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What Can Be Done for an Inner Thigh Muscle Pull?

When you pull a muscle, you feel a sharp, internal pain in the affected area for a short period of time. Usually a muscle pull is harmless, but the pain can be nearly unbearable. It also can cause an inability to function where the strain has occurred. These tips can help reduce pain and get straight to the source before it becomes a larger problem.

  1. Cause

    • A muscle pull is a tear that forms within a muscle, also known as a distraction rupture. This usually results from excessive stretching, sprinting, tennis or bicycling. If you experience a pulled muscle in your thigh, immediately stop the activity that caused it. Gently elongate your leg and massage the area. One common myth is that you should stretch your leg when you have a pulled muscle. Instead, it is best to leave it alone. The blood flow in the area will increase rapidly. Your job is to regulate the blood flow back to its normal rate.

    Icy Hot

    • The active ingredients menthol and methyl salicylate found in various muscle strain products work by penetrating a pulled muscle with coldness followed by heat to alleviate pain. Rub a quarter-size amount of your preferred muscle strain product on the affected area after a hot shower or bath. Do not apply more than four times daily. For added relief, wrap an elastic bandage around the area to stop the menthol from escaping the area.

    Ice

    • Put a large quantity of ice in a sealable food storage bag. Place the bag on your thigh for at least 30 minutes twice daily. The ice will decrease blood flow to the area, which can help the pull heal quickly. Refrain from applying pressure on your thigh until it is completely healed.

    Crutches

    • The idea is to let your inner thigh muscle heal completely before you partake in any physical activity. Failure to do so leads to another pull in the same area. Crutches serve as another leg when one is hurt. Use them to avoid any pressure from getting to the pull. The less you walk or exercise on a pulled muscle, the faster you will recover.

    Visit a Sports Clinic

    • Many sports clinics have special machines and X-rays to evaluate how rapidly a muscle pull is healing. Schedule an appointment to have a simple test performed on your thigh. The test results can guide you in knowing how much more relaxation your thigh needs.

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