Muscle tightness and thigh swelling can happen to anyone — no matter your age, gender or fitness level. Because symptoms can be extreme and interfere with daily activity and exercise, it is important to understand why swelling and tightness in the thigh muscles can occur and how it can be remedied.
Thigh Swelling and Other Symptoms
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Thigh swelling and tightness can vary from mild to severe. It can occur suddenly or develop gradually. You may notice symptoms when you exercise, while trying to straighten or bend your knee or even during rest.
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Additional symptoms can include inflammation, pain, deep thigh bruise, muscle spasms or a sharp, burning sensation. Swelling and tightness can be so extreme that you are unable to walk, play, fully bend or straighten your knee or exercise.
Read more: Tight Thigh Pain
Causes of Thigh Swelling
You can experience tightness and thigh swelling if you overuse your thigh muscles with repetitive exercise or excessive physical activities that put stress on your thighs. It can also occur if you sprain or strain muscles in the thigh area by suddenly changing directions or forcefully exerting yourself.
Falling or coming into contact with an object can also cause symptoms. Tension, stress and some infections and medical conditions, such as the influenza virus, lupus or fibromyalgia, can also contribute to muscle tightness and swelling.
Try Home Remedies
If approved by your doctor, over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help ease inflammation and tightness. Place an ice pack on the irritated thigh muscles for 15 to 20 minutes at a time for the first 72 hours after injury. Rest and refrain from any activities that worsen or trigger symptoms for about 48 hours. Elevate your leg above the level of your heart when resting to allow gravity to assist with reducing thigh swelling.
Gently stretch out or massage your thigh muscles. Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or do not respond to home remedies. A doctor can prescribe a medication, physical therapy exercises or even refer you to a specialist or pain clinic.
Prevent Future Tightness
Always warm up before any physical activity with light aerobics or a brisk walk. Gradually increase your intensity and endurance rather than straining and pushing your muscles right from the start of physical activity or exercise.
Stretching tight thigh muscles, such as your hamstrings and quads, can also help prevent future muscle injury. Hold each stretch for 20 to 30 seconds and repeat three times on each leg.
HOW TO DO IT: Stand facing a wall with your feet staggered. Place your hands on the wall at shoulder height. Keeping the back leg straight, slowly bend your front knee until you feel a stretch in the back of your other thigh — along your hamstrings. Repeat on the opposite leg.
Stretch your quads on the front of your thigh by leaving one hand on the wall. Bend one leg behind you and grab your foot with your hand. Gently pull your heel toward your butt until you feel a stretch in the front of your thigh. Switch legs and repeat.