What Are the Causes of a Throbbing Pain in the Thigh Area?

Leg Injury
Varicose Veins
Menstrual Cramps

Written by Amber Keefer

18 December, 2018

Throbbing thigh pain can emerge from the knee, hip or back. The origin of the problem could be related to the muscles, bones or nerves in the legs. Throbbing can be dull or so severe that a person may find it difficult to stand or walk. If there is no obvious reason for the onset of discomfort and it continues after a few days of home treatment, you should see your doctor for what may be causing the persistent thigh pain.

Is This an Emergency?

If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.

Leg Injury

The American Academy of Family Physicians points out that although hip pain is a frequent complaint among athletes, a number of possible causes can produce it 2. Certain sports such as soccer and track make young athletes in particular more likely to sustain a hip injury. A stress fracture to the femur, pulled muscle and muscle strain, sciatic nerve and bursitis are all possible causes of thigh pain. Sciatica is a common source of lower back pain that can be felt down the back of the leg. The pain can be sharp and intense or a constant throbbing sensation.

The American Academy of Family Physicians points out that although hip pain is a frequent complaint among athletes, a number of possible causes can produce it 2.

Varicose Veins

Causes of Bilateral Lower Leg Pain

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The pressure of body weight as well as the force of gravity contribute to varicose veins, which often appear in the legs. Unlike other veins in the body, the veins in the legs can have trouble carrying blood from the feet back up to the heart. While many factors increase a person's risk of varicose veins, age is a primary risk factor. Veins can weaken as an individual gets older.

According to the National Women's Health Information Center, about half of Americans over age 50 suffer from varicose veins. The condition affects women and men both, although a slightly higher percentage of women develop varicose veins. Symptoms may include swelling, a feeling of heaviness in the legs, cramping and throbbing pain.

The pressure of body weight as well as the force of gravity contribute to varicose veins, which often appear in the legs.
While many factors increase a person's risk of varicose veins, age is a primary risk factor.

Menstrual Cramps

A dull, throbbing pain in a woman's lower abdomen that radiates to the lower back and thighs can be a symptom of menstrual cramps 1. Women who suffer with more severe menstrual cramps produce higher levels of prostaglandins, hormones that trigger the muscles in the uterus to contract 1. Other conditions related to the female reproductive organs which can cause painful menstrual cramping and thigh pain include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, uterine fibroids and cervical stenosis.