Experiencing a stabbing or shooting pain in thigh may be due to a number of reasons, or may also arise as a sign of some underlying health disorder. ...

Experiencing pain in any region of the body is a signal, indicating that there is something wrong in that particular area. A sudden, out of the blue shooting pain in thigh can arise due to several factors like, a wrong position of the leg, unnatural twisting, and also due to the presence of some abnormalities. Whatever be the reason, this is one annoying condition, since sharp thigh pain hampers with rest, and also with the routine. Timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent this condition from turning chronic.

Reasons for Thigh Pain

There can be several causes why some people may experience shooting pain in the thigh muscle during different positions of the legs and even while lying down. Improper blood circulation can also affect the thigh muscles and weaken them, triggering pain. However, let us take a look at some factors responsible for the pain.

➤ Experiencing pain in thighs while sitting can be due to prolonged sitting without any movement. This can hamper the blood circulation and the thigh may also feel numb. Once you change your position, or walk around for sometime, the circulation is restored and the pain may disappear.
➤ Sudden, stabbing pain in the thigh when walking can be triggered because of muscle strain or pull. It can also result due to hamstring pull, which may occur at the back of the thighs. Adductor and quadriceps strain may lead to pain in the anterior portion of the thigh.
➤ If your muscles and ligaments are weak, then they are more prone to strains and sprains. Overexertion, owing to heavy work or exercise, is also one contributing factor for experiencing pain in the legs.
➤ During pregnancy, thigh pain could be one of the effects of stretching of the pelvic bone, a condition called Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD). The body produces a hormone called relaxin, which loosens the ligaments to prepare the pelvic region for childbirth. However, sometimes, due to excess production of this hormone, the pubic bone joint may move due to over-soft ligaments and cause pain.
➤ Other causes for intense pain in thigh are growth of tumor on the bone, fracture in the femur (or thigh bone), a nerve disorder called meralgia paresthetica and tendinitis, etc.

Remedial Measures

Shooting pain in leg, which may radiate to the thigh and lower back, may require treatment. In case of a delay in treating this problem, the pain may increase in intensity and hamper the daily routine. Here are some methods that can help in dissipating the pain away.

Home Remedies
This May Help ... Going slow on caffeine consumption, may considerably reduce muscle pain. Pain in the thighs can be treated at home using some simple methods, which are quite effective in warding off pain and discomfort.

❒ Application of cold or hot packs on the affected area may minimize the pain considerably. If there is a swelling, it may also come down with the help of this compress.
❒ Another effective and popular technique is the RICE method. RICE is the abbreviated form for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. This method is even recommended by doctors worldwide.
❒ Soaking in warm water bath, to which Epsom salts have been added is another effective home remedy to get rid of shooting pain in the thigh and legs. You can also soak your legs in a bucket of warm water to relax the sore muscles.
❒ Massaging your thighs and legs will also help reduce the soreness of muscles and provide relief from pain. For the massage balm, you can mix equal portions of clove oil and coconut oil and apply it on the affected region. This mixture helps radiate warmth and aching muscles may find relief. Massaging the entire leg with tea tree oil will also facilitate in improving blood circulation and reduce muscle soreness. Repeat this process till you find complete respite from the pain.

Clinical Treatments
In case, you don't find respite from this shooting pain in the thighs, even after trying these home remedies, then you may need medical intervention.

❒ The healthcare provider may prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs to provide relief from pain. Medications like ibuprofen and aspirin will help relieve muscle strains and reduce inflammation.
❒ In case of a swollen thigh due to muscle strain, the doctor may recommend using thigh wraps and elastic bandages to reduce the swelling. Some exercises may also be recommended to help the affected muscles regain their strength and flexibility.
❒ In severe cases, where there is a complete muscle tear, growth of tumor or lump, and also if there are any other serious disorder, the doctor may opt for intense therapy and even surgery to eradicate the pain completely.

Whatever be the reason for noticing shooting pain in thigh, in case of persistence, it must be brought to the doctor's notice, who may provide appropriate medication to reduce the intensity of the pain. Take care!

Disclaimer: The article published herein, is meant for educational purposes only and does not intend to supplant the advice of a healthcare practitioner.