Pain Along Lateral Side Of Upper Leg After Working Out & Walking

Experiencing pain along the lateral side of the upper leg following exercise is caused by the anatomical structures of the low back, hip, thighs or knees. This commonly happens to sedentary people who become active and demand too much of their hips too quickly. Overuse and repetitive injuries can also cause pain and discomfort of the tissues of the lateral thigh. Rest and ice will usually resolve the pain caused by overuse injuries, but if the pain persists a physician's opinion should be sought.

Causes

Pain in the lateral thigh can be caused by a joint out of place or a herniated disc in the low back which may irritate the nerves and refer pain to the lateral thigh. Sprains, strains, and tendinitis can all affect the muscles and cause pain in the lateral thigh. Weakness in the hip muscles, gluteal muscles, and abdominal muscles can predispose the body to improper posture which leads to pain. Leg length differences and overpronation of the feet commonly lead to pain in the lateral thighs.

Iliotibial Band

The iliotibial band, or IT Band, is a sheath of thick fibrous connective tissue that originates at the top of the iliac crest and inserts in the tibia of the lower leg. This band will become irritated with repeated hip flexion usually associated with running an increase amount of miles and running downhill. The IT Band Syndrome can occur with sudden stretching, tearing, or rupture of the muscle and fascia. There is usually pain and discomfort experienced in the lateral side of the upper leg during movement.

Bursitis

There is a bursae or fluid filled sac located in the hip to protect the tendons as they rub over a bony prominence of the femur. This sac can become inflamed with overuse of the muscle or injury. Pain associated with bursitis is usually localized to the upper thigh and is irritated with movement.

Treatment

To treat pain of the upper leg at home, rest and ice are recommended. Stretching the muscles of the thighs and low back can help relieve the tension in the leg. Massage, myofascial release therapy, electromuscular stimulation or ultrasound may also help to relax the tight muscles and relieve the trigger points of the IT Band. Adjustments done by a chiropractor can help relieve pain that may be referred from the low back. Purchasing quality athletic shoes and orthotics can help to decrease pronation of the feet. Prescriptions to decrease inflammation and corticosteroid injections may be helpful if the pain persists.