when the muscle tears or strains during a strenuous activity. This condition is usually found in sportsmen while running, jumping or kicking. Severe front thigh pain when walking and inability to move the muscle are the symptoms of this condition.

Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is a defined as bone infection caused due to bacterial infection. Bone infection usually occurs in long bones like thigh and upper arm bones, and can be acute or chronic. Sometimes it may also occur as a side effect of a surgery. The symptoms of this condition include front thigh pain when sitting, tenderness, inflammation in the bone, etc.

Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is a type of cancer where the cancerous cells originate in the bones. It is one of the most common types of bone tumor found in people of any age group. Front thigh pain and swelling are the common symptoms of this condition. Other severe symptoms may also be observed if the cancer has advanced.

Pregnancy
Thigh pain during pregnancy is also experienced by a majority of women. This is caused due to the increased size of the uterus and the increasing weight that takes place during pregnancy. The increased weight exerts pressure on the thighs and knees resulting in pain.

Treatment of Front Thigh Pain

Along with the above mentioned ones, rupture in the tendons of the thighs, inflammation in the muscles, etc. can also lead to upper or inner thigh pain. Most of these causes can be treated with the help of medications like pain killers and pain reliever sprays. As osteomyelitis is a bacterial infection, it can be cured with the help of antibiotics. On the other hand, osteosarcoma need to be treated with the traditional cancer treatment method of radiation, surgery and chemotherapy. Secondly, during pregnancy, women need to take rest and avoid sitting or sleeping in uncomfortable positions or remain standing for a long time, to avoid front thigh pain. As home treatment, use of ice packs, compression or elevation and complete rest are the effective methods to relieve thigh pain and numbness.

As a concluding note, one should remember that if one observes front thigh pain that comes and goes, or lasts for more than a couple of hours, they should consult the doctor immediately to get the condition treated effectively. Lastly, sportsmen should be careful and try to avoid injuries to the leg and thighs. Take care!