The thigh consists of 3 large muscle groups. The quadriceps is the frontal portion of the thigh. It comprises of a group of 4 muscles which help to extend and straighten the lower leg. On the back of the thighs are the hamstrings, which consist of 3 muscles that bring the leg backward and help in flexing the lower leg toward the buttocks. Present on the inner thigh are the abductors and adductors, which help to kick the leg to the side. Intense exercise, sitting in the same posture for some time, or de-conditioning of the muscles can result in a person experiencing soreness in their thigh muscles, which makes walking difficult, if not painful.
How To Treat Sore Thigh?
You can treat a sore thigh through the following way:
Treat Sore Thigh with Cold Compresses: Ice pack should be applied on the thigh areas where soreness is experienced. For helping it stay on the thigh, the covered ice pack should be placed on the sore area and wrapped with an athletic bandage around the thigh. The ice pack should be kept on and off the thigh, alternating in 10 to 15 minute intervals, for a period of 2 to 3 hours to treat sore thigh muscles.
Massage to Treat Sore Thigh: The affected thigh muscles should be gently massaged to treat sore thigh. Sports massage techniques for easing the muscle tension in the thigh include pushing the hands from the knee up the thigh towards the hips can be used. Then, a hand should be placed on either side of the thigh and rotating motions should be used. Next, circular motions with the hands should be used to target any areas of pain. When feeling knots in the muscles, a thumb should be placed on that area and kneaded gently until the knot goes away. Massage is very effective in treating sore thigh.
Treat Sore Thigh with Leg Elevation: The leg should be elevated by placing pillows underneath the heel. This proves helpful in relieving inflammation by sending blood flow away from the thigh and thereby reducing swelling and soreness in the thigh.
NSAIDs for Treating Sore Thigh: A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can be taken in order to decrease swelling and minimize pain and soreness in the thigh. These should be taken as directed until the pain and thigh soreness subsides.
Rest with Light Stretching: It is advisable to refrain from exercising until thigh muscle soreness subsides. Exercising on extremely sore muscles can lead to the increased risk for muscle tear and strain. However, engaging in light stretching for the thigh, like pulling the foot towards the buttocks and crossing one leg over another knee while leaning forward to stretch the thigh, can prove helpful in easing thigh pain and soreness.
Things to Remember
Each workout should be started with a 5 to 10 minute walking warm up. This helps to prevent muscle soreness including thigh soreness. Also, every workout should be ended with a 5 to 10 minute stretching session that includes leg stretches, for preventing muscle tightness and soreness.
Caution
Sometimes, thigh muscle soreness can be a symptom of strain in the thigh muscle. In such cases, the thigh should be closely checked for signs of injury, like bruising or tenderness to touch. If any of these areas are identified, the muscles should be rested and at-home techniques to reduce pain should be used. However, if the thigh pain does not resolve on its own, a doctor should be contacted without delay.
Also Read:
