Thigh pain is not uncommon in individuals who participate in exercise. It is often the result of failing to warm up prior to participation in exercise and can also occur as a result of performing an exercise improperly. Two of your thigh muscles that most commonly experience pain after exercise are your hamstrings in the back of your thigh and your adductor muscles, or groin. If you experience persistent thigh pain during exercise, stop and contact your physician.
Hamstring Pull
Your hamstring muscles are responsible for bending your knee and the extension of your hip. Hamstring pulls are common in those who sprint, jump hurdles or participate in sports such as rugby or football. If you pulled a hamstring muscle, you are likely experiencing a sharp pain during exercise as well as pain when you try to straighten your knee. Swelling and bruising may also occur.
Hamstring pulls can range from minor to severe -- a complete rupture of the hamstring muscle. They are usually treated with ice, compression, rest and exercises to help strengthen the hamstring muscles. If you have a complete hamstring muscle tear, surgery may be required to reattach the muscle to the bone.
Groin Strain
A groin strain occurs in the front portion of your thigh and is an injury to any of the adductor muscles that run from your pelvis to your knee. These muscles pull your legs inward toward the center of your body. Groin strains often occur as the result of a failure to warm up and are accompanied by pain, possible swelling, bruising and difficulty moving your hip. Groin strains may be treated with rest, ice, elevation, compression, the use of crutches or surgery if the muscle is completely torn.
Muscle Contusions
Muscle contusions can occur in any portion of the thigh and lead to pain following exercise. They often happen during participation in contact sports or a fall while working out. A blow to your thigh region crushes the muscle fibers and tissues without breaking the skins surface, causing a bruise. Muscle contusions are normally mild and will only keep you from participation in exercise for a few days at most. To reduce pain, rest, apply ice and compression, and elevate your affected thigh.
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Delayed onset muscle soreness -- DOMS -- can also cause pain in your thighs a day or two after an intense exercise regime. DOMS can occur in individuals of all fitness levels and usually takes 24 to 48 hours to set in. The pain can be anywhere from mild to debilitating. It is due to a buildup of lactic acid in your muscles, which leads to muscle swelling. Treat DOMS with muscle massages and rest between workouts. Take vitamin C to prevent the onset of DOMS after future workouts.
