Sharp Thigh Pain

The structure of the thigh consists of bones, muscles, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and blood vessels. Any major damage in these components can lead to an acute pain in the thigh. The biggest sensory nerve of the lower part of the body is known as lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and is located in the thigh. The main function of the nerve is to send information from its surroundings to the brain. Whenever some extra amount of pressure is exerted on this nerve, it gives rise to a painful condition.

Sharp Thigh Pain Causes

There are several factors that can make the thigh area extremely painful and the characteristics of each of them is different. The most commonly observed causes of this problem are given here:

Osteomyelitis
This is a form of bacterial infection in the hip joints which often get extended up to the thigh bone. As a result, normal blood circulation in the region is affected and a sharp pain is experienced in the inner part of the thigh which intensifies while walking. The pain is accompanied by fever and drainage of pus and reddening of the skin can be noticed at the site of infection.

Osteoarthritis
In this case, the cartilage at the hip joint deteriorates with the increase in age. Cartilage consists of proteins that protect the bone joints from any kind of external shock. Due to the cartilage degeneration, excessive amount of joint fluid builds up in the hip which causes irritation and pain in the thigh. It mostly affects people who are above the age of 45.

Meralgia Paresthetica
This condition is characterized by pain and numbness in the thigh. It happens when the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is compressed under the ligament of the groin. As a result, a burning pain is felt in the frontal part of the thigh and the area becomes warm to the touch. This kind of compression occurs as the size of the belly increases because of obesity or pregnancy.

Sciatica
The cause of sciatica pain in thigh is herniated spinal disc. Actually, the origin of this pain is lower part of the spine which later extends to the buttock and thigh. Every time the sciatic nerve root is pressed by a bulging disc, an unbearable pain is felt in the thigh which is accompanied by muscle cramps and tingling sensation. The pain tends to aggravate further due to wrong sitting or standing posture, excessive coughing, etc.

Lipoma
In this condition, there is an uncontrolled growth of the tissues that lie in between the skin and the muscles. This kind of tumor growth is usually non cancerous and hence, it is considered as harmless. It can be found in various parts of the body including the thigh.

Cancer
Ewing's sarcoma and osteosarcoma are two forms of bone cancer that can affect the thigh bones. These bone tumors are commonly found in small children and young adults when they are growing up rapidly. The tumor growth can be identified as a bump formed on the thigh. Other symptoms are severe thigh pain at night which is accompanied by inflammation and reddening of the affected part, unexpected weight loss, fatigue, etc. The tumor weakens the thigh bone and makes it susceptible to fracture.

Treatment for Sharp Thigh Pain

Doctors diagnose the cause of thigh pain by physical examination and with the help of X-ray and CT scan. Once the reason behind the sharp thigh pain is ascertained, the treatment starts. If any disease is detected, then measures are taken to cure it. Oral pain relieving medicines are used to bring down the painful symptoms of sciatica and osteoarthritis. Hot and cold compressions at the painful site are highly beneficial too. Corticosteroid injections are administered to reduce severe form of pain and inflammation. Physical therapy helps a lot to recover from both these conditions.

In osteomyelitis, bone biopsy is first conducted to identify the infection causing bacteria and then, suitable antibiotic injections are given to destroy it. Treatment for meralgia paresthetica involves use of painkillers, antidepressants, anti-seizure medication, etc. These patients are also advised to lose weight in order to minimize the pressure form the affected nerve.

In general, lipoma does not require any treatment. However, if the thigh pain becomes unbearable, then it has to be removed surgically. Malignant tumor growth in the thigh bones is treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. Sometimes, surgery is needed for a critically damaged arthritis affected hip joint. Similarly, the pressure from a badly compressed nerve may have to be released by the means of surgery.

You can see there are so many reasons that can lead to a sharp thigh pain. Hence, if you are suffering from such type of thigh pain, then you need to consult the doctor immediately. Do not try to treat it yourself with over the counter pain relieving medicines.