Thigh muscle pain can originate in any of the thigh muscles--including the quadriceps or hamstring muscle groups--or it can be caused by low back conditions in which pain radiates into the front, sides or back of the thigh. Thigh muscle pain can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on the cause of the pain and the tissues involved.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Polymyalgia rheumatica can cause thigh muscle pain. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, a division of the National Institutes of Health, polymyalgia rheumatica is a rheumatic condition characterized by moderate to severe musculoskeletal pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders and thighs. The NIAMS states that stiffness in these areas is often worse upon waking or after a period of inactivity. Muscle stiffness usually lasts for 30 minutes or more. In most cases, polymyalgia rheumatica-related symptoms develop slowly, over time. Common signs and symptoms associated with polymyalgia rheumatica include muscle pain in the shoulders, neck, lower back, buttocks, hips and thighs, upper arm tenderness, reduced range of motion in affected body segments and fatigue. According to the NIAMS, Caucasian women over 50 years of age have the greatest risk for polymyalgia rheumatica.
Groin Strain
A groin strain can cause thigh muscle pain. The Sports Injury Clinic reports that a groin strain is a partial tear or rupture of any of the adductor muscles in the thigh. The five hip adductor muscles, whcih bring the leg toward the midline of the body, include the pectineus, adductor longus, magnus and brevis muscles and the gracilis. The hip adductor muscles are used often in sprinting, football, horse riding, hurdling and other activities that require rapid directional changes. Groin strains are graded on a scale of one to three, based on severity. Grade three strains are the most severe, and they can significantly affect a person's ability to perform his activities of daily living. Common signs and symptoms associated with a groin muscle strain include pain or discomfort in the groin or inner thigh, swelling and bruising on the inner thigh, pain with walking or running and tightness in the affected area.
Meralgia Paresthetica
Meralgia paresthetica can cause thigh muscle pain. According to the MayoClinic.com, meralgia paresthetica is a disorder in which a person experiences burning pain, numbness and tingling on the lateral or outer portion of the thigh. Meralgia paresthetica is caused by entrapment or compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve supplies sensation to the skin on the outer aspect of the thigh. Possible causes of meralgia paresthetica include anything that causes additional pressure to be placed on the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, such as tight clothing, obesity and pregnancy. Meralgia paresthetica can also be caused by traumatic injuries or diabetes. The signs and symptoms associated with meralgia paresthetica usually occur on only one side of the body and are made worse by walking or standing.
