Tendonitis in the thigh

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

A common location of tendonitis in the thigh is on the outside of the thigh. This is where the so-called tractus iliotibialis is located, a tendinous band that connects the outer thigh muscle—the musculus tensor fascia 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 medically as iliotibial band syndrome. Examples include running, gymnastics, or speed skating. 

In addition, tendon problems in the thigh are also often linked to improper footwear, poor running technique, or congenital alignment abnormalities of the legs. Examples of the latter include a leg length discrepancy, bow legs (knees tend to point outward), or knock knees (knees tend to point inward).

Symptoms of tendonitis in the thigh

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

Characteristic of tendon problems is the gradual worsening of pain. Initially, pain is often present only after sports or exertion. In the next stage, pain is also 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 interview, the family doctor or physical therapist will perform a physical examination, possibly supplemented with some specific tests. The combination of the way the symptoms started, the symptom pattern, and the findings from the examination will then make it possible to establish a diagnosis.

In case of doubt, the family doctor can request additional tests by a medical specialist. An ultrasound or MRI scan of the thigh should then provide clarity.

Treatment of tendonitis in the thigh

For effective treatment of tendonitis in the thigh, it is extremely important to recognize the symptoms in time. A physical therapist is a very suitable healthcare provider to play a guiding role during the recovery process.

In the initial phase of the symptoms—when symptoms are present only after exertion or sports—getting enough rest and cooling may already be sufficient to reduce symptoms within a few weeks.

Physical therapy treatment will initially focus mainly on pain reduction. Possible treatment techniques the physical therapist can apply to support recovery are: dry needling, massage, mobilizing techniques, and stretching exercises.
Then, gradually strengthening the thigh muscles is an important goal.

Do you have tendonitis in the thigh? Ask a physical therapist for help.