Potential causes of thigh pain
There are several common reasons you might be experiencing pain in the thigh area, including:
- Quadriceps strain or tendon injury
- Hip joint irritation or injury
- Pain referring from the low back
It’s also true — as you mentioned — that the hip flexors and quads can cause similar symptoms. Of the four quadriceps muscles in the front of your thigh, one of them (the rectus femoris) also functions as a hip flexor.
How thigh pain presents
Quadriceps and hip flexor injuries often become more noticeable during activities like walking up or down stairs or hills. The pain may show up in the middle of your thigh or higher up in the groin and can feel like a dull ache or sharp pain, especially after activity. This discomfort may ease with time and rest but tends to return if the underlying cause isn’t addressed.
If the issue is stemming from the hip joint, it’s common to feel pain deep in the groin. This pain often occurs when getting up after prolonged sitting, such as after riding in a car. It may start off sharp and brief but can turn into a more persistent ache if the condition worsens.
Pain related to the low back often feels achier and may occur even when resting. It can also flare up with activity and tends to last longer than pain related to the hip joint or muscle strain.
Why stretching may not be enough
Stretching can offer temporary relief, but if a muscle is inflamed or injured, certain movements — especially strengthening or repetitive use — may aggravate the issue. That’s likely why your symptoms improve briefly and then return.
How physical therapy can help
When pain has been ongoing for months or years, it often requires more than general stretching to fully resolve. A physical therapist can:
- Perform a thorough assessment to determine the root cause of your symptoms
- Guide you through a customized rehab plan based on your level of irritation and healing
- Provide hands-on treatments and targeted exercises to promote long-term recovery
We recommend scheduling an appointment with a physical therapist in your area for a more detailed evaluation. The right treatment approach can make a significant difference in reducing pain and restoring comfortable movement.
Start your physical therapy journey today.
As physical therapists, we know the importance of movement for overall health and well-being. From injury recovery to achieving optimal performance, our passion is to help every patient reach their goals and live an active, pain-free life. Get started with PT today!
