Is it normal to have soreness in the front of the thigh after running?

Generally speaking, whether soreness in the front of the thigh after running is normal depends on the characteristics of the discomfort. If the soreness is mild and gradually improves with rest, it is usually considered normal. However, if the pain is severe, accompanied by restricted movement or continuously worsening, it may be abnormal, and one should pay attention to their physical condition. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If only mild soreness occurs in the front of the thigh after running, it is mostly due to repeated contraction of the quadriceps during exercise, leading to slight lactic acid buildup or minor muscle fiber strain. This type of soreness typically diminishes within 1–2 days after running, does not affect normal walking, and is a normal physiological response that requires no special treatment.

If the soreness is intense, accompanied by noticeable swelling in the front of the thigh, significant tenderness upon pressure, or difficulty bending and straightening the knee while walking, it may indicate a muscle strain caused by inadequate warm-up before exercise or improper running posture—this is not normal. Without timely correction, such conditions may worsen the injury and prolong recovery time.

During regular exercise, it is recommended to perform adequate warm-up exercises to activate the muscles in the front of the thigh before running, and to do stretching afterward to promote lactic acid metabolism. If mild soreness occurs, it can be relieved through heat application and gentle massage.