A herniated disk occurs when an intervertebral disc falls out of its place, which can press on a nerve and cause a radiating pain with electric-like stabs from the buttock into the leg. It is a narrowing of the spaces between the vertebrae caused by a deterioration of cartilage.
Full Answer
Why does my upper leg hurt?
Sep 14, 2020 · The following are potential causes of sharp, shooting leg pain that comes and goes: Cramping Cramps are sudden, shooting muscle pains, often in the calves, hamstrings, or quadriceps. The exact...
What causes electric sensations in the legs?
Upper leg pain may result due to inflammatory processes, such as the following. Autoimmune: Diseases that affect nerves, particularly in the lower back can deliver pain to the upper leg. Spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease are examples that can impact the upper leg.
What causes leg cramps?
Oct 23, 2017 · Causes of upper thigh pain Meralgia paresthetica. Caused by pressure on the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, meralgia paresthetica (MP) may cause... Blood clot or deep vein thrombosis. While many blood clots aren’t harmful, when one forms deep in one of your major... Diabetic neuropathy. A ...
What causes pain in the upper leg with arrow view?
Apr 21, 2022 · Causes of Sharp Pain in Thigh 1. Prolonged Sitting Sitting for long hours without moving can prevent blood flow in the leg causing numbness. The blood... 2. Muscle Strain This is a muscle pull which occurs suddenly as you walk. It could be as a result of a hamstring pull... 3. Overexertion Heavy ...
Why does it feel like electric shock in my thigh?
Arachnoiditis can cause many symptoms including the following: Tingling, numbness or weakness in the legs. Sensations that may feel like insects crawling on the skin or water trickling down the leg. Severe shooting pain that can be similar to an electric shock sensation.Jun 10, 2019
What causes pain that feels like electric shocks?
Overview. Trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureux) is a disorder of a nerve at the side of the head, called the trigeminal nerve. This condition causes intense, stabbing or electric shock-like pain in the lips, eyes, nose, scalp, forehead and jaw. Although trigeminal neuralgia is not fatal, it is extremely painful.
What causes nerve pain on top of thigh?
It's caused by compression of the nerve that provides sensation to the skin covering your thigh. Tight clothing, obesity or weight gain, and pregnancy are common causes of meralgia paresthetica. However, meralgia paresthetica can also be due to local trauma or a disease, such as diabetes.Mar 1, 2022
What helps nerve pain in upper thigh?
MedicationsCorticosteroid injections. Injections can reduce inflammation and temporarily relieve pain. ... Tricyclic antidepressants. These medications might relieve your pain. ... Gabapentin (Gralise, Neurontin), phenytoin (Dilantin) or pregabalin (Lyrica).Mar 1, 2022
Can fibromyalgia cause electric shocks?
Fibromyalgia pain is unlike normal pain Pain is one of the central symptoms of FMS. It can feel as if you have a sunburn when you don't, or like you've pulled every muscle in your body. You may experience a pins-and-needles sensation, or feel like sharp electric shocks are running through you.Nov 21, 2019
Can a pinched nerve feel like electric shock?
A true pinched nerve happens when disks, bone or ligaments compresses or restricts blood flow to the nerve. This interferes with the signal the nerve sends and receives. Whether pinched or inflamed you may feel burning or electrical shock sensations with pain that shoots down the arms or upper back.Nov 23, 2018
What does upper thigh pain mean?
Because of a large number of muscles in the upper thigh, pain in this area is often due to a muscle injury. Some common muscle injuries in this area include: Muscle sprains and strains. Sprains and strains can affect any of the many muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the thigh. A sprain is a torn or stretched ligament.
What causes pain at top front of thigh?
Quadriceps or Hamstring Tendonitis Overuse and repeated stress to your thigh muscles may cause inflammation in your tendons. This condition is known as tendonitis. Symptoms of quad or hamstring tendonitis include: Pain in the front or back of your thigh, usually near your knee or hip.Nov 29, 2021
What does femoral nerve pain feel like?
Symptoms may include any of the following: Sensation changes in the thigh, knee, or leg, such as decreased sensation, numbness, tingling, burning, or pain. Weakness of the knee or leg, including difficulty going up and down stairs -- especially down, with a feeling of the knee giving way or buckling.
What happens if meralgia paresthetica goes untreated?
Left untreated, however, meralgia paresthetica may lead to serious pain or paralysis. Seek prompt medical care for persistent systems of meralgia paresthetica, such as numbness, tingling, or mild pain, as continued compression of the nerve may lead to permanent damage and paralysis.
Is walking good for meralgia paresthetica?
Exercising for 30 minutes a day at least three or four times a week should help ease meralgia paresthetica pain. Some exercises to try include: brisk walking.Dec 22, 2020
Does meralgia paresthetica go away on its own?
Typically, meralgia paresthetica goes away in a few months on its own or with conservative treatment, like wearing loose-fitting clothing or losing weight. Pregnant women with the condition usually experience relief after giving birth. More severe cases may require medications or surgery.
What causes leg pain?
Most people who have this condition have leg pain that comes and goes without risk factors for PVD or PAD, such as: 1 diabetes 2 being overweight 3 smoking
What does it mean when your legs hurt when you walk?
Sharp, shooting leg pain that gets worse when climbing stairs or walking. Other symptoms include numbness, aching, or a sensation of heaviness in the leg muscles. The pain usually subsides when you rest. The pain may occur anywhere in the legs, including the thighs, buttocks, calves, or feet.
How to stop shooting pain in legs?
If your leg pain is related to overuse from physical activity, try a new activity that’s less repetitive on the legs and feet, such as taking an aerobics class or swimming. Maintaining a healthy weight and taking care of your body can help reduce the sharp, shooting pains whenever possible.
What is chronic compartment syndrome?
Chronic exertional compartment syndrome is a common complaint in 30 percent of athletes with leg pain. Athletes who engage in repetitive activities, such as biking, running, or swimming can develop chronic compartment syndrome. What it feels like. Where it occurs.
Can smoking cause leg pain?
If you smoke, quitting is recommended. Smoking is a major risk factor for sharp pains when walking. Smoking can cause changes to blood vessels and make it easier for the blood to clot, which can contribute to leg pain. Eat a heart-healthy diet.
What causes a cyst in the leg?
Most people who have this condition have leg pain that comes and goes without risk factors for PVD or PAD, such as: diabetes. being overweight. smoking . The condition causes a cyst to build up in the leg that can press on arteries in the legs, which affects blood flow. What it feels like.
Can intermittent leg pain be a sign of injury?
Sharp, intermittent leg pain can limit your activity level. Pain that isn’t related to an injury or doesn’t cause a consistent level of pain can often be treated at home with certain lifestyle changes.
What are the symptoms of a quadriceps injury?
Top Symptoms: upper leg numbness, thigh weakness, thigh pain from overuse. Symptoms that always occur with repetitive strain injury of the quadriceps: thigh pain from overuse. Symptoms that never occur with repetitive strain injury of the quadriceps: upper leg injury, severe upper leg pain. Urgency: Self-treatment.
What is the cause of pain in the back of the spine?
Spinal stenosis. The spine, or backbone, protects the spinal cord and allows people to stand and bend. Spinal stenosis causes narrowing in the spine. The narrowing puts pressure on nerves and the spinal cord and can cause pain.
What are the symptoms of compartment syndrome?
Symptoms can rapidly intensify. They include severe pain and tightness in the muscle; tingling or burning sensation; and sometimes numbness and weakness. Acute compartment syndrome is a medical emergency which can result in loss of the limb. Take the patient to the emergency room or call 9-1-1.
What is the condition of the hip?
Arthritis of the hip is inflammation of one or more of the joints in the hip. Pain, swelling, and stiffness are the primary symptoms of arthritis . Hip arthritis can make it hard to do many everyday activities, such as walking or climbing stairs. It is a major cause of lost work time and a serious disability for many people.
What are the symptoms of arthritis in the hip?
Rarity: Common. Top Symptoms: hip pain, difficulty walking, pain in one hip, limping, groin pain. Symptoms that always occur with mild/moderate hip arthritis: hip pain.
What is a femoral stress fracture?
Femoral stress fracture means there is a break in the femur, or thighbone. The femur is the largest and strongest bone in the body and is important for bearing weight. A femoral stress fracture usually occurs in the top of the bone where it connects to the pelvis.
How to treat iliotibial band?
Treatment involves rest; ice; over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; stretching exercises for the iliotibial band ; strengthening of the upper leg muscles; and, if needed, changes in the way the person strides or trains. Corticosteroid injections can be helpful and surgery may be tried in some cases.
What is the cause of pain in the legs?
Diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is a long-term complication of diabetes, and it involves nerve damage. It can result when high blood sugar levels go unchecked for long periods. The damage sometimes affects the nerves that run down the legs, causing pain in the area.
Why do my legs cramp?
Cramping. Cramps are sudden, shooting muscle pains, often in the calves, hamstrings, or quadriceps. The exact causes are unclear, but muscle fatigue is one factor that may contribute. The pain of leg cramps can be mild to severe. It may last for a few seconds or minutes, but it usually goes away without intervention.
Why does my leg hurt when I shoot?
Sharp, shooting pain in the leg may result from a cramp, an injury, or nerve damage. Some of these issues require professional treatment. While intermittent leg pain is rarely a medical emergency, contact a healthcare professional immediately if the pain is severe or if blood circulation in the leg seems to be limited or cut off.
What is the term for a pinched nerve in the spine?
Radiculopathy refers to a pinched nerve in the spine causing a range of symptoms throughout the body. It may be a result of arthritis or a ruptured disk in the spine.
How to tell if you have PAD?
Other symptoms of PAD include: decreased hair growth on the legs. cold legs or feet. slowed growth of toenails. slowing of wound healing in the legs or feet. loss of hair on the limbs, hands, or feet. erectile dysfunction. gangrene.
How do doctors diagnose intermittent leg pain?
A doctor diagnoses the cause of intermittent leg pain by asking about symptoms. They may also ask how the pain feels, how frequently it occurs, and whether there are any triggers, such as walking.
Can atherosclerosis cause leg pain?
Atherosclerosis can lead to peripheral artery disease (PAD), which involves the narrowing of arteries that serve the lower body. PAD can cause sharp leg pains that come and go with leg activity . The pain may occur with cramping, which may spread to the hips. Other symptoms of PAD include:
Why does my upper leg hurt?
Autoimmune: Diseases that affect nerves, particularly in the lower back can deliver pain to the upper leg. Spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease are examples that can impact the upper leg.
Why do my legs hurt?
Upper Leg. Upper leg pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, including trauma, systemic disease, or inflammatory conditions. Read more below to learn about upper leg pain, including causes, possible treatments, and more.
What is the term for the inflammation of the bursa of the greater trochanter?
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome, also called trochanteric bursitis or GTPS, is an inflammation of the bursa of the greater trochanter. Bursae are the small "cushions" between tendons, bones, and muscles. The greater trochanter is th..
What are the symptoms of a thigh nerve issue?
Symptoms that never occur with thigh nerve issue (meralgia paresthetica): new headache, swollen hip, swollen hips, swelling of one hip, leg swelling, weakness of both legs, leg weakness.
What are the symptoms of a quadriceps injury?
Top Symptoms: upper leg numbness, thigh weakness, thigh pain from overuse. Symptoms that always occur with repetitive strain injury of the quadriceps: thigh pain from overuse. Symptoms that never occur with repetitive strain injury of the quadriceps: upper leg injury, severe upper leg pain. Urgency: Self-treatment.
What is the condition of the hip?
Arthritis of the hip is inflammation of one or more of the joints in the hip. Pain, swelling, and stiffness are the primary symptoms of arthritis . Hip arthritis can make it hard to do many everyday activities, such as walking or climbing stairs. It is a major cause of lost work time and a serious disability for many people.
What are the symptoms of upper leg pain?
Minor upper leg pain is not a cause for concern, but it is important to seek immediate attention if you experience the following upper leg pain symptoms: Deep cuts or exposed bones. Fever and upper leg pain. Inability to walk.
What does it mean when your upper thigh hurts?
Symptoms of upper thigh pain. Thigh pain can range from a mild ache to a sharp shooting sensation. It may also be accompanied by other symptoms including: When pain comes on suddenly, there’s no apparent cause, or it doesn’t respond to home treatments, such as ice, heat, and rest, you should seek medical treatment.
What causes a burning sensation in the outer part of the thigh?
Caused by pressure on the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, meralgia paresthetica (MP) may cause tingling, numbness, and a burning pain in the outer part of your thigh. It typically occurs on one side of the body and is caused by compression of the nerve.
How to treat hypothyroidism?
lead poisoning. Treatment involves identifying the underlying cause, then taking measures such as wearing looser clothing or losing weight to alleviate pressure . Exercises that reduce muscle tension and improve flexibility and strength may also help alleviate pain.
How to treat a hip flexor strain?
swelling or bruising at your hip or thigh area. Most hip flexor strains can be treated at home with ice, over-the-counter pain relievers, heat, rest, and exercises. In some severe cases, physical therapy and surgery may be recommended.
Can a hip flexor cause pain?
Hip flexor muscles can be strained with overuse, and can cause pain or muscle spasms in your thighs as well. Other symptoms of hip flexor strain may include: pain that seems to come on suddenly. increasing pain when you lift your thigh toward your chest. pain when stretching your hip muscles.
What are the symptoms of DVT?
Symptoms include: sudden shortness of breath. chest pain or discomfort that worsens when you take a deep breath or when you cough.
What to do if your hip is hurting?
stretching and strengthening exercises for the pelvis, hip, and core. However, if those measures don’t provide relief after several days or if more serious symptoms accompany the pain, you should seek medical treatment. In some cases, physical therapy, prescription medications, and surgery may be required.
Why does my thigh hurt so bad?
The sharp pain in the thigh could be due to other potential diseases. These include osteomyelitis, Ewing's sarcoma, septic arthritis, osteosarcoma, sciatica, compartment syndrome, among other infections. It could also be because of a tumor in the bone, thigh bone fractures and nervous disorders like tendinitis.
How to relieve sore legs?
Massaging the legs with essential oils reduces the muscle pulls and pains. To relieve sore muscles, use a massage balm made from olive oil, coconut oil, and tea tree oil to reduce the pain .
How to treat a swollen thigh?
Often, when symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a medical expert in the area. Such pains have different underlying causes which determine the mode of treatment. Prolonged severe pain is particularly a medical concern. A medical doctor will diagnose, and recommend the appropriate treatment. Some of the clinical solutions include: 1 Pain Killers. For pain relief, an anti-inflammatory drug is appropriate. You can take aspirins or ibuprofen to ease the pain and reduce the inflammation. 2 Thigh Wraps. A physiotherapist could recommend the use of elastic bands in the case of muscle pulls. This reduces the swelling and muscle strains. Thigh wraps are effective in sports related muscle pains. 3 Injection. An injection to reduce pain is one solution to the inflammation. A corticosteroid injection reduces the risk of severe swelling and pain. It should be offered by a doctor. In case of severe pain, the physician can administer an injection of a corticosteroid preparation to reduce the risk of inflammation. 4 Surgery. Sometimes surgery is an option in the treatment of thigh pain. It is often recommended for cases of growth, benign cancer, and compartment syndrome. In such conditions, surgery becomes an effective solution to ease the pain in the affected area.
How to relieve pain in the thigh?
Recommended medically, the RICE method is an effective remedy for pain in the thigh. It involves Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Compresses. In order to remove sudden sharp pains in the thigh areas, apply a hot or cold compress in the affected parts to reduce any swelling and pains.
Why is it important to seek immediate relief for pain in the thigh?
This is because certain pains in the thigh and lower back could require treatment.
What is the best treatment for thigh pain?
Surgery. Sometimes surgery is an option in the treatment of thigh pain. It is often recommended for cases of growth, benign cancer, and compartment syndrome. In such conditions, surgery becomes an effective solution to ease the pain in the affected area.
What to do when pain persists?
Clinical Treatments. Often, when symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a medical expert in the area. Such pains have different underlying causes which determine the mode of treatment. Prolonged severe pain is particularly a medical concern. A medical doctor will diagnose, and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Why does my thigh hurt?
Thigh pain may be caused by a pinched spinal nerve. Both herniated lumbar discs and low back arthritis may pinch on the nerves that exit your spinal column and travel down your thigh. 1
What causes pain in the back of the thigh?
Overuse and repeated stress to your thigh muscles may cause inflammation in your tendons. This condition is known as tendonitis . Symptoms of quad or hamstring tendonitis include: Pain in the front or back of your thigh, usually near your knee or hip.
What muscles are on the back of the thigh?
They allow you to straighten your knee and bend at the hip. Your hamstring muscles are on the back side of your thigh. They allow you to bend your knee.
How to help thigh pain?
Exercise . Exercise has been proven to help thigh pain that involves your muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. This is known as your musculoskeletal system. If your pain is coming from your back, lumbar stretches and strengthening exercises may be done to relieve pressure from spinal nerves.
Why does my lower back hurt?
Weakness in your thigh muscles. Difficulty sitting or rising from sitting. Pinched nerves typically cause thigh pain that changes depending on your spine's position, so this can be a clue to your doctor that your low back is actually causing your thigh pain. 2.
How to stop a thigh ache?
Ice may help to decrease painful inflammation in your thigh's muscles and tendons. Ice should be applied for 10 to 20 minutes several times a day . Never apply ice or a frozen ice pack directly against your skin, as this can cause frost burns.
What is the band on the side of the thigh called?
Your iliotibial band is a thick piece of tissue and fascia (connective tissue densely packed with nerves) that runs down the outer side of your thigh. Sometimes it can become irritated with overuse or repeated stress. This is a common running injury known as iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBS) .
Question
I have chronic low-back pain and hip pain, but sometimes I also have a stabbing pain in the upper side of my thigh. Does anyone know what it might be?
Answer
If the pain is on the outer part of your thigh, it could be something called meralgia paresthetica. Meralgia paresthetica is caused by a compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which is a sensory nerve to the upper thigh.