Thigh tendonitis

A tendonitis in the thigh occurs as a reaction to small tears in the tendon of the thigh muscle due to overuse. The tendon then becomes irritated, which leads to thickening of the tendon and a reduction in mobility.

A common location of a tendonitis in the thigh is on the outside of the thigh. This is where the so-called iliotibial tract is located; it is a fascial band that connects the outer thigh muscle, the tensor fasciae latae, to the bone just below the knee.

Cause of tendonitis in the thigh

In most cases overuse is the main cause of tendonitis of the outer thigh muscle, known in medical terms as the iliotibial band syndrome. Examples include running, gymnastics or speed skating.

In addition, tendon problems in the thigh are also widely linked to incorrect footwear, poor running technique or congenital alignment abnormalities of the legs. Think of, among other things, a leg length discrepancy, bow legs (knees leaning outwards) or knock knees (knees leaning inwards).

Symptoms of tendonitis in the thigh

With a tendonitis in the thigh, local pain in the thigh is most typical. The tendon can be tender locally and may feel stiff during movements of the thigh inwards. Other signs of inflammation, such as local warmth, swelling and redness, can also be present.

Characteristic of tendon problems is the pain gradually getting worse. Initially, the pain is often only present after exercise or sport. In the next stage, the pain is present at the start of movement but subsides during movement. In a more advanced stage, pain persists before, during and after movement.

Diagnosis of tendonitis in the thigh

After the GP or physiotherapist has taken a history, they will perform a physical examination, possibly supplemented with some specific tests. The sum of the cause, the symptoms and the findings of the examination then makes it possible to make a diagnosis.

In case of doubt, the GP can have additional tests performed by a medical specialist. An ultrasound or MRI scan of the thigh should provide clarity.

Treatment of tendonitis in the thigh

For good treatment of a tendonitis in the thigh, it is extremely important to recognise the symptoms in time. A physiotherapist is a very suitable care provider to play a guiding role during the recovery process.

In the early phase of the symptoms, when symptoms are only present after exercise or sport, taking sufficient rest and icing may suffice to reduce symptoms within a few weeks.

Physiotherapy treatment will initially focus mainly on pain reduction. Possible treatment therapies that the physiotherapist can apply are: dry needling, massage, mobilising techniques and stretching exercises.
Then gradually strengthening the muscle strength in the thighs is an important goal.

Do you suffer from tendonitis in the thigh? Then ask a physiotherapist for help.