What Are the Causes of Long Muscle Pain in Thigh?
The long muscles in your thigh are called the quadriceps or quads, consisting of four different muscles that work together. Since they make up a big and important muscle group, you may be experiencing pain from a muscle strain, spasm or soreness.
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About the Quads
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The four muscles that make up the quadriceps are the vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius and the rectus femoris. The quadriceps main function is to extend the knee, and the muscle group is used in most activities requiring leg movement.
Muscle Strain
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A strain is a tear in the muscle tissue. The severity of the strain can vary from just a small tear to completely rupturing the muscle. A muscle strain in the thigh usually occurs after an activity involving use of the thigh muscles, including running, jumping and kicking.
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Muscle Spasm
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According to MedicineNet.com, a muscle spasm is also known as a muscle cramp and is an involuntary contraction of a certain muscle. They are normally brief, yet painful. Overuse and dehydration are main causes of muscle spasms, making muscle spasms usually avoidable.
Muscle Soreness
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Muscle soreness can happen after overuse of a certain muscle or muscle group. This can be experienced after beginning a new or different exercise routine or from a traumatic event like a car accident.
Thigh Pain Treatment
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As soon as a thigh injury or pain develops, you should use the R.I.C.E treatment. This stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation.
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References
- Photo Credit Stretching the inner thigh as part of a Thai body massage. image by Deborah Benbrook from Fotolia.com
