Discover the common causes behind upper thigh pain and difficulty walking or climbing stairs. Our in-depth analysis covers conditions like Lambert-Eaton Syndrome, Diastasis Symphysis Pubis, Trochanteric Bursitis, Diabetic Amyotrophy, Muscle Strain, and more. Get the answers you need to understand and address this challenging problem.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Thigh Pain and Stair Climbing Difficulties

Experiencing pain in the upper thigh while walking or climbing stairs can be a frustrating and debilitating issue. This comprehensive guide delves into the potential causes behind this common problem, providing you with the knowledge to better understand and address the underlying factors.

Lambert-Eaton Syndrome: When Muscles Fail to Cooperate

Lambert-Eaton Syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder that can lead to muscle weakness and difficulty with everyday tasks like walking and climbing stairs. The condition is characterized by a dry mouth, drooping eyelids, and aching muscles in the upper arms and thighs. Understanding the symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention is crucial for managing this condition effectively.

Diastasis Symphysis Pubis: The Pelvic Connection to Thigh Pain

Diastasis Symphysis Pubis is an uncommon injury that can occur during the peripartum period, leading to pain in the suprapubic, sacroiliac, or thigh regions. Patients with this condition often experience difficulty walking, standing, and climbing stairs. Seeking a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment is essential for addressing this complex issue.

Trochanteric Bursitis: When the Hips Cause Thigh Discomfort

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome, also known as Trochanteric Bursitis, is a condition that causes pain over the outside of the upper thigh. This pain can be exacerbated by side-lying, prolonged walking, or stair climbing. Proper diagnosis and management of this condition are crucial for relieving the discomfort and restoring mobility.

Diabetic Amyotrophy: When Nerve Damage Leads to Thigh Pain

Diabetic Amyotrophy is a rare complication of diabetes that can cause acute, unilateral thigh pain followed by weakness and wasting of the anterior thigh muscles. This condition can significantly impact an individual’s ability to walk, climb stairs, and perform daily activities. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are essential for managing this challenging condition.

Muscle Strains: The Common Culprits of Thigh Discomfort

Strained thigh muscles, whether in the hamstring, quadriceps, or adductor regions, can be a common source of upper thigh pain. These injuries can lead to weakness, limping, and difficulties with activities like walking and climbing stairs. Prompt diagnosis and proper rehabilitation are crucial for restoring strength and function.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica: When Inflammation Affects the Thighs

Polymyalgia Rheumatica is an inflammatory condition that can cause sudden pain and stiffness in the shoulders, upper arms, neck, lower back, hips, and thighs. This stiffness and pain can make it challenging to perform daily tasks, including climbing stairs or getting in and out of a car. Understanding the symptoms and seeking timely medical attention is essential for managing this condition effectively.

Unraveling the Underlying Causes: A Comprehensive Approach

Experiencing upper thigh pain and difficulty walking or climbing stairs can be a complex and multifaceted issue. By exploring the various potential causes, from autoimmune disorders to musculoskeletal injuries, this guide aims to provide you with a deeper understanding of the underlying factors. Remember, seeking professional medical evaluation is crucial for accurately diagnosing and effectively treating the root cause of your symptoms.

Whether you’re dealing with muscle strain, nerve damage, or an inflammatory condition, the key to addressing thigh pain and stair climbing difficulties lies in understanding the specific cause and implementing the appropriate management strategies. By working closely with your healthcare provider, you can take the necessary steps to alleviate your discomfort and regain your mobility.

Don’t let upper thigh pain and stair climbing challenges hinder your daily life. Arm yourself with the knowledge from this comprehensive guide and embark on the path to better health and improved quality of life.

Difficulty Walking and Climbing Stairs & Thigh Pain: Causes & Reasons

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Possible Causes for Difficulty Walking and Climbing Stairs & Thigh Pain

Lambert-Eaton Syndrome

The mouth is dry, the eyelid droops, and the upper arms and thighs are painful.
[merckmanuals. com]

Common symptoms include: aching muscles difficulty walking and climbing stairs difficulty lifting objects or raising the arms drooping eyelids, dry eyes and blurred vision
[nhs.uk]

Weakness or loss of movement that can be more or less severe, including: Difficulty climbing stairs, walking, or lifting things Muscle pain Drooping of the head The need to
[nlm.nih.gov]

Diastasis Symphysis Pubis

pain.
[bhj.org.in]

Presently she has a complaint of pain on the medial aspect of thigh, difficulty in walking, standing and climbing stairs.
[imagejournals.org]

Pubic symphysis diastasis is an uncommon injury that should be considered when evaluating patients in the peripartum period who are experiencing suprapubic, sacroiliac or thigh
[ncbi. nlm.nih.gov]

Trochanteric Bursitis

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome is a condition that causes pain over the outside of your upper thigh (or both thighs).
[patient.info]

Pain may be exacerbated by side-lying, prolonged walking or stair climbing.
[kingsleyphysio.com]

A 66-yr-old white woman presented with progressive complaints of right lateral hip and thigh pain associated with a disabling limp without an antecedent history of trauma.
[ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Diabetic Amyotrophy

Acute left thigh pain and weakness.
[utmb.influuent.utsystem.edu]

climbing stairs.
[e-arm. org]

It usually presents acutely as unilateral thigh pain followed by weakness and later wasting in the anterior thigh muscles.
[medlink.com]

Muscle Strain

Whether it’s your hamstring, quadriceps or adductor muscles, strained thigh muscles can be a pain.
[boneandjointreading.com]

Weakness in the calf when trying to walk, climb stairs, or stand. Limping when walking. Difficulty performing daily activities that require standing and walking.
[moveforwardpt.com]

Posterior thigh pain. In: Brukner P and Khan K, eds. Clinical sports medicine. London: McGrawHill, 1993. Ekstrand J, Gillquist J.
[physioroom.com]

Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Symptoms Symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica can include: Sudden pain and stiffness in the: Shoulders Upper arms Neck Lower back Hips Thighs The pain and stiffness tends to
[drugs. com]

Climbing stairs or getting in or out of a car can also be painful. Pain at night is seen in some cases.
[arthritis-health.com]

Symptoms Polymyalgia rheumatica can cause pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck, hips and thighs.
[arthritisresearchuk.org]

Thigh Injury

[…] causing your thigh pain.
[verywellhealth.com]

Causes of upper thigh pain Upper thigh pain can be caused by muscle injuries, nerve problems, and a few other conditions.
[medicalnewstoday.com]

[…] injury, pain in the upper thigh, upper thigh muscle pain, front thigh muscle pain or a thigh muscle strain speak to Legal Expert today.
[legalexpert.co.uk]

Hip Fracture

A 74-year-old woman reported chronic thigh pain for 1 month.
[ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

exercise 13 ; the number of hours spent sitting and lying down per day; and the amount of difficulty experienced in walking, climbing and descending stairs, preparing meals
[nejm.org]

pain and characteristic radiographic findings indicative of potential impending subtrochanteric insufficiency fracture.
[ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Vitamin D Deficiency

Chronic pain in the low back and thighs, as well as chronic daily headaches were identified as potential sleep-disrupting forces.
[ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Muscle weakness may cause difficulty in climbing stairs or getting up from the floor or a low chair, or can lead to the person walking with a waddling pattern.
[patient.info]

At follow-up, she reported resolution of thigh pain and headaches, with a significant improvement in her low back pain syndrome.
[ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Granulomatous Myositis

Anterior Hip Medial Thigh Knee 288 Joint Pain Hip Lateral Thigh 289 Joint Pain Polyarticular 290 Jugular Venous Distention 291 Kawasakis Disease 292 Kidney Enlargement Unilateral
[books.google.com]

58275 What treatment is recommended for Granulomatous Myositis Some features of body myositis, muscle wastage causing unsteadiness walking, and extreme difficulty climbing
[healthmagic.gq]

View larger version (83K) Fig. 26A — 37-year-old woman with focal myositis presenting as painful swelling of right thigh.
[ajronline.org]

Polyglucosan Body Myopathy Type 2

The initial manifestation is usually subacute evolving asymmetric anterior thigh muscle pain.
[neuroweb.us]

Due to muscle weakness, walking/climbing stairs becomes difficult.
[quizlet.com]

Although walking up or down stairs may be challenging as a result, the required actions to climb upward might be more affected because of the impaired plantar flexion.
[sites.google.com]

Distal Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 4

The condition is heralded by severe pain in the hip or shoulder with prominent weakness of the ilipsosas, thigh adductors, and quadriceps muscles; when the lumbosacral plexus
[dartmouth. edu]

climbing stairs and walking.
[rarediseases.org]

The most affected muscles are: tendon / achilles (heel), hamstrings (back of thigh), hip flexors (front of hip and thigh) and hip abductors (outside of thigh).
[smasupportuk.org.uk]

Hip Arthritis

This may include: pain in one or both hips pain in the buttocks, groin, or thigh pain that is worse in the morning and gets better through the day difficulty walking or bending
[uihc.org]

Patients with hip arthritis have difficulty walking, climbing stairs, getting up from a seated position, or standing for prolonged periods of time.
[symptoma.com]

[…] and pain when getting out of bed, standing up from a sitting position, walking, or climbing stairs Difficulty performing normal daily activities, such as putting on socks
[moveforwardpt. com]

Ischial Bursitis

Gradual onset medial thigh pain, worse with hip hip extension and int. rotation.
[emed.ie]

Activities such as walking, climbing stairs and standing can increase pain. Apart from rest and painkillers, is there any other treatment?
[irishtimes.com]

Symptoms include pain when sitting or lying down on the buttocks and pain that travels to the back of the thigh.
[painmd.tv]

Diabetic Mononeuropathy

[…] in the shin or foot Pain in the lower back or pelvis Pain in the front of the thigh Pain in the chest or abdomen As many as 70% of diabetics have some degree of neuropathy
[informationaboutdiabetes. com]

[…] with standing and walking, difficulty with stair and step climbing, and patient reports of pain.
[podiatrytoday.com]

pain followed by muscle weakness and atrophy Polyradiculopathies are diagnosed by Treatment Polyradiculopathies Foot care Glucose control Pain control Single nerve damage
[quizlet.com]

Lumbar or Sacral Arthritis

typically below the beltline Pain that radiates into the buttock and posterior thigh Pain may be more commonly experienced on one side of the body but could occur on both
[uofmhealth.org]

Symptoms may worsen with sitting, standing, sleeping, walking or climbing stairs. Often the SI joint is painful sitting or sleeping on the affected side.
[mayfieldclinic.com]

When SI joint dysfunction is severe, pain can refer to the hip, groin, buttocks, and even down the back of the thigh.
[spinemd.com]

Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type 2J

[…] ventricular dysfunction 0005162 Macroglossia Abnormally large tongue Increased size of tongue Large tongue [ more ] 0000158 Muscle spasm 0003394 Myalgia Muscle ache Muscle pain
[rarediseases.info.nih.gov]

Outstanding symptoms are difficulty walking, climbing stairs, and frequent falls due to lower limb involvement.
[wohproject.org]

LGMD1 patients may need to use walking aids, can have difficulties climbing stairs and lose the ability to walk.
[mdfgauteng.org]

Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type 2B

Our case describes a patient with joint and muscle pain, with mild calf and thigh muscle hypertrophy.
[ped-rheum.biomedcentral.com]

Outstanding symptoms are difficulty walking, climbing stairs, and frequent falls due to lower limb involvement.
[wohproject.org]

LGMD1 patients may need to use walking aids, can have difficulties climbing stairs and lose the ability to walk.
[mdfgauteng.org]

Patellofemoral Stress Syndrome

Grating (crepitus) of the kneecap against the thigh bone (femur) during flexing and extending the knee can sometimes cause a pain response.
[emedicinehealth.com]

Complications Patellofemoral pain can lead to difficulty with routine activities, such as squatting and climbing stairs.
[medicalmarijuana.com]

Definition Patellofemoral pain syndrome is painful rubbing of the kneecap against the thigh bone. This pain occurs during exercise or movement.
[cancercarewny.com]

Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type 2L

[…] ventricular dysfunction 0005162 Macroglossia Abnormally large tongue Increased size of tongue Large tongue [ more ] 0000158 Muscle spasm 0003394 Myalgia Muscle ache Muscle pain
[rarediseases.info.nih.gov]

Outstanding symptoms are difficulty walking, climbing stairs, and frequent falls due to lower limb involvement.
[wohproject.org]

Toe-walking 0040083 5%-29% of people have these symptoms Difficulty climbing stairs Difficulty walking up stairs 0003551 Facial palsy Bell’s palsy 0010628 Wrist flexion contracture
[rarediseases.info.nih.gov]

Myositis

Development of myositis ossificans after navigated knee surgery should be considered in cases of thigh pain and restricted range of motion of the knee.
[ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Symptoms are slow to progress and include difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
[myositis.org]

Following acute injury the following signs & symptoms may be noted [8] : Anterior thigh pain Sharp pain during activity (particularly when kicking, jumping, or changing directions
[physio-pedia. com]

Disorder of the Sacrum

When SI joint dysfunction is severe, pain can refer to the hip, groin, buttocks, and even down the back of the thigh.
[spinemd.com]

Typically, symptoms are worsened by sitting, standing, sleeping, walking, or climbing stairs, with the pain occurring on the affected side.
[belmarrahealth.com]

Pain may or may not be present in the lower back, but some degree of pain is usually felt in the leg or thigh.
[necksolutions.com]

Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type 2Q

[…] ventricular dysfunction 0005162 Macroglossia Abnormally large tongue Increased size of tongue Large tongue [ more ] 0000158 Muscle spasm 0003394 Myalgia Muscle ache Muscle pain
[rarediseases. info.nih.gov]

LGMD1 patients may need to use walking aids, can have difficulties climbing stairs and lose the ability to walk.
[mdfgauteng.org]

Toe-walking 0040083 5%-29% of people have these symptoms Difficulty climbing stairs Difficulty walking up stairs 0003551 Facial palsy Bell’s palsy 0010628 Wrist flexion contracture
[rarediseases.info.nih.gov]

Pes Anserine Bursitis

The pain often radiates to the back and inside of the thigh.
[mendmyknee.com]

This pain usually leads to difficulty walking, sitting down, rising from a chair, or climbing stairs.
[riverdalesportspt. com]

Pain or difficulty walking, sitting down, rising from a chair, or climbing stairs. How Is It Diagnosed?
[choosept.com]

Hip Injury

The signs and symptoms include: pain on the outside of the hip; pain worse after running; pain radiating down the side of the thigh; pain lying on the injured side; pain on
[220triathlon.com]

Symptoms may worsen with sitting, standing, sleeping, walking or climbing stairs. Often the SI joint is painful sitting or sleeping on the affected side.
[mayfieldclinic.com]

Hip pain symptoms You might have soreness inside the hip joint but you may also feel pain in your: buttock lower back thigh groin knee Sometimes pain from other areas can
[healthdirect. gov.au]

Distal Myopathy Type 3

Anterior thigh muscles are most commonly involved H/O long standing diabetes Swelling Tenderness Elevated ESR Leukocytosis Normal Necrosis Edema Normal Organ system Disease
[wikidoc.org]

Ankle muscle stretch reflexes are lost and difficulties for toe walking or climbing stairs are encountered.
[orpha.net]

[…] adulthood, people with Becker MD often find they have difficulty running, walking quickly and climbing stairs.
[nhs.uk]

Becker Muscular Dystrophy

If you have limb-girdle MD, you may experience: muscle weakness in your hips, thighs and arms loss of muscle mass in the affected areas back pain heart palpitations or irregular
[nhs. uk]

[…] is usually unable to walk Frequent falls Difficulty getting up from the floor and climbing stairs Difficulty with running, hopping, and jumping Loss of muscle mass Toe walking
[nlm.nih.gov]

They have great difficulty in climbing stairs due to weakness of the muscles. The gait is often affected leading to toe-walking gait.
[symptoma.com]

Coccyx Disorder

You may have any of the following: Pain when you sit or stand Pain in your buttocks that spreads to your thighs or legs Pain during bowel movements, when having sex, and when
[drugs.com]

[…] on walking, climbing stairs, dressing, turning in bed and getting in and out of a car.
[sayerclinics.com]

Sacroiliitis causes pain in the low back and buttock areas. At the onset of AS, there is often severe low back pain, buttock, hip, and thigh pain on one or both sides.
[umm.edu]

Miyoshi Myopathy Type 3

Anterior thigh muscles are most commonly involved H/O long standing diabetes Swelling Tenderness Elevated ESR Leukocytosis Normal Necrosis Edema Normal Organ system Disease
[wikidoc.org]

Ankle muscle stretch reflexes are lost and difficulties for toe walking or climbing stairs are encountered.
[orpha.net]

[…] hypothyroidism H/o weight gain Myxoedema Muscle pseudohypertrophy Increased TSH ↑↑ Nonspecific Normal Diabetic infraction [9] 45 Proximal + + − − + + − − Cramps Sudden onset of pain
[wikidoc. org]

Congenital Absence of Thigh and Lower Leg with Foot Present

melalgia Pain in a limb or limbs; specifically, burning pain in the feet extending up the leg and even to the thigh. melosalgia Pain in the lower limbs. meromelia 1.
[wordinfo.info]

[…] with activity, especially while feeding, walking, or climbing stairs Loss of muscle mass Failure to gain weight Change in skin temperature and color (tendency to become cold
[stanfordchildrens.org]

Thigh or leg pain typically precedes the onset of numbness and motor weakness.
[aafp.org]

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome | NHS Lanarkshire

What Are The Symptoms?

Pain is felt on the outside of your hip/thigh/buttock area.

Symptoms can vary for different individuals but you may commonly experience pain with one or more of the following:

• Lying on your side
• When you are walking
• Climbing the stairs
• When you are standing on the affected leg for prolonged periods
• After longer periods sitting
• When you stand up after sitting
• Crossing your legs
• With a smaller amount of physical exercise or activity than you are normally able to do

How Common Is The Condition?

You are more likely to develop GTPS if:

• You are female (4 times as many women get GTPS than men)
• You are aged between 40-60 years old
• Up to 35% of people with lower back pain will also have GTPS

It’s quite common- between 20-25% of the population will have it at some point in their lives.

What Causes The Condition? 

There are a number of different factors that can contribute towards developing GTPS.   These will vary from person to person but common causes are:

• A fall on to your hip
• Excessive/sudden increase in physical activity or repetitive movements
• Crossing your legs
• Sitting for long periods
• Sitting in chairs that are too low
• Standing/weight bearing more through one leg for longer periods
• Reduced strength of the muscles around your hip
• Secondary to osteoarthritis of the hip/knee
• Having low back pain
• Morphology (Shape) of the pelvis
• Being overweight
• An inactive lifestyle

Combinations of the above may lead to the development of GTPS as they put more repetitive friction/ stress and weight through the gluteal muscles, tendons and bursa.

What Can Help With The Condition?

Timescales/ Prognosis

GTPS responds very slowly to treatment. On average it can take 6 -9 months and, in some cases, longer for your symptoms to improve. You need to have patience and ensure that you follow the steps outlined below.

The initial and most effective approach to treating GTPS involves taking the following steps

• With guidance from your, GP or Pharmacist take medications to manage the pain
• Balance your physical activity levels at work and home
• Modify your day to day activities and avoid repetitive (provocative) movements
• Do exercises to strengthen the muscles of your hip
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Manage other health conditions that you have

In a small number of people with GTPS, surgery and corticosteroid injections may be considered. However, research has showed these to be less effective in improving the symptoms and are only considered when all the above steps have failed.

Pain management

• Try to keep active and continue gentle exercise. Avoiding all activity can make the pain worse over time. Continue to exercise as long as it is not making the pain worse.
• Try to stay at work, speak with your employer and modify your duties if necessary.
• To manage pain, you can apply ice wrapped in a towel directly on the area for up to 20mins.
• The use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications can be used as advised by your pharmacist or family doctor (GP).
• In extreme cases or cases which do not get better with time and exercise, corticosteroid injections may be used. This can be discussed with you Physiotherapist or GP

Helpful tips

It’s good to keep active, however if activity is making symptoms worse avoid overdoing it.

• You could try using a pedometer to monitor how many steps you take each day. Keep a diary on how you feel based on how many steps you have taken. Try to reduce your steps if it makes your pain worse. Over time try to slowly add the steps back in.
• If exercises if flaring up your symptoms then try to make some changes. First try reduce how much exercises you are doing, try to slowly reintroduce that exercises over time. Also consider different forms of exercise such as swimming or cycling which may put less stress on your hip.

Try to be mindful of your postures and body positions during the day

• Avoid sitting with legs crossed for long periods
• Avoid sitting with knee wide apart or too close together for long periods
• Try to change positions frequently throughout the day
• Avoid standing with your weight on the on leg or pushing one hip out to the side
• Avoid very low chairs

• When going up stairs take one step at a time or use hand rail if needed.
• Limit walking up steep hills where possible

Sleeping positions can causes discomfort at night. Try out the following positions and find the most comfortable.

Try laying on your back with pillow under your knees to relieve pressure from your hip.

Try laying on your side with painful side up and pillow between your legs.

Pacing And Spacing

• Pacing and spacing methods can help you manage your pain better.
• Pacing is the term used for breaking down an activity or task. This can be done by taking regular breaks. Prioritising daily activities can also help. This can prevent “over stimulating” your pain system.
• When completing challenging tasks or activities, it may be useful to set a “baseline”. This is the amount you can manage on a good or bad day without increasing your symptoms. Therefore you can plan rests and set achievable goals.

Pain Activity Ladder

• By following the pain activity ladder (Click here for a video explanation https://youtu.be/e9SEqd8bvII) which can be seen below, you can identify activities that you would consider severely painful, moderately painful and mildly irritating and act to change your habits.
• The pain scale, most often used in healthcare, measures pain from 0-10 (zero being no pain and 10 representing the worst pain you could imagine).
• If you can identify the level of pain you are experiencing, you will find out if you are in the green, amber or red zone. The best way to move down to the green zone is by pacing and spacing your activity.
• When you are completing your rehabilitation exercises it is often best to work within the green (and sometimes amber zones depending on what you deem is an acceptable level of pain) both during the exercises and within 48 hours of completing your exercises. If you find yourself in the red zone you are likely pushing yourself too hard and may flare up the pain.

Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the painful area are the most effective treatment for GTPS. Strengthening the muscles of your hip will reduce your pain over time. If you are attending physiotherapy your therapist will advise you further.

It is normal to experience some discomfort or pain during rehabilitation exercises and for a short time after. However this should settle within a relatively short period of time.  The Pain Activity Ladder can be used as a useful guide to what level of pain may be acceptable.

When completing the exercises please start with the early exercises. When you find these easy then you may progress to the Middle and then the late exercises as able.

• VIDEO 1: EARLY STRENGTHENING 
• VIDEO 2: MIDDLE STRENGTHENING
• VIDEO 3: MIDDLE STRENGTHENING
• VIDEO 4: MIDDLE BALANCE
• VIDEO 5: LATE STRENGTHENING
• VIDEO 6: LATE STRENGTHENING
• VIDEO 7: LATE STRENGTHENING

If pain has gotten progressively worse within 24 hours of completing your exercises then this is a sign that the soft tissue structures have been irritated. This is due to doing too much exercise and/or doing exercises that are too hard too soon. This is normal and you should try to modify your exercises to suit.

Aim to reduce the number of sets and repetitions of your exercises. You can also reduce the load you are using or try an easier exercise. Over time slowly increase the load, volume and exercise difficulty.

Help And Support

If after following the above advice, your symptoms have not improved within 6 to 12 weeks, a referral to a physiotherapist may be beneficial.

You can access physiotherapy by any of the following:

• Completing this online self-referral form 
• Speak to your GP about a referral

Lower back pain and pregnancy

As a result, there are changes in the spine, in the muscles of the abdomen and back and the shape of the lumbar curve of the spine (hyperlordosis), and all this becomes relaxed. Poor posture and poor muscle tone can also affect spinal mechanics.

The lumbar curve of the spine begins to slowly increase as the pelvis begins to move back. This posture begins to affect the weakened muscles and leads to the accumulation of fatigue in the muscles of the lower back. A woman may experience moderately painful muscle spasms at first, which may be the first sign of the possibility of persistent low back pain as the pregnancy progresses. The growing uterus shifts the center of gravity and weakens the abdominal muscles, changes posture and puts excessive stress on the back. If the uterus affects the nerves, then this can lead to pain. In addition, being overweight during pregnancy puts more stress on the muscles and joints, and therefore, by the end of the day, a pregnant woman may feel discomfort.

Experts describe the two most common patterns of low back pain during pregnancy: low back pain that occurs in the area of ​​the lumbar vertebrae in the lower back, and posterior pelvic pain, which is felt in the back of the pelvis. Some women have symptoms of both types of low back pain.

Lower back pain is similar to the pain that a woman experienced before pregnancy. Pain is felt in the lower back and around the spine, approximately at waist level. Women may also experience pain that radiates to the legs. Prolonged sitting or standing can aggravate the pain and, as a rule, the pain tends to increase towards the end of the day. Many more women experience back pelvic pain, which is felt less than lower back pain. The pain may be deep inside the buttocks, on one or both buttocks, or in the back of the thighs. Pain can be triggered by activities such as walking, climbing stairs, getting in and out of the bathroom on a low cabinet, turning in bed, or twisting and lifting heavy objects.

Positions that involve leaning forward, such as sitting, in a chair, and working at a desk while leaning forward, can exacerbate posterior pelvic pain. Women with posterior pelvic pain are also more likely to experience pain over the pubic bone.

When low back pain radiates to the buttocks and thighs, sciatica is often suspected – although sciatica is not very common in pregnant women. True sciatica, which can be caused by a herniated disc or the presence of a disc protrusion in the lumbar spine, occurs in only 1 percent of pregnant women.

If there is compression and inflammation of the sciatic nerve (disc herniation), then the pain in the legs is more severe than with normal low back pain. Pain can be felt not only in the thigh, but also below the knee or even radiate to the foot. It is also possible the presence of sensory disturbances, such as numbness or tingling sensations.

In severe sciatica, there may be numbness in the groin area, as well as in the genital area. You may also have trouble urinating or defecation. If a pregnant woman has suspicions of sciatica, then she must definitely contact her doctor. If symptoms such as impaired sensation in the legs and weakness in one or both legs or loss of sensation in the groin and impaired urination or defecation appear, then you need to see a doctor urgently! Such symptoms may be evidence of the development of the “cauda equina” syndrome in the presence of a herniated disc in a pregnant woman, and in such cases an emergency operation is necessary.

Risk factors for low back pain

It is not surprising that, most likely, low back pain in pregnant women is most likely if there were already pains before pregnancy or there were degenerative changes in the lumbar spine (protrusions, herniated discs). Also at higher risk are pregnant women who led an inactive lifestyle before pregnancy, as a result of which their back muscles are weak, as well as the abdominal muscles.

Pregnancy with multiple fetuses (twins) significantly increases the risk of lower back pain. Obesity may also be a risk factor for developing low back pain during pregnancy.

Diagnosis of low back pain.

Examinations such as CT (MSCT) are rarely used to diagnose the causes of low back pain in pregnant women due to possible teratogenic effects on the fetus. MRI is also not recommended, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. But, if there are clinical indications, then MRI can be performed. Therefore, as a rule, the diagnosis of low back pain in pregnant women is mainly based on physical examination data, symptoms and medical history (for example, the presence of a disc herniation before pregnancy).

Treatment

The use of any medication during pregnancy is a big risk, since all medication will also enter the body of the fetus. Therefore, the usual prescription of painkillers, muscle relaxants, or steroids (NSAIDs) for back pain is contraindicated in pregnant women. In addition, the use of acupuncture physiotherapy is also not recommended. It is possible to use light massage and very gentle manual therapy techniques.

At the forefront of the treatment of back pain in pregnant women comes exercise therapy (gymnastics) and certain recommendations for daily activities. Gymnastics can be specialized, such as prenatal yoga. Good effect gives swimming and walking.

Swimming is an excellent choice of exercise for pregnant women because it strengthens the abdominal and lower back muscles, and being in the water relieves stress on joints and ligaments.

Need to maintain proper biomechanics during pregnancy:

• Stand up straight. This becomes more and more difficult to do as the shape of the body changes, but one must try to keep the back straight and the shoulders back. Pregnant women tend to drop their shoulders and arch their back as their belly grows, which puts more stress on the spine.
• If it is necessary to sit during the day, then one should sit straight. Leg support (nightstand) can help prevent lower back pain, and you can also put a special pillow under the lower back. Take frequent breaks from sitting. You need to get up and walk for several minutes, at least once an hour.
• It is equally important not to stand too long. If you need to stand all day, then it is advisable during a break to rest lying on your side, supporting your upper leg and stomach with pillows.
• Avoid movements that increase pain. If there is posterior pelvic pain, then one should try to limit activities such as climbing stairs. It is also advisable to avoid any activity that requires extreme movement of the hips or spine.
• It is important to wear comfortable shoes and avoid high heels. As the abdomen grows, the center of gravity shifts and when wearing shoes with heels, the risk of falls increases.
• Always bend your knees and pick things up from your haunches to minimize stress on your back. Spinal twisting should be avoided and activities such as vacuuming or mopping should be avoided.
• Divide the weight of the items to be carried. For a uniform load, it is necessary to carry the weight in two bags.

With severe pain and weak muscle corset, you can wear a belt.

Particular attention should be paid to pregnant women with herniated discs, as in a certain percentage of cases it is possible to develop cauda equina syndrome during pregnancy, a very serious neurological condition.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following symptoms occur:

• Back pain pain is very severe, persistent, or gradually increases, or if the pain appears after an injury, or if it is accompanied by a rise in temperature.
• Numbness in one or both legs, or feeling that the legs do not obey
• Loss of sensation in the buttocks, groin, perineum, or dysfunction of the bladder and defecation.
• Low back pain at the end of the second or third trimester is very suspicious. This may be a sign of preterm labor, especially if the pregnant woman has not had back pain before.
• If pregnant you experience pain in your lower back or side just below your ribs, on one or both sides. This may be a sign of a kidney infection, especially if there is fever, nausea, or blood in the urine.

Pain in the knee when walking

General information

Most people experience slight knee pain from time to time when walking. Basically, the movements of our body do not cause problems, however, it is not surprising that the symptoms develop from daily wear, overload or injury. Knee problems and injuries most often occur during sports or recreational activities, work-related tasks, or household chores.

Knee is the largest joint in the body. The upper and lower knee bones are separated by two discs (menisci). The femur and lower leg bones (tibia and fibula) are connected by ligaments, tendons, and muscles. The surface of the bones inside the knee joint is covered with articular cartilage, which absorbs shock and provides a smooth, sliding surface for joint movement.

Pain in the knee when walking can occur acutely due to injury. Chronic diseases can cause only some stiffness of the joint and only in the last stages manifest themselves in the form of acute pain when walking. Some diseases cause unbearable pain even at rest. Therefore, when such symptoms appear as soreness, stiffness, swelling, you should seek qualified medical help.

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Causes of pain in the knee when walking

Pain in the knee when walking can be associated with damage to various structures of the knee: small lateral movements. Pain may be accompanied by external changes:

Compared to other joints and the joint of the other half of the body, the inflamed joint is hot to the touch. All of these signs indicate the presence of Arthritis of the knee.

Acute injuries

Injuries (injuries) are the most common cause of knee pain when walking. Sudden injuries can be caused by a direct blow to the knee, or by abnormal twisting, bending of the knee, or by falling onto the knee. Pain, bruising, or swelling may be severe and develop within minutes of injury. Nerves or blood vessels may be compressed or damaged during an injury. The patient may feel the following symptoms:

Acute knee injuries include:

The most commonly injured knee ligament is the tibial collateral ligament. Destruction (fracture) of the patella, lower thigh, or upper tibia or fibula. Knee fractures most often result from an abnormal force, such as a fall on the knee, a strong twist of the knee, a large force that bends the knee, or when the knee hits an object with force.

Displacement of the patella most often occurs in girls from 13 to 18 years old. Particles of bone or soft tissue (articular mouse) when fractured or displaced can get stuck in the joint and interfere with its movement. Displacement (dislocation) of the knee joint. This is a serious injury and requires immediate medical attention.

Overload Injuries

Overload Injuries occur when repetitive movements or repeated or prolonged pressure on the knee. The following activities put stress on joints and other tissues:

All of these can lead to irritation and inflammation. Overload damage includes:

• Inflammation of small bags of fluid that cushions and lubricates the knee (bursitis).

• Inflammation of the tendons (tendinitis) or small tears in the tendons (tendinosis).

• Thickening or wrinkling of the ligaments of a joint (fibrinous film syndrome).

• Pain in the anterior part of the knee from overuse, injury, excess weight, or problems in the patella (patellofemoral pain syndrome).

• Irritation and inflammation of the band of fibrous tissue that runs from the outside of the femur (iliotibial ligament syndrome).

There may also be problems in and around the knee that are not directly related to injury or overload. Osgood-Spatter disease causes pain in the knee when walking, swelling and tenderness of the front of the knee below the patella. It often occurs in adolescent boys between the ages of 11 and 15.

Popliteal cyst (or Baker’s cyst) causes swelling in the back of the knee. Infection in the skin (cellulitis), joint (infectious arthritis), bone (osteomyelitis), or bursa (septic bursitis) can cause pain and limited movement in the knees when walking. Cleaver osteochondritis causes knee pain when walking and stiffness when a piece of bone or cartilage or both inside the knee joint loses its blood supply and dies.

Koenig’s disease

Koenig’s disease or osteochondritis dissecans is a condition that results in detachment and, as a result, loss of part of the cartilage in one of the condyles of the femur. Cartilage prolapse into the joint cavity occurs already at the last stage of the disease. The first symptom is knee pain and swelling. When climbing stairs, the patient has severe piercing pain.

Inflammatory reaction when a fragment of cartilage falls into the joint cavity is accompanied by excessive production of intra-articular fluid. Further presence of fragments of cartilage in the joint cavity can at some point cause unbearable pain in the knee when walking or standing up abruptly.

Treatment at the first stages of the disease, when the process of exfoliation of the articular surface of the cartilage, consists in immobilization (immobilization) of the limb. The patient is advised to wear an orthosis that relieves the load on the knee. To reduce the load on a healthy leg, it is recommended to use crutches. When a large fragment of cartilage falls into the joint cavity, surgical intervention is indicated.

Treatment

If you experience knee pain when walking, seek help from a traumatologist and a rheumatologist.