The tendon hurts when I lift my thigh, but there's no pain while walking.

May 13, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
Pain in the tendon when lifting the thigh, though not during walking, is usually caused by muscle strain, ligamentitis, or fasciitis. A detailed medical examination at a hospital is required to determine the exact cause. Besides these conditions, arthritis could also be a possibility, and targeted treatment may be necessary. Avoid intense physical activity in the short term, prioritize bed rest, maintain regular sleep hours, and avoid staying up late.

Lifting the thigh causes pain in the tendons, while walking does not. This is usually due to muscle strain, ligamentitis, or fasciitis. The exact cause requires a detailed medical examination at a hospital, followed by targeted treatment. Specific causes are as follows:

1. Muscle Strain

If intense physical activity occurs within a short period, it may directly injure local muscle tissue, leading to symptoms such as restricted movement and difficulty moving. When lifting the leg, the affected muscles may be stretched, worsening the pain. Walking generally involves less strain, so pain may not occur. Treatment options include local heat application and pulsed ultrasound therapy.

2. Ligamentitis

This condition is often caused by blunt trauma or indirect external forces, resulting in stiffness and weakness. Local inflammation can also lead to sharp, needle-like pain when lifting the leg. However, walking typically does not aggravate the inflamed area significantly, so pain may not be felt. Medications such as meloxicam tablets, loxoprofen sodium sustained-release tablets, or ibuprofen sustained-release tablets may be taken as directed by a physician.

3. Fasciitis

Since the inflammation occurs in the fascia, lifting the leg directly pulls on the inflamed tissue, causing severe pain. Walking engages the fascia less, so significant pain is usually absent. Treatments may include infrared therapy or microwave therapy.

In addition to the above causes, conditions such as arthritis, lumbar disc herniation, or lumbar spinal stenosis could also be responsible. It is recommended to follow medical advice—for example, taking etoricoxib tablets. Avoid intense physical activity in the short term; prioritize bed rest, maintain regular sleep patterns, and avoid staying up late. If symptoms worsen, seek timely medical evaluation.