UPPER LEG SPECIALISTS

Pain in the upper thigh can be challenging to diagnose because this area of the body contains many muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

The upper leg specialists and physical therapists at New Mexico Orthopaedics can help you address your symptoms, create a treatment plan to minimize pain, and get you back to you as quickly as possible.

The thigh and upper leg muscles are a critical component of the overall musculoskeletal structure of the body. The upper leg comprises the femur (thigh bone), the longest and the heaviest bone in the skeleton, the quadriceps (thigh muscles), the hamstring, the adductors, and numerous tendons that connect all the muscles to the bone.

The hamstrings are made up of three muscles located on the back of the thigh. They allow the knees to bend:

  • semimembranosus
  • semitendinosus
  • biceps femoris

The quadriceps are made up of four muscles located on the front of the thigh. They allow the knees to straighten from a bent position:

  • vastus lateralis
  • vastus medialis
  • vastus intermedius
  • rectus femoris

Adductors are five muscles located on the inside of the thigh. They allow the thighs to come together:

  • adductor magnus
  • adductor longus
  • adductor brevis
  • obturator externus
  • gracilis

Common upper leg injuries include:

  • Femur fracture
  • Tendon tears
  • Hamstring strain or tear
  • Quadriceps strain, or tear
  • Adductor strain, or tear

Muscle strains are graded according to their severity. A grade 1 strain is mild and usually heals readily; a grade 3 strain is a complete muscle tear that may take months to heal.

If you are experiencing upper leg pain, it is essential to be seen by an orthopedic specialist for a proper diagnosis. With the help of medical imaging, including X-rays and MRIs, our specialists can determine the underlying cause of pain and create a treatment plan.

Treatment options include:

  • Cast or brace
  • Physical therapy
  • Medication
  • Surgery
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what hurts - orthopedic and spine model

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