Lateral Thigh Pain

Lateral thigh pain is a common complaint among athletes, especially runners. Most causes of lateral thigh pain respond well to conservative care treatments, such as manual therapy techniques, stretching exercises and . certain physical therapy modalities IT Band Syndrome Iliotibial, or IT, band syndrome can cause pain on the outside aspect of the thigh. According to the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma, or NISMAT, IT band syndrome is characterized by pain over the lateral femoral epicondyle, or the bony bump on the outside of the thigh, just above the knee. The IT band is the tendon-like extension of the fascia or connective tissue that surrounds the gluteus maximus and tensor fascia latae muscles in the pelvic region. A person usually notices IT band syndromerelated pain when walking, hiking or running. In most cases, IT band syndrome pain disappears after a period of rest. Common signs and symptoms include lateral thigh pain or discomfort, and lateral thigh and knee pain made worse by running, especially downhill. The NISMAT states that friction between the IT band and the lateral femoral epicondyle is the principle cause of IT band syndrome. Meralgia Paresthetica Meralgia paresthetica can cause pain on the outside of the thigh. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, or NINDS, states that meralgia paresthetica is a condition in which a person experiences burning pain, numbness and tingling on the outer or lateral aspect of the thigh. Meralgia paresthetica occurs when the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve--a sensory nerve that supplies a portion of the thigh--is compressed as it exits the pelvic bowl. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or AAOS, common signs and symptoms associated with meralgia paresthetica include pain on the outer portion of the thigh that may radiate to the outside aspect of the knee, aching in the groin and buttocks, discomfort on only one side of the body and hypersensitivity to light touch in the affected area. The NINDS states that, in most cases, meralgia paresthetica will resolve with conservative treatments or on its own. Muscle Contusion A muscle contusion can cause pain on the outside portion of the thigh. According to the AAOS, muscle contusions or bruises are one of the most common sports injuries, second only to muscle strains in frequency. Athletes who participate in contact sports, such as football, rugby and martial arts, are particularly vulnerable to muscle contusions. The AAOS states that most contusions are mild and heal rapidly, although severe contusions can crush muscle fibers, connective tissues and small blood vessels, which can lead to complications and an inability to participate in sports for up to several months. Common signs and symptoms associated with muscle contusions include pain, swelling and discoloration in the affected area, a hematoma or lump at or near the injury site, reduced range of motion in the injured segment and altered gait if the contusion affects one of the lower extremity muscles.

Trochanteric bursitis . Inflammation of the bursa located over the lateral thigh resulting in awakening from sleep with deep lateral thigh pain (on the outside part of the thigh) and pain after prolonged walking. The pain is usually most intense over the upper lateral thigh and refers to the outside of the lower thigh and sometimes into the knee. Causes include repetitive stress ,overuse) injuries, multiple minor traumatic injuries) lumbar spine disease such as scoliosis, leg-length inequalities, rheumatoid arthritis, lying on one side of the body for an extended period (perhaps due to another injury or illness), excessive or prolonged pressure on the hip such as from standing too long, an acute traumatic incident such as a fall, and previous :surgery or prosthetic implants in the hip. Symptoms Aching pain is usually focused on the outside of the upper thigh, just over the point of the hip. Pain may .radiate down the outside of the thigh as far as the knee Pain is worse when you lie down or roll over on the affected side. Climbing stairs, sitting or standing too long and walking may all be painful. Pain at night is common and may make sleeping difficult. Diagnosis is .made on clinical grounds and with diagnostic injections Therapy is usually diagnostic injections and exercises .but rarely surgical excision of the bursa is required Myositis Ossificans Sometimes, a severe injury or a fracture causes the deposition of calcium, and eventually bone, in thigh muscle. The calcium deposits get reabsorbed without leaving any long-term effect but the reabsorption process may take several months. In some cases, the deposits of calcium near the muscle insertion or origin, do not get absorbed. This causes a lot of discomfort and can be removed only surgically. Recurrences of myositis ossificans often causes mild to severe thigh pain and numbness. Read on treatment of .myositis ossificans Deep Vein Thrombosis The condition of deep vein thrombosis is described as the formation of blood clot, called thrombus, in a deep vein. It may occur in any of the deep veins present in thighs and legs. This leads to thigh pain and numbness and is certainly a cause of great concern. Immediate medical attention is required. .Here's more on blood clot in legs