How to get rid of thigh soreness. Effective Exercises for Thigh Soreness Relief: A Comprehensive Guide
How can you alleviate thigh soreness through targeted exercises. What are the best stretches for thigh muscle and joint problems. How do you determine the right exercise intensity for thigh pain relief. What is the recommended frequency and repetition for thigh exercises.
Understanding Thigh Soreness and Its Impact
Thigh soreness can be a significant hindrance to daily activities and overall mobility. It often stems from muscle strain, overexertion, or underlying joint issues. Addressing this discomfort requires a targeted approach that combines proper exercises and stretches to promote healing and restore function.
The importance of movement in recovery cannot be overstated. While it may seem counterintuitive to exercise when experiencing pain, controlled and gradual movement is crucial for tissue healing and regaining strength. This approach not only aids in short-term relief but also contributes to long-term recovery and prevention of future issues.
Essential Exercises for Thigh Muscle and Joint Relief
Incorporating specific exercises into your routine can significantly alleviate thigh soreness and improve joint function. Here are some effective exercises to consider:
1. Hamstring Stretch
This exercise targets the back of your thigh, providing relief to tight hamstrings:
- Lie on your back and lift one leg towards your chest
- Place your hands behind your knee
- Gently pull your leg towards your chest, feeling a stretch in the back of your thigh
- Hold for up to 10 seconds, then return your leg to the bed
2. Knee Flexion and Extension
This exercise improves knee mobility and strengthens the surrounding muscles:
- Sit on a sofa with your legs supported
- Bend your knee as far as comfort allows
- Hold for 2 seconds before returning to the starting position
- You can add a gentle stretch with your hands to increase the range of motion
3. Quadriceps Stretch
This stretch targets the front of your thigh, helping to alleviate tightness in the quadriceps:
- Stand holding onto a support with one hand
- Lift and bend your knee, pulling the ankle towards your bottom
- Feel the stretch at the front of your thigh
- Aim to gradually increase the hold to 20-30 seconds for maximum benefit
4. Standing Hamstring Stretch
This variation of the hamstring stretch can be performed while standing:
- Stand and move your leg straight out in front of you
- Place your heel on top of a chair for a deeper stretch
- Gently bend the other leg to intensify the stretch at the back of your thigh
- Hold for a few seconds, gradually increasing to 20-30 seconds
Determining the Right Exercise Intensity
Exercising at the appropriate level is crucial for effective recovery and pain management. But how can you gauge if you’re pushing too hard or not enough? A simple pain rating system can be incredibly helpful:
- 0 to 3: Minimal pain – This is the ideal range for most exercises
- 4 to 5: Acceptable pain – You can continue but be cautious
- 6 to 10: Excessive pain – Stop and modify the exercise
During exercise, aim to keep your pain within a rating of 0 to 5. If your pain exceeds this level, consider modifying the exercises by:
- Reducing the number of repetitions
- Slowing down the movement
- Increasing rest time between movements
It’s important to note that while some discomfort is normal when introducing new exercises, your overall thigh pain should not worsen. Any exercise-induced soreness should subside quickly, and you should not experience increased pain the morning after exercising.
Optimal Frequency and Repetitions for Thigh Exercises
Incorporating thigh exercises into your routine should be a gradual process. Here’s a guide to help you determine how often and how much to exercise:
Movement Exercises:
- Start with 2-3 repetitions at a time
- Practice these repetitions every hour throughout the day
- Gradually increase by 1-2 repetitions every few days as it becomes easier
- As you progress, you can organize your exercises into sets:
- Do 8 repetitions
- Rest for a minute
- Repeat another set of 8 repetitions
- Perform this 2-3 times a day
- Aim for a maximum of 2 sets of 15 repetitions over time
Stretching Exercises:
- Focus on holding positions for longer periods
- Aim for a gentle stretch without discomfort
- Start with shorter holds and gradually increase duration
- Work towards holding stretches for 20-30 seconds
The Role of Pain Management in Exercise
While exercising with thigh soreness, you may experience some discomfort, especially in the early stages. This is normal and doesn’t necessarily indicate harm. However, managing pain effectively can help you maintain your exercise routine and promote faster recovery.
Is medication helpful during the exercise process? Yes, in some cases, taking prescribed medication from your GP or pharmacist may help you continue exercising comfortably. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication regimen.
Remember, pain management should complement, not replace, your exercise routine. The goal is to find a balance that allows you to perform the necessary movements for recovery without excessive discomfort.
Safety Precautions and Best Practices
While exercising to relieve thigh soreness, it’s essential to prioritize safety to prevent further injury and ensure effective recovery. Here are some key safety precautions and best practices to keep in mind:
- Always ensure you have a sturdy support, such as a heavy chair or kitchen worksurface, to hold onto during standing exercises
- Listen to your body and respect its limits – if an exercise causes sharp or intense pain, stop immediately
- Maintain proper form throughout each exercise to maximize benefits and minimize risk of injury
- Stay hydrated before, during, and after your exercise routine
- Warm up before starting your exercises to prepare your muscles and joints
- Cool down and gently stretch after your routine to prevent stiffness
Are there any specific conditions that require extra caution? Individuals with chronic joint conditions, recent injuries, or those recovering from surgery should consult their healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen. They may need modified exercises or additional precautions to ensure safe and effective recovery.
Tracking Progress and Adjusting Your Routine
Monitoring your progress is crucial for effective recovery from thigh soreness. It allows you to adjust your routine as needed and stay motivated throughout the process. Here are some strategies to help you track your progress:
- Keep a pain journal: Record your pain levels before and after exercises, noting any changes over time
- Track exercise performance: Note the number of repetitions and sets you complete each day
- Measure range of motion: Use a simple tool like a goniometer or smartphone app to track improvements in flexibility
- Set small, achievable goals: Celebrate milestones like increasing repetitions or reducing pain levels
How often should you reassess your routine? It’s advisable to evaluate your progress weekly. If you’re consistently able to perform exercises with minimal discomfort, consider gradually increasing the intensity or adding new exercises to your routine. Conversely, if you’re experiencing increased pain or difficulty, it may be necessary to scale back or modify your approach.
Remember, recovery is not always linear. Some days may be better than others, and that’s normal. The key is to maintain consistency and make adjustments based on your overall trend of improvement.
Complementary Therapies for Thigh Soreness Relief
While targeted exercises form the cornerstone of thigh soreness relief, complementary therapies can enhance recovery and provide additional pain management. Consider incorporating these approaches alongside your exercise routine:
1. Heat and Cold Therapy
Alternating between heat and cold can help reduce inflammation and promote circulation:
- Apply heat before exercises to warm up muscles and increase flexibility
- Use cold packs after exercise to reduce any swelling or discomfort
2. Massage
Gentle massage can help relax tight muscles and improve blood flow:
- Use a foam roller or massage ball for self-massage
- Consider professional massage therapy for deeper tissue work
3. Acupuncture
This traditional Chinese medicine technique may help alleviate pain and promote healing:
- Consult a licensed acupuncturist for targeted treatment
- Often used in conjunction with conventional therapies for enhanced results
4. Nutrition and Hydration
Proper nutrition and hydration support muscle recovery and overall health:
- Ensure adequate protein intake to support muscle repair
- Stay well-hydrated to maintain muscle elasticity and joint lubrication
- Consider anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, berries, and leafy greens
Can these complementary therapies replace exercise? While these therapies can be beneficial, they should not replace your exercise routine. Instead, they should be used in conjunction with targeted exercises for optimal results. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new therapy to ensure it’s appropriate for your specific condition.
Long-Term Strategies for Thigh Health
While addressing immediate thigh soreness is important, developing long-term strategies for thigh health can help prevent future issues and maintain overall leg strength and flexibility. Here are some key approaches to consider:
1. Regular Exercise Routine
Incorporate a variety of exercises that target different muscle groups in the thighs:
- Strength training exercises like squats and lunges
- Low-impact cardio activities such as swimming or cycling
- Flexibility work through yoga or Pilates
2. Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down
Make these essential components a habit in your exercise routine:
- Spend 5-10 minutes warming up before any intense activity
- Cool down with gentle stretches after exercise
3. Cross-Training
Vary your activities to prevent overuse of specific muscle groups:
- Alternate between different types of exercise throughout the week
- This helps balance muscle development and reduces injury risk
4. Ergonomic Considerations
Pay attention to your posture and movement patterns in daily life:
- Use proper form when lifting heavy objects
- Ensure your workspace is ergonomically set up to prevent strain
5. Regular Check-Ups
Maintain ongoing communication with healthcare providers:
- Schedule regular check-ups to address any emerging issues
- Seek professional advice if you experience persistent pain or discomfort
How can you maintain motivation for long-term thigh health? Setting realistic goals, tracking progress, and varying your routine can help maintain interest and commitment. Remember, consistency is key in preventing future thigh soreness and maintaining overall leg health.
By implementing these exercises, safety precautions, and long-term strategies, you can effectively manage thigh soreness and improve your overall leg health. Remember to listen to your body, progress gradually, and consult with healthcare professionals when necessary. With patience and consistency, you can overcome thigh soreness and enjoy improved mobility and comfort in your daily life.
Exercises for thigh muscle and joint problems
Learn exercises to help with thigh muscle or joint problems
After any thigh problem, it’s important to get movement and strength back. This supports tissue healing and will help you get moving again.
You may not be able to return to your usual exercise levels immediately and improvements may be slow to start with. However, a gradual return to normal activities is the best way to get good short and long term results after a thigh problem.
When doing exercise you should listen to your pain levels, especially in the early stages. You may find that these exercises increase your symptoms slightly in the beginning. However, they should get easier over time and, with regular practice, can help to improve movement in the thigh.
If the exercises do cause some discomfort then taking prescribed medication from your GP or pharmacist may help to keep you exercising.
Ensure you hold onto something sturdy such as a heavy chair or your kitchen worksurface.
One stretch is one repetition.
- To stretch the back of your thigh, lie on your back and lift one leg towards your chest.
- Place your hands behind your knee.
- Gently pull your leg towards your chest – you should feel a stretch in the back of your sore thigh.
- Hold for up to 10 seconds then return your leg to the bed.
Ensure you hold onto something sturdy such as a heavy chair or your kitchen worksurface.
Bending and straightening your knee is one repetition.
- Sitting on your sofa with your legs supported, bend your knee as far as comfort allows. You can add a small stretch with your hands to help get further into the movement.
- Hold this position for 2 seconds before returning to the starting position.
Ensure you hold onto something sturdy such as a heavy chair or your kitchen worksurface.
Lifting and bending your knee is one repetition.
- Stand holding on to a support with one hand.
Lift and bend your knee, pulling the ankle towards your bottom – you should feel the stretch at the front of your thigh.
Aim to gradually increase this hold to 20 or 30 seconds to get the most benefit.
Ensure you hold onto something sturdy such as a heavy chair or your kitchen worksurface.
Bending and straightening your knee is one repetition.
- While standing, move your leg straight out in front of you. You can place your heel on top of a chair to feel more of a stretch. Gently bend the other leg to feel a stretch at the back of your thigh. Hold for a few seconds.
Gently bring your leg back towards the floor.
Aim to gradually increase this hold to 20 or 30 seconds to get the most benefit
How to tell if you’re exercising at the right level
This guide can help you to understand if you’re exercising at the right level. It’ll also let you see how much pain or discomfort is acceptable.
It can be helpful to rate your pain out of 10 (0 being no pain 10 being the worst pain you have ever had), for example:
- 0 to 3 – minimal pain
- 4 to 5 – acceptable pain
- 6 to 10 – excessive pain
Pain during exercise
Aim to keep your pain within a rating of 0 to 5. If your pain gets above this level, you can change the exercises by:
- reducing the number of times you do a movement
- reducing the speed of a movement
- increasing rest time between movements
Pain after exercise
Exercise shouldn’t make your existing thigh pain worse overall. However, practicing new exercises can sometimes cause short term muscle pain as the body gets used to moving in new ways. This kind of pain should ease quickly and your pain should be no worse the morning after you’ve exercised.
How many and how often
You should add exercises into your routine gradually to help your thigh pain.
Movement exercises
Repetitions are how often you do a single movement. When starting new exercises, it can be helpful to do 2 to 3 repetitions at a time.
It’s better to do small amounts throughout the day. For example, practise your repetitions every hour.
As this gets easier, and if you feel able to, add 1 or 2 repetitions to your movements every few days.
As you become able to do more repetitions, it can be helpful to break things up into sets. This means you could do more repetitions at a time but you’ll do them less often throughout the day. For example:
- Do 8 repetitions.
- Rest for a minute.
- Repeat another set of 8 repetitions.
- Repeat this 2 to 3 times a day.
Over time you can try to increase the number of repetitions you do. You should aim for a maximum of 2 sets of 15.
Stretching exercises
The aim of a stretch is to hold a position for a longer period of time. Over time this can help to improve your range of movement.
When doing the exercise you should be able to feel a gentle stretch. This shouldn’t be sore or uncomfortable.
You should try to hold stretches for 20 to 30 seconds if possible.
Try to focus on doing sets of exercises. For example, do 2 to 3 sets of stretches. Aim to do this 2 to 3 times a day.
As you do more stretching you should feel your range of movement improve and you’ll be able to stretch further.
When to stop
Stop these exercises if they make your symptoms worse, or if they cause new pain.
If your thigh pain worsens while following this advice, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional about your symptoms.
Help and support
Read more about how to self-manage a thigh problem
If your thigh pain hasn’t improved within 6 weeks of following this advice, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional about your symptoms.
A Comprehensive Guide – Pulseroll
Do you want to know how to relieve sore muscles in your thighs? Sore thigh muscles can lead to pain, restricting you from moving your thighs properly. As a result, you face difficulty walking, running, or bending your legs while sitting or lying.
Thigh soreness is common amongst runners and athletes, but it does not only pertain to the athletic demographic. Many people use massage therapy tools to deal with this issue, while others prefer exercise and dietary solutions.
First and foremost, it is important to understand why thigh muscles become sore and how long the pain lasts before learning how to relieve sore muscles in the thighs. This comprehensive guide includes everything you need to know.
Why Do Thigh Muscles Become Sore?
Before learning how to relieve sore muscles in the thighs, we must first understand why thigh muscles become inflamed. Some of the reasons below can attribute to painful thigh muscles after a workout.
- Overuse of muscles: This is the most common reason for soreness. When you perform exercises such as squats or running for too long, it can cause muscles to become tender and even painful.
- Sprain and strain: Thigh pain can be a symptom of muscle sprain and strain. Tissue injury in both these conditions can lead to tenderness and pain.
- Blood clots: Sometimes a blood clot in a blood vessel can cause tenderness and soreness. This condition requires immediate medical attention.
How Long do Sore Thigh Muscles Last?
The time it takes for muscle pain to subside depends on your body’s natural healing process and the type of strain caused to the muscles. The two types of soreness your muscles can experience after an intense workout, exercise, or physical activity are seen below:
Acute Muscle Soreness
Acute Muscle Soreness occurs soon after you finish a physical activity. You may feel pain in your thigh or legs or experience stiffness.
This condition is usually temporary and short-lived. The pain may eliminate moments after you stop doing the exercise. It usually occurs because the active muscles lack adequate blood supply.
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)
The muscle pain and soreness you experience 24-48 hours after an intense workout is known as Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). It is common among athletes and fitness enthusiasts as a result of muscle contraction. The muscle contraction can lead to minor muscle tears, causing moderate to severe pain.
Heavy exercises are more likely to cause delayed soreness, but this is not the only reason for DOMS. It can be caused by muscle contraction or any other type of exercise or physical movement.
So how long do sore thigh muscles last?
- It usually takes 2-6 days to treat sore muscles and get rid of the pain and inflammation completely.
- If you are suffering from acute muscle soreness, it might take a few hours to eliminate the pain if treated correctly.
- However, if you are experiencing DOMS, the soreness may take up to three days to begin to ease.
Sometimes, you may experience prolonged stiffness and wonder, “why are my muscles still sore after 4 days?”. You could be experiencing both Acute Muscle Soreness and Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. The acute soreness transits into DOMS, and the inflammation continues even days after physical activity.
How To Relieve Sore Muscles In Legs
Muscle soreness makes walking, working out, and running difficult. So, how do you heal sore thighs fast? You must learn how to relieve sore muscles in your thighs to prevent yourself from discomfort. Whether it’s your quads, hamstrings or any other thigh muscles causing you problems, you can try the following effective tips to get rid of them.
Rest the Sore Muscles
The primary method to relieve tender muscles is to rest them. Make sure they have enough time to rest to generate the natural body’s response to pain. It will help ease soreness and lower the pain.
Resting the aching muscles refers to resting them for 24-48 hours. After that, you must proceed to some other soreness-relieving methods.
Foam Rolling
Using a foam roller to massage inflamed thigh muscles can help loosen them. It is an effective tip to reduce acute and delayed soreness and accelerate muscle recovery. You may include it in your regular workout routine to strengthen your thigh and leg muscles.
It is a worthwhile warm-up and cool-down technique, preventing muscles from getting exercise-induced muscle damage due to expansion or contraction during a workout. The frequent muscle contraction and expansion causes structural damage in microfibres leading to inflammation and pain in damaged muscles. Ensure you do not overdo it, as excessive foam rolling can lead to injuries and increased stiffness.
Try Hot and Cold Therapy
As the name indicates, the method combines two treatments combining hot and cold temperatures. It tightens and relaxes sore muscles to ease tenderness and pain. Cold therapy works best when the inflammation is new with a high pain level.
For cold therapy, use an ice pack to rub the sore muscles. Keep rubbing for around 15-18 minutes, and avoid keeping it in the same spot for a long time. Gently rub it in a circular motion and listen to your body. The ice leads to a temperature drop that tightens the blood vessels.
As a result, it reduces the blood flow to the sore area, reducing swelling and pain. On the other hand, you can opt for hot therapy after 48-72 hours of soreness. Use a heating pad to loosen the tight muscles and improve blood flow.
The increased blood flow transfers oxygen to the sore muscles. The fresh addition of oxygen and nutrients removes the toxins and helps the muscles regain strength.
Massage Therapy
Amongst other soreness-relieving methods, massage therapy is one of the most worthwhile. It plays a significant role in releasing and relaxing muscle tension. As a result, the muscles regain their flexibility, which had been reduced due to tenderness and pain.
You can go to a professional to get a thigh massage or use some massaging tools to do it yourself at home. If you feel discomfort, consult an expert.
Epsom Salts Soak
You can speed up the post-workout muscle recovery through warm Epsom salts soak. This all-natural remedy is a cost-effective way to relax your muscles after an intense workout. It reduces stress, inflammation, and pain in the thigh muscles.
Take around a gallon of warm water and dissolve 1-1.5 cups of Epsom salt. Mix it well and soak your legs in it for 15-20 minutes. The remedy has no side effects, but consult your GP if you have any skin irritations or allergies.
Compression Therapy
Wear compression garments to cover the tight thigh muscles and help them recover faster. Wearing them after a workout prevents soreness and keeps your muscles safe from any potential injury.
Compression socks or garments wrapped around your thighs can prevent swelling while supporting your muscles. You may opt for a soft-fabric, elastic compression band to wear comfortably around your thigh.
Dynamic Stretches
After adequate rest, you can try dynamic stretches to prevent pain and enhance flexibility. Dynamic stretches refer to repeated stretching or movement of muscles and joints, unlike static stretches, where you stretch between intervals.
A dynamic stretch is a good warm-up exercise that prepares your body for the workout. Walking lunges and arm circles are all examples of dynamic stretches.
How To Get Rid Of Sore Legs From Squats?
Do your legs hurt after long squat sessions? The part of the leg that usually becomes stiff after a squat workout tends to be the quads. The quads are a group of muscles, located at the front part of your thigh:
- Rectus femoris
- Vastus lateralis
- Vastus medialis
- Vastus intermedius
Keeping your quads in top condition should be a priority for everyone, regardless of how seriously you take exercise. Strong quads will increase your power when performing most sports, but training and lifting heavy to build the quads can lead to strains and other injuries.
You can use the following tried and tested soreness-relieving tips for getting rid of sore legs.
Improve your Squat Technique
One of the leading reasons for muscle pain after squats is an incorrect squatting technique. Even just with body weight squats, sometimes the technique might not be wrong but unsuitable for you. For instance, you may be trying a pro-level technique at the beginner level, and getting it wrong. It may cause excessive pain in your muscles 24-48 hours post-workout.
The muscles may become tight and difficult to move. You need to change your technique to get better results in such a situation.
You may need to adjust your stance or change your form. Some squat variations that are likely to cause aching muscles include front squats, pistol squats, narrow stance squats, and goblet squats.
Warm Up
Warming up is essential to reduce the risk of inflicting an injury on muscles. Regardless of your fitness levels, it prepares your muscles for the exercise so they don’t suffer any strain, sprain, or tear. You can warm up by running, stretching, or jumping on the spot. Massaging your legs with a vibrating foam roller or other massage therapy tools is also effective.
Reduce the Frequency
Reducing the volume or number of squats you do each set can also help reduce thigh soreness. Higher intensity and volume can lead to delayed soreness. If you have been doing 8 sets of 5 squats, try expanding it to 10 or 12 sets of 3 squats each.
How do you massage your Thigh Muscles?
A massage is an effective soreness-relieving exercise for your thighs and legs. It improves blood flow in the aching muscle area and helps eliminate stiffness and pain. However, it is important to know how to massage your legs properly; otherwise, it can do more harm than good.
Using a Foam Roller
You can use a foam roller or massage gun to massage your legs or hand. The former is more effective for thighs as it better targets large thigh muscle groups. Here is how you can massage your legs using a foam roller.
Both Legs at the Same Time
- Lay on the floor face down and place the foam roller under your quads just above the knees.
- Arms should be placed on the floor with the elbows under the shoulders.
- Slowly push yourself backwards, rolling the foam roller up the legs.
- Then change direction and slowly roll back in the opposite direction.
- Find any trigger points, hold for 30 seconds, and let the vibrating foam roller reduce muscle tightness.
A longer foam roller is better because you can comfortably fit both legs on!
One Leg at a Time
- Face down on the floor, and place the foam roller under your right quad just above the knee.
- Make sure the left leg is bent out to the side at a 90-degree angle.
- Place your arms on the floor with the elbows under the shoulders.
- Slowly push backwards, rolling the foam roller up the leg.
- Change direction and slowly roll back in the opposite direction.
- Find trigger points, hold for 30 seconds, and let the vibration technology do the work.
- Change legs and work on the left side!
These quick and easy foam roller quads exercises will help strengthen your quads and prevent injuries.
Using a Massage Gun
Another percussive massage treatment tool is a massage gun. It is a handy massage tool that you can use for targeted massage therapy on a particular muscle area. You can easily use it on your upper and lower legs. It is an easy-to-use, portable, and rechargeable gun with different head shapes and speed settings.
How to use it?
- Sit on a chair or the ground so your hand can easily reach the sore thigh area.
- Choose the head attachment and power setting (we recommend beginning with a lower power setting and gradually speeding up).
- Move the massage gun on your thigh around the sore muscles. Avoid targeting the inflamed muscle area directly.
- Keep moving the gun in a circular or to-and-fro motion and spend 2-3 minutes on each muscle area.
Self-Massage
If you do not have any massaging tools, you can do a self-sports massage on your thighs. It works as well as massaging with equipment, but it takes more effort and time. Use your hands to push your muscles up from the knee towards your hip bone. Adjust the pressure of your hands according to your tolerance level.
This massage will release tension in the muscles. If only a specific area of your thigh is hurting, massage it by moving your hands in a circular motion. You can also use your thumb to apply pressure, again moving it in a circular motion.
Can Drinks Help Sore Muscles?
There’s more you can do besides massages and exercise to relieve your sore muscles. It might surprise you that some drinks can accelerate the healing process. They might not eliminate pain, but they can speed up recovery.
You can consume the following drinks to give your sore muscles a sigh of relief:
Water
A glass of clean water can do wonders for your body and muscular health. It helps reduce inflammation, soreness, pain, and stiffness.
Make sure to drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. This is the average recommended amount of water. You can always drink more if you feel the need to.
Drinking water may not instantly relieve the pain, but it allows your body to function properly. Maintaining the required level of fluids in your body can help you recover better from injuries and soreness. Besides drinking plain water, fruits are also a good source of water.
Beetroot Juice
Beetroot juice is a good source of dietary nitrates. Dietary nitrates stimulate mitochondria in your cells by supplying oxygen to the muscles. As a result, muscle efficiency improves, and the cells recover any damage faster. You can have a glass of fresh beetroot juice after a workout, intense exercise, or long-distance running.
Another benefit of beetroot juice is that it reduces the risk of delayed muscle soreness caused after hours of intense workouts. You can drink both to accelerate the recovery and prevent muscle damage in advance.
Milk
Your muscles need protein to improve their functionality, and milk is a great source of protein. You might not know how to relieve sore muscles in your thighs by consuming milk, but you must know that it is one of the best drinks to help muscle recovery. It can help in quicker muscle recovery while fueling your body with the strength and energy you need to recover from the soreness.
You can drink milk or consume dairy products like yoghurt and cheese. The carbs in these items help muscles maintain adequate levels of glycogen and support growth. In short, milk and milk-based products must be a part of your diet if you want to relieve painful thigh muscles.
Cherry Juice
Cherry juice has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are beneficial for recovering sore thighs. It can be a good drink to support your muscular health and recovery. It is also believed to support and strengthen joints.
Athletes and runners can drink fresh cherry juice to reduce the risk of DOMS. Be aware that packaged juices from supermarkets may have a high sugar content, which is pro-inflammatory. When buying packaged juice, thoroughly check the ingredients and choose the option with lower sugar additives.
Protein Shake
You can maintain adequate protein levels in your body by drinking protein shakes. As the name indicates, they are packed with protein essential for muscle growth, strength, and recovery. Include protein shakes in your workout and rest day routines to support protein synthesis in your body.
How to Relieve Sore Muscles in Thighs Faster?
Inflamed muscles are painful, and you look for quick solutions to ease this pain. Luckily, some amazing self-massage tools can help relieve sore thigh muscles faster. Make sure you follow the right procedure and keep all precautions under consideration.
Performing foam roller quads exercises will drastically reduce muscle soreness and improve all aspects of your mobility. Also, keep your diet healthy and drink a lot of water to remove the toxins from your body. It will help in faster aching muscle recovery.
The Bottom Line
Muscle soreness is a common problem, and you must know how to relieve sore muscles in the thighs. Are your muscles still inflamed after trying all of these tips? You might need to visit a GP or physiotherapist.
Want a quick and easy solution? Keep some soreness-relieving tools at your home to get rid of the stiffness and pain easily at your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How sore is too sore to work out?
Tender thigh muscles do not restrict you from working out unless the pain is too severe. However, if the inflammation does not alleviate or reduce, even after resting, massaging, stretching, and trying other therapies, you may stop working out. Instead, visit a doctor or physio.
How do you loosen tight leg muscles?
You can loosen tight leg muscles through stretching and massage. You may also opt for active recovery exercises to relax the tight muscles and gradually increase flexibility.
Is it OK to exercise with sore muscles?
Yes, it is OK to exercise with sore muscles. Painful muscles are sometimes a result of a new or unfamiliar exercise. The muscles may become delicate but gradually get used to the exercise. Putting them completely to rest may increase stiffness and pain; therefore, exercising is better as long as it does not worsen the aching muscles.
What is a natural remedy for muscle pain?
The natural remedy to relieve muscle pain is hot and cold therapy. Moreover, warm Epsom salts soak, massages, and a healthy diet can significantly accelerate recovery.
Should you push through with sore muscles?
No, you should not push through soon after the soreness has started. Your muscles need some time and rest to recover from the damage caused by an intense workout. Take some time and opt for low-intensity aerobic exercises for your muscles to recover.
Is walking good for sore thigh muscles?
Yes, aerobic exercises like walking are good for sore thigh muscles. You can do some walking on a rest day or after a workout. It helps maintain the optimum level of blood flow to the muscles and aids the recovery process.
What helps muscles recover faster?
A healthy diet, massage, stretching, and exercises can help muscles recover faster. Don’t forget to give them a rest before you begin with the recovery treatments.
What does it mean when both thighs hurt?
When both thighs hurt, either the muscles in your thighs are damaged or hurting. The overuse of muscles or an injury can cause your thighs to hurt. They may also hurt due to muscle strain, sprain, or health issues.
How to relieve pain in the hip joint. Causes and treatment
Hip pain symptoms
Hip pain can radiate to adjacent areas – thighs, groin, buttocks and hip joint.
Sometimes the only symptom of hip problems is knee pain. Such pain is called reflected; it occurs quite often.
Pain in the hip may increase with physical exertion, such as after sports, long walks and runs.
With pain in the hip, it becomes more difficult for a person to move the leg in the hip joint, the range of motion decreases. In severe cases, lameness develops.
How does hip pain affect us?
The hip joints provide mobility to the body, so pain in this area can make daily activities difficult. With hip pain, even getting out of bed, climbing stairs, and walking, not to mention jogging, is a problem. In severe cases, a person cannot move the leg at the joint and transfer body weight to it. In such cases, you should consult a doctor.
Relieve pain
Blood vessels and nerves are located in the thigh area, in particular the sciatic nerve (on the back of the thigh) and the femoral nerve (on the front of the thigh) *
86% of the people surveyed noted that pain in the joints, associated with Osteoarthritis affects their lives the most**
Relieve Pain
* Hip Anatomy http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/where-it-hurts/hip-pain/hip-anatomy. php (checked 03/26/2019)
** According to the Global Pain Index 2018, 86% of pain sufferers say that OA-related joint pain is the biggest impact on their lives
Why does hip pain occur?
The design of the hip joint allows for smooth movement and the ability to perform repetitive movements, such as when running or jumping. But due to constant stress over the years, the muscles, nerves, ligaments and tendons of the thigh can become inflamed, resulting in pain.
Determine the cause of the pain
Pain can be felt in various parts of the thigh. Localization of pain helps to understand its causes. Pain in the groin and inner thigh area can be a sign of hip problems. Hip pain outside the hip joint, in the upper thigh and buttocks, usually indicates a soft tissue problem.
More serious causes of hip pain
Serious causes of hip pain include osteoarthritis, fractures, dislocations due to trauma, and bursitis (inflammation of the joint capsule). In these cases, you should consult a doctor.
Treatment
If you have hip pain due to muscle or tendon injury or tendon inflammation (tendonitis), over-the-counter medications can help relieve pain and swelling. You can relieve pain and improve joint mobility with the help of therapeutic exercises. But if your hip still hurts badly or doesn’t feel better after seven days of pain medication, you should see your doctor. Be sure to see your doctor if you fall, the pain gets worse, you have a fever, or you feel unwell.
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*According to the 2018 Global Pain Index, 86% of pain sufferers say OA-related joint pain is the biggest impact on their lives
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Hip Pain | Voltaren
Hip pain symptoms
Hip pain can be felt as pain in the thighs, groin, buttocks and hip joint.
Sometimes the only symptom of hip problems is knee pain. Such pain is called reflected; it occurs quite often.
Pain in the hip may increase with physical exertion, such as after sports, long walks and runs.
With pain in the hip, it becomes more difficult for a person to move the leg in the hip joint due to a decrease in the range of motion. In severe cases, lameness develops.
How does hip pain affect us?
The hip joints provide freedom of movement, which is why hip pain greatly affects our lives. With hip pain, even getting out of bed, climbing stairs, and walking, not to mention jogging, is a problem. In severe cases, a person cannot move the leg at the joint and transfer body weight to it. In such cases, you should consult a doctor.
Ease the pain
DID YOU KNOW?
There are blood vessels and nerves in the thigh area, in particular the sciatic nerve (at the back of the thigh) and the femoral nerve (at the front of the thigh). *
50% of people have experienced hip pain.**
Get rid of for Pain
*American National Association of Joint Patients: http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/where-it-hurts/hip-pain/hip-anatomy.php
**Global Pain Index 2014 : GSK sponsored study, full report, p. 62
Why does hip pain occur?
The structure of the hip joint provides it with freedom of movement and reliability during constant work. But due to constant stress over the years, the muscles, nerves, ligaments and tendons of the thigh can become inflamed, resulting in pain.
Find the cause of the pain
Pain can be felt in various parts of the thigh. The location of the pain helps to understand its causes. Pain in the groin area and inside the thigh can be a sign of problems with the hip joint. Hip pain outside the hip joint, in the upper thigh and buttocks, usually indicates a soft tissue problem.
More serious causes of hip pain
More serious causes of hip pain include osteoarthritis, fractures, dislocations due to trauma, and bursitis (inflammation of the joint capsules). In these cases, you should consult a doctor.
Treatment
If you have been diagnosed with hip pain due to muscle or tendon damage or tendon inflammation (tendonitis), over-the-counter medications can help relieve pain and swelling. You can relieve pain and improve joint mobility with the help of therapeutic exercises. But if your hip still hurts badly or doesn’t feel better after taking pain medication, you should see a doctor. Be sure to see your doctor if you fall, the pain gets worse, you have a fever, or you feel unwell.
Our preparations
Find out how GSK products can help you
Choose the right Voltaren product to help you
relieve your pain.
Learn more
Find out more
What is pain?
Find out more about pain and its causes.
Find out
How does Voltaren Forte help relieve osteoarthritis pain?
Osteoarthritis is one of the main causes of joint pain.