The human thigh is composed of the quadriceps, hamstrings and adductor muscles. The quadriceps are located in the front of the thigh and the hamstrings are located in the back of the thigh. The adductor muscles are located on the inside of the thigh. The hamstrings and quadriceps allow the leg to flex and extend. The adductor muscles pull the legs together. According to the Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, because the hamstrings and the quadriceps cross the hip and knee joint, they are more prone to the muscles pulling. Though a pulled thigh muscle can be painful, it is usually not serious and you can care for it yourself.
Step 1
Stop playing or working out when you experience pain in your thigh. If you continue to work out or don't come out of the game, you could make the injury worse, lengthen the recovery time or injure the muscle severe enough that it become permanently damaged or weakened.
Step 2
Elevate the leg above your heart to reduce swelling. Use pillows or blankets to make it more comfortable. According to the Sports Injury Clinic, mild strains should be rested for 72 hours and severe strains can cause you to be out of the sport for six to 12 weeks.
Step 3
Apply a cold pack to the injured leg. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends applying ice for 20 minutes at a time, multiple times during the day. Do not apply an ice pack directly to the skin, as it can cause frostbite. Place a cloth between your leg and the ice pack.
Step 4
Wrap an elastic compression bandage around the injured leg. This is to prevent and decrease swelling of the injured muscles. If you are applying weight to the injured leg, you may need crutches.
Step 5
Visit your doctor. According to the Sports Injury Clinic, an athlete who experiences a severe strain will notice bruising within 24 hours after injury, severe swelling and intense pain. The doctor may have you go to physical therapy for recovery.
Things You'll Need
- Ice
- Elastic compression bandage
- Pillows
- Blankets
- Cloth
- Crutches
