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The causes of upper thigh pain in older adults

Upper thigh pain is an unexpectedly common issue for older adults, and this can happen for a number of reasons. Here, we are taking a closer look at the many causes of pain in the upper thighs, why it can have such an impact on an older person’s mobility and quality of life, how to get a diagnosis for this type of pain, the treatment options available, preventive measures that older adults could take to avoid this, and when may be a good time to seek medical help for upper thigh pain. At Home Instead, our aim is to help people age positively and in place by bringing expert care to their home. For nearly 20 years, we have been providing the highest standard of care, and creating industry-leading training programmes for our Care Professionals that are accredited by nursing and medical professionals. Today, we are the world’s largest global domiciliary care network, supporting over 100,000 older adults with personalised, tailored care at home. So whatever questions you have about medical concerns in ageing adults, we can help. 

Why is upper thigh pain a common problem in older adults?

There are several possible reasons for upper thigh pain occurring in older adults, so diagnosing this problem requires a thorough review from a medical professional who can check for age-related factors such as muscle weakening, arthritis, circulatory issues and other conditions that could be causing this symptom. The thigh has a large amount of muscles that are key to stability, so discomfort in this region can be challenging for older people. Seemingly unrelated conditions can sometimes lead to pain here. For example, osteoarthritis in the hip can cause thigh pain or even knee pain. Similarly, vascular problems such as peripheral artery disease can lead to reduced blood flow in the thigh area, and as a result, thigh pain. Regardless of the underlying cause, pain in the upper thighs can be both extremely uncomfortable and can significantly impact mobility, making walking or standing more difficult. Decreased mobility for long periods of time can lead to a number of negative effects in older adults; it can limit their independence, contribute to a decline in their overall health, and negatively affect their wellbeing and quality of life. It is important to address the root cause of upper thigh pain as early as possible to ensure people in this age group can retain their mobility and independence. 

upper thigh pain in elderly

What are some common causes of upper thigh pain? 

A number of factors could contribute to pain in the upper thighs, including health conditions like spinal stenosis, pinched nerves, iliotibial band friction syndrome, and more. It is important to seek professional medical advice if you or a loved one experiences this symptom, but here are some of the most common reasons: 

Muscle Strain 

Older adults will start to use many of their muscles less and less over the years due to age-related changes, medical conditions, and the general inflexibility that comes with age. It is believed that from as early as 30 years old, people lose as much as 3-5% of their muscle mass every decade, known as sarcopenia. For this reason, taking care of muscles with regular stretches, exercise, and mindful movements to avoid falls, can help to preserve their strength. Muscles can also start to become more prone to injury, so any muscle strain can be particularly painful for this age group, and can be a significant contributor to upper thigh pain. Muscle strain results mainly from overuse, lifting heavy things, or making sudden movements, and repetitive activities like walking long distances or climbing stairs can also overstrain the thigh muscles. If muscle strain is to blame, an older person may experience a sharp or dull pain, tenderness or swelling in the muscle, and stiffness in the affected area. 

Arthritis 

Arthritis is an extremely common health condition in older adults, affecting an estimated 10 million people in the UK. The two main types include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and both can contribute to upper thigh pain in this age group. Osteoarthritis involves the degeneration of cartilage in joints, which can cause inflammation and pain that radiates from the hip joints to the upper thighs, or other affected areas. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that occurs when the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues which can cause joint inflammation. When this type of arthritis is experienced in the hips, it can cause pain in the surrounding muscles, including the upper thighs. As well as pain, an older person with either type of arthritis may find they get chronic pain, limited mobility, and a reduced quality of life due to their activities being hindered by pain and stiffness, so they may require assistance in daily life to help with their arthritis. You can read more about this condition in our guide to living with arthritis.

Hip Bursitis 

Hip bursitis (otherwise known as trochanteric bursitis) is common among older adults, and the most common form of bursitis. It causes inflammation of the bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs that provide cushioning for the hip joint. In older people, this condition may result from overuse, an injury, or underlying arthritis. It tends to affect the outer hip and causes pain that can radiate down to the person’s upper thigh. This pain is often a sharp pain, and gets worse when doing activities like walking, climbing stairs, or putting pressure on the affected side, such as when lying in bed. The pain of hip bursitis could affect an older person’s mobility and daily functioning, which can make it challenging for them to carry on with their routine or usual activities, leading to a reduced quality of life.

Sciatica 

You may have heard of sciatica before as it commonly affects older adults. It occurs when the sciatic nerve (the body’s longest nerve, running from the lower back through the hips and down each leg) becomes compressed or inflamed. This can happen to anyone at any age, but it most commonly affects older adults who may be more likely to suffer from something like a herniated disc or another related health condition.  Sciatica can cause a sharp, burning pain that moves from the person’s lower back all the way down to their upper thigh, so this could be a potential cause of upper thigh pain. The affected leg may also feel tingly, numb or weak, which impacts mobility and, as a result, quality of life. Sciatica typically lasts between 4 and 6 weeks, but it is important for older adults to get this checked as they may be moving around less than other age groups. 

Blood Circulation Issues 

When blood doesn’t circulate properly, the body can send signals to alert us. Conditions such as peripheral artery disease (PAD) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can lead to upper thigh pain, and in the case of PAD this is caused when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the muscles in the limbs, while in DVT this is caused by a blood clot in a vein. Both conditions can be dangerous for older adults if left untreated, leading to tissue damage or even blood clots travelling elsewhere in the body. If you suspect you might have blood circulation issues, you should get any thigh pain checked by a professional.  

Hip Fractures 

Hip fractures are a common problem in older adults. In the UK, an estimated 76,000 hip fractures occur every year, with the majority resulting from a fall. Studies have found that a fracture like this can significantly reduce an older person’s quality of life by negatively impacting their ability to engage in self-care or other daily activities, as well as impacting their mobility. Although fractures often result from falls, they may also be caused by osteoporosis or bones that have weakened with age. Fractures can cause severe pain in the hip, and can be so intense that pain radiates down to the upper thigh. Risk factors for hip fractures include age, gender (women are more susceptible to fractures due to lower bone density), a history of falls, or a bone-related condition. If you experience a hip fracture, pain in the hip and upper thighs could mean you are unable to put weight on the affected leg, and could experience stiffness or bruising around the hip. All of these issues can lead to limited mobility and therefore reduced independence, and a fractured hip will often require emergency medical intervention and surgery.

Tendonitis 

Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons, and this can happen in tendons connected to the hip or thigh regions. Older adults may develop tendonitis due to overuse of a tendon, injuring a tendon, or general age-related wear and tear. Upper thigh pain may be experienced if tendonitis occurs in or around this region, and the pain may be a dull ache that gets worse with movement, accompanied by stiffness in the affected area. When a tendon is inflamed, it restricts the usual smooth movement of the tendon, which can make walking more difficult, as well as other daily activities.

How is upper thigh pain usually diagnosed? 

Upper thigh pain in older adults will typically be diagnosed through a comprehensive medical evaluation from the person’s doctor. It is extremely important to consult a healthcare professional and not assume that the issue will resolve itself, as upper thigh pain can indicate something serious like a hip fracture or blood circulation issues. A doctor will usually assess the patient’s medical history, ask about the symptoms they are experiencing, and take into account their overall physical condition in order to make a diagnosis. A physical exam may involve checking for tenderness, range of motion in the upper thighs, and any signs of inflammation. If the problem is not apparent to the doctor, they may carry out blood tests to gain more information and rule out infections, and could make a referral for diagnostic tests such as X-rays which can reveal any possible bone fractures or arthritis. MRIs and ultrasounds can also detect soft tissue injuries such as hip bursitis or tendonitis, so if the doctor thinks it necessary, they may make a referral for this too. Even if the upper thigh pain is mild, it is important to seek an accurate diagnosis in order to identify the root cause and develop an effective treatment plan to manage this pain.

upper thigh pain in elderly

The treatment recommended for upper thigh pain in older adults depends entirely on the underlying condition that is diagnosed, but in general there are a few ways this type of pain may be treated, including a combination of medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and home remedies. For pain management, a doctor may prescribe the appropriate amount of pain relief or will recommend over-the-counter medications like NSAIDs (ibuprofen, for example) or corticosteroids to reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles around the hip and thigh to improve mobility and stability in this area, and low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling may be recommended to help maintain joint health without causing additional strain. A professional may recommend lifestyle changes like managing weight in order to reduce the amount of pressure on the joints involved in this pain. There are also certain home remedies that can help, such as resting, applying ice packs to the upper thighs, and gentle stretches to alleviate pain. Depending on the condition, a doctor may recommend surgery to address the underlying cause, but treatment should always be tailored to the medical needs of the individual in order to provide the most effective pain management and improve their quality of life.

When should an older person seek medical help for upper thigh pain?

Any kind of pain can be challenging for an older adult to live with, and when pain affects the upper thighs this can impact their mobility and quality of life. For this reason, older adults should seek help for any upper thigh pain as soon as they notice symptoms arising, so that their doctor can do the necessary diagnostic tests and do what is necessary to make them more comfortable. If an older adult is experiencing severe pain in this region of the body, immediate medical attention may be necessary, as well as if they notice sudden swelling, numbness, or are unable to move one or both of their legs. These symptoms could indicate a serious condition like a hip fracture, a blood clot or even a severe infection. Help should also be sought early if upper thigh pain begins to interfere with an older person’s daily activities, as it may not be long before their mobility and independence is impacted, and it is vital to preserve these things for as long as possible. 

How can I support an older loved one with upper thigh pain?

To support an older loved one with upper thigh pain, you should first help them speak to their doctor (whether with you, or by encouraging them to visit alone), and find out what the cause is. If the cause is muscle strain or a similar issue, the doctor will usually refer them to a physical therapist who will provide appropriate exercises for them to do in order to improve their strength and mobility. They may also recommend diet adjustments to maintain a healthy weight, home adaptations like adding grab bars for support, and ensuring there are safe walking paths around their home to enhance their comfort and safety.Remember, your older loved one may also require emotional support, as chronic pain can greatly impact a person’s mental health. Offer them a space to talk, and provide them with reassurance and encouragement. It may also help to focus their attention on enjoyable activities that can help to alleviate feelings of frustration or depression. By taking a holistic approach and addressing both their physical and emotional needs, your loved one may start to experience an improved quality of life.You can read more in our guide to supporting mental health in older adults.

Can home care support those with upper thigh pain? 

Home carers can support older adults with many health issues, and if your loved one is experiencing upper thigh pain, companionship and home help can assist in the treatment and management of this. Your home carer can visit to provide regular support within the person’s own home, and help them to ease the discomfort of thigh pain by:

  • Encouraging them to move around regularly (if recommended to do this by their doctor) and offering reminders if they forget
  • Helping with meal preparation, cooking, housekeeping and other daily tasks that may be more difficult for an older person with upper thigh pain 
  • Helping with personal care activities like daily washing and getting dressed if these tasks become more challenging or painful due to upper thigh pain 

If you or your loved one experience upper thigh pain, it is important to seek professional advice in order to obtain a proper diagnosis and start the relevant treatment. Home care can help with this, by providing support to manage pain and assist with treatments to help tackle the underlying cause. At Home Instead, we understand there’s no place like home, so our home care offering aims to help older adults retain independence and stay in familiar surroundings. We offer a number of bespoke services which can be tailored to your needs, and our Care Professionals are highly trained to deliver the individualised service you need. Reach out to the team at Home Instead to learn more.