Question:
How can i avoid pain in my what (I think) is the rectus femoris?
Hi
I recently returned to exercise after a good 5 years doing virtually nothing. Previously I swam daily and practised athletics as well as yoga, ballet and horse riding.
Since i have started a new regime (now 4 months) of ballet, yoga, swimming, circuits, i get a severe pain in the front of my thigh, predominantly on the day after exercise but now more commonly in normal everyday life activities, such as walking and on seating. The pain is not only the pain associated with exercise but also a burning deep within.
I had initially dismissed the pain as 'new to exercise' muscle soreness but it has become increasingly worse and is now beginning to have an impact on my everyday life. I have tried massage which has not really helped a great deal, heat packs which hurt (burning sensation). I am now considering 'resting' and avoiding exercise completely in a bid to stop the pain.
I apologise that this is only a minor problem in comparison to others out there but I would appreciate any help you can offer. Apologies in advance also for my lack of anatomical knowledge.
Many thanks in anticipation.
Asked by Beginner - 1 answer - 3 years 30 weeks ago
Hi,
I am unure how long you have been awaiting a response and so do not know if the condition you have exerienced has changed at all. I have just seen your question and so will answer it as is.
To be perfectly honest there is little advice that can be given with certainty without a full examination of your thigh. What I would suggest is not stopping activity all together. It is more a case of altering the type of activity you are performing untill your thigh muscles have adapted to cope with the demands you wish to place on them.
It would seem at first glance that your muscles are suffering from over-training due to your abscence from activity. This should not pose to much of a problem for you if you deal with it in the correct way. That is to say the Principle of R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation). This is typically for immediately after the injury so if it has been some time I would suggest you spend some time performing some light submaximal work such as cycling and swimming, ensuring you perform a thorough warm up and cool dowm.
Alternatively, you may have a minor muscle tear which would involve a slightly more complex rehabilitation, one which i suggest you arrange to see a professional therapist for guidance. Do not be alarmed by this though as it is not to say you have a dreadful injury, more that the help of a therapist will ensure safe and correct technique with a thorough explaination of wat it is you are doing and why.
Either way, I would if you can book an appointment with a physical therapist to ensure that the deep burning pain you have been experiencing is not nerve related. They will then be able to set you on the correct path, which will hopefuly be an active one.
all the best.
Submitted 3 years 6 weeks ago by Paul Keenan