Pain in Upper Thigh: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

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Upper thigh pain may occur if you strain your hamstring muscle. But sometimes, it can be an indicator of a serious condition, including a blood clot.

Discomfort in your upper thigh, such as aching, burning, or pain, can be a common experience. While in most cases it’s nothing to be alarmed about, there are some instances in which pain in your upper thigh can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition.

Thigh pain can range from a mild ache to a sharp shooting sensation. It may also be accompanied by other symptoms including:

• itching
• tingling
• difficulty walking
• numbness
• burning sensation

When pain comes on suddenly, there’s no apparent cause, or it doesn’t respond to home treatments, such as ice, heat, and rest, you should seek medical treatment.

There are numerous conditions that may contribute to upper thigh pain. They include:

Meralgia paresthetica

Caused by pressure on the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, meralgia paresthetica (MP) may cause tingling, numbness, and a burning pain in the outer part of your thigh. It typically occurs on one side of the body and is caused by compression of the nerve.

Common causes of meralgia paresthetica include:

• tight clothing
• being overweight or obese
• pregnancy
• scar tissue from a past injury or surgery
• diabetes-related nerve injury
• carrying a wallet or cell phone in the front and side pockets of pants
• hypothyroidism
• lead poisoning

Treatment involves identifying the underlying cause, then taking measures such as wearing looser clothing or losing weight to alleviate pressure. Exercises that reduce muscle tension and improve flexibility and strength may also help alleviate pain. Prescription medications and surgery may be recommended in some cases.

Blood clot or deep vein thrombosis

While many blood clots aren’t harmful, when one forms deep in one of your major veins, it’s a serious condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). While deep vein clots appear more frequently in the lower legs, they can also form in one or both thighs. Sometimes there are no symptoms, but other times they may include:

• swelling
• pain
• tenderness
• a warm sensation
• a pale or bluish discoloration

As a result of DVT, some people develop a life-threatening condition known as pulmonary embolism in which a blood clot travels to the lungs. Symptoms include:

• sudden shortness of breath
• chest pain or discomfort that worsens when you take a deep breath or when you cough
• lightheadedness or dizziness
• rapid pulse
• coughing up blood

Risk factors for DVT include:

• having an injury that damages your veins
• being overweight, which puts more pressure on the veins in your legs and pelvis
• having a family history of DVT
• having a catheter placed in a vein
• taking birth control pills or undergoing hormone therapy
• smoking (especially heavy usage)
• staying seated for a long time while you’re in a car or on a plane, especially if you already have at least one other risk factor
• pregnancy
• surgery

Treatment for DVT ranges from lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, to prescription blood thinners, the use compression stockings, and surgery in some cases.

Diabetic neuropathy

A complication of diabetes, diabetic neuropathy occurs as a result of uncontrolled high blood sugar levels. It typically begins in the hands or feet, but it can spread to other parts of the body as well, including the thighs. Symptoms include:

• sensitivity to touch
• loss of sense of touch
• difficulty with coordination when walking
• numbness or pain in your extremities
• muscle weakness or wasting
• nausea and indigestion
• diarrhea or constipation
• dizziness upon standing
• excessive sweating
• vaginal dryness in women and erectile dysfunction in men

While there is no cure for diabetic neuropathy, treatment to manage pain and other symptoms may involve lifestyle changes and measures to maintain healthy blood sugar levels as well as medications for pain management.

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome can cause pain in the outside of your upper thighs. It’s typically caused by injury, pressure, or repetitive movements, and it’s common in runners and in women.

Symptoms may include:

• pain worsening when lying on the affected side
• pain that worsens over time
• pain following weight-bearing activities, such as walking or running
• hip muscle weakness

Treatment may include lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, treatment with ice, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and steroid injections.

IT band syndrome

Also common among runners, iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) happens when the iliotibial band, which runs down the outside of the thigh from the hip to below the knee, becomes tight and inflamed.

Symptoms include pain and swelling, which is typically felt around the knees, but it can also be felt sometimes in the thigh. Treatment includes limiting physical activity, physical therapy, and medications to reduce pain and inflammation. In some extreme cases, surgery may be necessary.

Muscle strains

While muscle strains can happen in any part of the body, they’re common in the hamstring and may cause thigh pain. Symptoms may include:

• sudden onset of pain
• soreness
• limited range of movement
• bruising or discoloration
• swelling
• a “knotted-up” feeling
• muscle spasms
• stiffness
• weakness

Typically, strains can be treated with ice, heat and anti-inflammatory medications, but more severe strains or tears may require treatment by a doctor. You should see a doctor if the pain doesn’t get better after several days or if the area is numb, arises without a clear cause, or leaves you unable to move your leg.

Hip flexor strain

Hip flexor muscles can be strained with overuse, and can cause pain or muscle spasms in your thighs as well. Other symptoms of hip flexor strain may include:

• pain that seems to come on suddenly
• increasing pain when you lift your thigh toward your chest
• pain when stretching your hip muscles
• muscle spasms at your hip or thigh
• tenderness to the touch at the front of your hip
• swelling or bruising at your hip or thigh area

Most hip flexor strains can be treated at home with ice, over-the-counter pain relievers, heat, rest, and exercises. In some severe cases, physical therapy and surgery may be recommended.

While there are various causes of thigh pain, each with their own risk factors, common ones include:

• repetitive exercises, such as running
• being overweight or obese
• diabetes
• pregnancy

Diagnosis for most conditions that contribute to thigh pain will involve a physical examination by a physician who will evaluate the risk factors and symptoms. In the case of meralgia paresthetica, doctors may order an electromyogram/nerve conduction study (EMG/NCS) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine if nerves have been damaged.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

The most serious complication of thigh pain is typically related to DVT, which can be life-threatening if not treated. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical treatment:

• shortness of breath
• anxiety
• clammy or bluish skin
• chest pain that may extend into your arm, jaw, neck, and shoulder
• fainting
• irregular heartbeat
• lightheadedness
• rapid breathing
• rapid heartbeat
• restlessness
• spitting up blood
• weak pulse

Determining the underlying cause of thigh pain is key to preventing it going forward. While in the case of DVT, prevention may include prescription medication and the use of compression stockings, in many others, preventative techniques include lifestyle changes and home remedies, including:

• maintaining a healthy weight
• performing stretching exercises
• getting moderate physical activity

In most cases, upper thigh pain is not cause for concern. It can typically be treated at home with some simple strategies such as ice, heat, activity moderation, and over-the-counter medication. However, if those don’t work after several days or if more serious symptoms accompany the thigh pain, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Pain in Upper Thigh: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Upper thigh pain may occur if you strain your hamstring muscle. But sometimes, it can be an indicator of a serious condition, including a blood clot.

Discomfort in your upper thigh, such as aching, burning, or pain, can be a common experience. While in most cases it’s nothing to be alarmed about, there are some instances in which pain in your upper thigh can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition.

Thigh pain can range from a mild ache to a sharp shooting sensation. It may also be accompanied by other symptoms including:

• itching
• tingling
• difficulty walking
• numbness
• burning sensation

When pain comes on suddenly, there’s no apparent cause, or it doesn’t respond to home treatments, such as ice, heat, and rest, you should seek medical treatment.

There are numerous conditions that may contribute to upper thigh pain. They include:

Meralgia paresthetica

Caused by pressure on the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, meralgia paresthetica (MP) may cause tingling, numbness, and a burning pain in the outer part of your thigh. It typically occurs on one side of the body and is caused by compression of the nerve.

Common causes of meralgia paresthetica include:

• tight clothing
• being overweight or obese
• pregnancy
• scar tissue from a past injury or surgery
• diabetes-related nerve injury
• carrying a wallet or cell phone in the front and side pockets of pants
• hypothyroidism
• lead poisoning

Treatment involves identifying the underlying cause, then taking measures such as wearing looser clothing or losing weight to alleviate pressure. Exercises that reduce muscle tension and improve flexibility and strength may also help alleviate pain. Prescription medications and surgery may be recommended in some cases.

Blood clot or deep vein thrombosis

While many blood clots aren’t harmful, when one forms deep in one of your major veins, it’s a serious condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). While deep vein clots appear more frequently in the lower legs, they can also form in one or both thighs. Sometimes there are no symptoms, but other times they may include:

• swelling
• pain
• tenderness
• a warm sensation
• a pale or bluish discoloration

As a result of DVT, some people develop a life-threatening condition known as pulmonary embolism in which a blood clot travels to the lungs. Symptoms include:

• sudden shortness of breath
• chest pain or discomfort that worsens when you take a deep breath or when you cough
• lightheadedness or dizziness
• rapid pulse
• coughing up blood

Risk factors for DVT include:

• having an injury that damages your veins
• being overweight, which puts more pressure on the veins in your legs and pelvis
• having a family history of DVT
• having a catheter placed in a vein
• taking birth control pills or undergoing hormone therapy
• smoking (especially heavy usage)
• staying seated for a long time while you’re in a car or on a plane, especially if you already have at least one other risk factor
• pregnancy
• surgery

Treatment for DVT ranges from lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, to prescription blood thinners, the use compression stockings, and surgery in some cases.

Diabetic neuropathy

A complication of diabetes, diabetic neuropathy occurs as a result of uncontrolled high blood sugar levels. It typically begins in the hands or feet, but it can spread to other parts of the body as well, including the thighs. Symptoms include:

• sensitivity to touch
• loss of sense of touch
• difficulty with coordination when walking
• numbness or pain in your extremities
• muscle weakness or wasting
• nausea and indigestion
• diarrhea or constipation
• dizziness upon standing
• excessive sweating
• vaginal dryness in women and erectile dysfunction in men

While there is no cure for diabetic neuropathy, treatment to manage pain and other symptoms may involve lifestyle changes and measures to maintain healthy blood sugar levels as well as medications for pain management.

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome can cause pain in the outside of your upper thighs. It’s typically caused by injury, pressure, or repetitive movements, and it’s common in runners and in women.

Symptoms may include:

• pain worsening when lying on the affected side
• pain that worsens over time
• pain following weight-bearing activities, such as walking or running
• hip muscle weakness

Treatment may include lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, treatment with ice, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and steroid injections.

IT band syndrome

Also common among runners, iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) happens when the iliotibial band, which runs down the outside of the thigh from the hip to below the knee, becomes tight and inflamed.

Symptoms include pain and swelling, which is typically felt around the knees, but it can also be felt sometimes in the thigh. Treatment includes limiting physical activity, physical therapy, and medications to reduce pain and inflammation. In some extreme cases, surgery may be necessary.

Muscle strains

While muscle strains can happen in any part of the body, they’re common in the hamstring and may cause thigh pain. Symptoms may include:

• sudden onset of pain
• soreness
• limited range of movement
• bruising or discoloration
• swelling
• a “knotted-up” feeling
• muscle spasms
• stiffness
• weakness

Typically, strains can be treated with ice, heat and anti-inflammatory medications, but more severe strains or tears may require treatment by a doctor. You should see a doctor if the pain doesn’t get better after several days or if the area is numb, arises without a clear cause, or leaves you unable to move your leg.

Hip flexor strain

Hip flexor muscles can be strained with overuse, and can cause pain or muscle spasms in your thighs as well. Other symptoms of hip flexor strain may include:

• pain that seems to come on suddenly
• increasing pain when you lift your thigh toward your chest
• pain when stretching your hip muscles
• muscle spasms at your hip or thigh
• tenderness to the touch at the front of your hip
• swelling or bruising at your hip or thigh area

Most hip flexor strains can be treated at home with ice, over-the-counter pain relievers, heat, rest, and exercises. In some severe cases, physical therapy and surgery may be recommended.

While there are various causes of thigh pain, each with their own risk factors, common ones include:

• repetitive exercises, such as running
• being overweight or obese
• diabetes
• pregnancy

Diagnosis for most conditions that contribute to thigh pain will involve a physical examination by a physician who will evaluate the risk factors and symptoms. In the case of meralgia paresthetica, doctors may order an electromyogram/nerve conduction study (EMG/NCS) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine if nerves have been damaged.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

The most serious complication of thigh pain is typically related to DVT, which can be life-threatening if not treated. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical treatment:

• shortness of breath
• anxiety
• clammy or bluish skin
• chest pain that may extend into your arm, jaw, neck, and shoulder
• fainting
• irregular heartbeat
• lightheadedness
• rapid breathing
• rapid heartbeat
• restlessness
• spitting up blood
• weak pulse

Determining the underlying cause of thigh pain is key to preventing it going forward. While in the case of DVT, prevention may include prescription medication and the use of compression stockings, in many others, preventative techniques include lifestyle changes and home remedies, including:

• maintaining a healthy weight
• performing stretching exercises
• getting moderate physical activity

In most cases, upper thigh pain is not cause for concern. It can typically be treated at home with some simple strategies such as ice, heat, activity moderation, and over-the-counter medication. However, if those don’t work after several days or if more serious symptoms accompany the thigh pain, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Pain in the foot and under the toes

How the foot is arranged and its purpose

It is a complex anatomical structure consisting of 26 bones that form two intersections of the vault. Longitudinal is formed along the length of the foot, and transverse – along the width.

Bones are primarily interconnected with each other by fibrous tissue – ligaments. Muscles, together with a rigid aponeurosis (plantar fascia), provide stability to the midsection. The foot has a deep and superficial group of muscles that begin in the lower third of the lower leg and are attached at various levels to the bones. There are also fat deposits inside to absorb the impact energy that falls on the foot during walking, running and jumping.

Pain in the foot under the big toe and elsewhere when walking indicates that something is wrong with any of the interacting internal structures. When and under what circumstances it appears, as well as its localization, are the keys to determining what is the cause of its occurrence. When the foot hurts near the toes and in other areas, the body reacts to the changes, and it goes into “emergency mode” in order to reduce these sensations. Biomechanical changes or disease can interfere with normal movement and cause further damage.

What causes foot pain?

Pain on the sole of the foot under the toes and in other places can be caused by many different causes, these include: injuries, deformities, wrong shoes, viruses, diseases.

Injury due to external impact


A common cause is the incorrect position of the leg, which leads to a violation of the vector forces acting on it. Wearing shoes that have a too rigid base, or high heels, shoes with strong lacing, can also cause bruising on pressure areas, which often causes pain in the ball under the big toe and in other places.

Sprains, sprains and fractures
Usually occur suddenly. They cause tension in the muscles of the foot. An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that hold the bones together are overloaded and their fibers are overstretched. The weakness of the ligamentous apparatus in the joints leads to the fact that the pad on the foot under the thumb hurts when walking.

Excessive strain, muscle injury or tear
They occur, for example, when hitting a sharp object. They lead to an overload of the muscular frame and fascia of the foot. At the same time, when walking, the foot hurts in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe big toe and other places. Various diseases can be diagnosed. Achilles tendinitis is an injury to the tendon that attaches to the heel bone at the back of the heel. Metatarsalgia is pain under the heads of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th metatarsal bones.

Injury caused by pressure or sudden foot turn
May cause stress damage to bones and joints. Blunt injuries resulting from pressure, such as when someone steps on the foot, result in damage to muscles and ligaments. At the same time, the sole of the foot hurts near the fingers and in other areas.

Direct trauma from a kick can cause bruising, skin tears, or even broken bones.
Metatarsalgia is pain under the heads of the 2nd-3rd-4th metatarsal bones. Injury to the nail can lead to the accumulation of hematoma under the nails and temporary or permanent loss of the nail. Repeated trauma to bones, muscles, and ligaments can lead to growth of bone and cartilage, referred to as spurs or exostoses.

Open or closed injury from kicking
It can cause skin tears, bruising, swelling, or even broken bones. Injury to the nail leads to the accumulation of hematoma under the nails and temporary or permanent loss of the nail plate. Repeated injuries of bones, muscles, ligaments lead to the growth of bone and cartilage tissue, which is called exostosis – a spur on the ball of the foot.

Microtrauma due to overvoltage

Can be caused when working on uneven, too hard or soft surfaces. Constant overexertion leads to stress fractures, tendonitis, fasciitis, acute and chronic osteoarthritis. Injury to the plantar fascia is also a common cause of pain. Its base is attached to the calcaneus and extends distally along the entire plantar surface, connecting with the heads of the metatarsal bones, providing support for the arch. When the plantar fascia is damaged, an inflammatory reaction occurs that can be a source of pain in the ball of the foot when walking.

Foot deformity
Arches allow you to evenly distribute the load of body weight when we are standing. Deformed, too high or low (flat feet), they can cause pain and tension in the legs.

Wrong shoes

Shoes can also be a source of pain in the lower extremities. Wearing narrow model shoes for a short time leads to scuffs, blisters and abrasions on the legs, when it hurts to step on the ball of the foot. Prolonged use of such shoes causes the formation of “bones”, hyperkeratosis, irritation of the nerves and joints, displacement of the fingers, and also a source of microtrauma. If the bumps on your legs hurt, contact an orthopedist immediately.

Viruses, bacteria and other diseases

Warts are usually located on the plantar surface and can cause irritation and pain when exerted. The reason for their appearance is a virus.

A common source of pain in the foot near the big toe is an ingrown toenail. It causes irritation and sometimes causes infection.

Diabetes, Hansen’s disease, and gout are common ailments that affect the lower extremities. Diseases of the nerves in the legs can cause numbness and a burning sensation, this is called peripheral neuropathy.

Why does heaviness appear in the legs? – reference book Omega-Kyiv

Heaviness in the legs is a condition that is familiar to almost every inhabitant of the planet. Regardless of age and lifestyle, in the evening, heaviness in the ankle area may be observed.

The most common causes of heaviness in the legs (without the presence of specific chronic diseases):

• Passive lifestyle. A patient who does not regularly exercise and actively warm up has a high risk of developing pain in the lower extremities;
• Taking medication. Some drugs (especially hormonal spectrum) can cause a feeling of heaviness in the legs. With prolonged use of diuretics, swelling of the lower extremities may occur, provoking heaviness;
• Obesity. In the presence of excess weight, the load on the spine and legs increases accordingly. Also, an extra layer of fatty tissue interferes with the normal contraction of blood vessels;
• Hormonal disorders. Heaviness in the legs can occur during puberty, during pregnancy and menopause;
• The body’s response to changes in weather conditions.

Also, the feeling of heaviness in the legs can be caused by specific diseases. A special place among them is occupied by pathologies of blood vessels, spine and joints.

Diseases that can cause heaviness in the legs:

• Varicose veins . Varicose veins are a disease in which there is swelling of the peripheral veins under the skin. Because of this, nodes are formed that actively interfere with the normal blood supply. Due to the stagnation of blood, the veins experience strong pressure. In the first stages of varicose veins, changes in the veins are not noticeable, but there is heaviness and pain in the legs, which increases in the evening. As a rule, it is the first stage of varicose veins that is the most successful period for treatment.
• Progressive disease aggravated by skin manifestations (veins protrude, blue spots appear on the legs). Also, in addition to heaviness, pain is felt in the legs, cramps occur. In the advanced stage of varicose veins, a dangerous disease of varicothrombophlebitis can occur. In this case, it is necessary to carry out sclerotherapy;
• Lymphostasis . The disease is characterized by the accumulation of lymph in the intercellular space and the violation of its flow through the vessels. Symptoms of the disease are swelling of the legs, a feeling of heaviness and fatigue at the end of the working day. The condition can be supplemented by pain and trophic changes in the skin. The danger lies in the high probability of developing trophic ulcers and gangrene at a late stage of the disease;
• Arthrosis . A disease that is characterized by degenerative-dystrophic changes in the joints. Arthrosis is manifested by pain, swelling and a feeling of heaviness in the legs. Discomfort often occurs in the cold season and clearly increases in the evenings. Pain in arthrosis occurs due to changes in the articular surfaces;
• Arthritis . A disease that occurs during the inflammatory process in the joint. The cause of the development of the disease can be trauma, infectious diseases, allergic reactions. The main symptoms of the inflammatory process are pain, skin discoloration at the site of injury, and joint deformity. As a rule, the first signs are a dull aching pain, severe fatigue and heaviness in the legs;
• Flat feet . Pathological defect of the foot, which is characterized by a decrease in its arches. Depending on the degree of the disease, characteristic signs are observed. With a mild degree of flat feet, the patient feels pain, heaviness and fatigue in the evening.