There are many causes of anterior or front thigh pain. According to MayoClinic.com, leg pain, including anterior thigh pain, can affect a person's ability to walk, bear weight on the affected side and feel stable. Most anterior thigh pain originates from structures on the front of the thigh, such as the quadriceps muscles, although some anterior thigh pain may be referred from another part of the body, such as the lower back. Causes of front thigh pain are usually not serious, though any pain that persists or worsens should be brought to the attention of a physician.

Charley Horse

A charley horse can cause anterior thigh pain. According to MedlinePlus, a charley horse is a muscle spasm, especially in the leg. Although muscle spasms can occur anywhere in the body, the legs, including the anterior thigh muscles, are common locations for spasms to manifest. Muscle spasms are characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that do not relax. 

A charley horse can be caused by overworked muscles, dehydration and nerve irritation. Anterior thigh charley horses are especially common in athletes participating in running or jumping activities. Common signs and symptoms associated with a charley horses include severe pain and tightness in the affected muscle, along with a bulging muscle and increased muscle tone in the involved area. MedlinePlus says that triggering activities should be avoided and the muscle should be stretched and massaged for relief.

Quadriceps Strain

A quadriceps muscle strain can cause anterior thigh pain. The Sports Injury Clinic website states that tears in the fibers of the bulky quadriceps muscle group--consisting of the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius and rectus femoris muscles--can cause pain in the front of the thigh. The degree of quadriceps strain-related pain varies, depending on the severity of the muscle tear. 

Quadriceps muscle strains are relatively common among athletes participating in sprinting, jumping or kicking activities. Common signs and symptoms associated with a quadriceps muscle strain include anterior thigh pain and tightness, pain or discomfort in the affected area with walking, mild swelling, difficulty straightening the knee against resistance and muscle spasm near the injury site. According to Sports Injury Clinic, most quadriceps muscle strains respond well to conservative care methods, including rest, ice, compression and elevation immediately following strain-related injury.

Contusions

Contusions can cause anterior thigh pain. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, muscle contusions are bruises caused by a single traumatic event or by repeated blows to a muscle from a blunt object. The forces causing a contusion crush underlying muscle fibers and connective tissue, although the skin is not broken. 

The AAOS states that athletes participating in contact sports have a greater risk of suffering a muscle contusion, and that contusions are one of the most common causes of sports injuries, second only to muscle strains or tears. Common signs and symptoms associated with quadriceps muscle contusions include skin discoloration, pain in the affected area, a soft tissue defect or lump over the injury site and tenderness at the site of contusion. Contusions that cause severe swelling and bleeding underneath the skin can result in shock.

Although sprinting is an activity that can provide you with health benefits, it is also intense enough to trigger injuries. If you feel pain in your quadriceps, it could be the result of a potentially serious injury. For this reason, you should stop exercising immediately if you feel any pain. You can treat quadriceps pain in many ways, but you should refer to a doctor before you attempt any treatment.

Muscle Strain

Muscle strains, also known as muscle pulls, are common injuries, and the stress of sprinting may trigger this injury. High-speed sports demand more from your quadriceps than other activities, putting you at risk for strains. Strains occur when your muscle fibers are pushed past their limits and you may experience a popping or snapping prior to your pain. Strains are graded according to the severity of injury, with one being the mildest and three being the most serious.

Quadriceps Tendon Rupture

Another injury that may cause pain in your quadriceps while sprinting is a quadriceps tendon rupture. This occurs when excessive strain is put on your quadriceps, and the tendon rupture causes your patella to shift abnormally, as it is no longer anchored by your quadriceps tendon. You can tell when your quadriceps tendon has ruptured because a hole is visible on your thigh.

Treatment Options

The treatment options for your injury depend on what the injury is. Strained quadriceps muscles that are classified as grade one or two strains can be treated with rest, ice, compression and elevation. You should stop training for 72 hours and consult a medical professional. If you have a grade three strain, you should use a compression bandage until you can see a doctor, which should be as soon as possible. Consult a professional in any case, as he can assess the injury accurately. If you have a ruptured quadriceps tendon, you will need surgery, so consult a doctor as quickly as possible.

Preventing Injury

You can never completely guarantee you won't experience an injury, but you can take measures to help avoid injuries such as strains and ruptures. Warming up by stretching and performing sprints at slower speeds can help ease your muscles into activity. In addition, you should perform weight training activities to strengthen your muscles so sprinting does not over-strain them. Finally, you should consume a high carbohydrate diet leading up to sprinting competitions, as this will provide adequate fuel for your muscles and prevent fatigue and undue stress.

Runners who train hard often experience various aches and pains in their quads and thighs as result of their sport. However, if thigh pain is chronic and interferes with performance, it may indicate a more serious injury. Common thigh injuries include a strain of one or more of the quadriceps muscles, iliotibial band syndrome or femoral stress fracture. In other cases, thigh pain may relate to a herniated lumbar disk.

Quadriceps Strain

Quads and thigh pain from running may indicate a muscle strain. Four muscles comprise the quadriceps: the vastus lateralis, the vastus medialis, the vastus intermedius and the rectus femoris. A tear in one or more of these muscles creates pain, tightness and swelling. In extreme cases, bruising develops and you will be unable to walk without crutches for six to 12 weeks. Quadriceps strains respond well to rest, ice and heat therapy.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Iliotibial band syndrome is one of the most common causes of quad pain in runners. The iliotibial band is a sheath of fascia that runs down the outer thigh and connects at the knee. Inflammation of the iliotibial band occurs in cases of overtraining or when the thigh muscles are too tight, according to Barton Anderson, M.Sc. Iliotibial band syndrome may also relate to length discrepancy between the legs, according to a 2011 study published in the "British Journal of Sports Medicine." Iliotibial band syndrome typically responds well to rest and ice.

Stress Fracture

In some runners, an extended period of overuse or overtraining can elicit a stress fracture of the femur, the thigh bone. A stress fracture in the femur will produce pain deep in the thigh, which may radiate into the knee, and the pain will be more intense when the thigh hangs over the edge of a bed or chair, according to Tom Dekkers, M. Sc. A femoral stress fracture requires a minimum of seven weeks of rest to heal. Dekkers recommends that runners maintain their fitness levels during this recuperation period by engaging in non-weight-bearing exercises such as swimming.

Herniated Lumbar Disk

According to Dr. Cathy Fieseler, M.D., director of sports medicine in the Trinity Mother Frances Health System, in some cases quads and thigh pain from running may relate to a herniated disk in your lower back. The nerves that serve the thighs originate in the lumbar and sacral spine region, so a herniated disk in this area may produce quad or thigh pain without corresponding back pain. Speak to your doctor or health-care practitioner if the pain in your thighs does not respond to rest, ice and heat.

Pain is a signal from the body that something is wrong. To best treat pain, it is important to have the cause properly diagnosed. Sharp pain that occurs in the front of the thigh can be caused by muscular tightness or injuries, damage to tendons, ligaments or cartilage, and problems within the nerves. In some cases, the cause is never determined. If this symptom occurs, it is important to seek treatment to reduce the risk of a chronic problem.

Quadriceps Tear

The quadriceps are a group of four large muscles in the front top of the thigh. The muscles extend from the thigh to the knee and are involved in walking, running, jumping and many other leg movements. Accidents, blows to the thigh or vigorous training can cause the muscles to tear partially or even rupture completely. 

A complete tear can can cause abrupt, sharp and stabbing pain in the front of the thigh. This may or may not be accompanied by a popping sound, notes the NYU Langone Medical Center. A complete tear may make it painful to bear weight on the affected leg, and there may also be swelling and discoloration. A complete tear can take months to heal, and it is important to return to activities slowly.

Groin Pull

The groin muscles run from the hip to the inner thigh. Forceful movements of the inner thigh muscles can cause tears. Athletes who do hurdles, long jump, and use repetitive starting and stopping motions are at greatest risk. 

If the muscles in this area rupture, there may be a popping sound at the time of the injury, along with sharp pain, weakness, swelling and bruising. According to Aurora Health Care, a complete tear takes months to heal.

Hip Flexor Strain

The hip flexors are another group of muscles located in the upper part of the thigh, that help to move the hip forward and up. Like the quadriceps muscles, blows or forceful movements can cause a tear, states Richard Stockton College. 

With a hip flexor tear, the pain is usually limited to the upper thigh area, unlike a quadriceps strain which can be felt from the thigh to the knee. A hip flexor tear may be confused with a groin pull, since both conditions cause pain in the same area. Athletes who use repetitive kicking and sprinting motions are at the highest risk. As with a quadriceps tear, if the muscles suffer a complete tear, the pain will be more severe than a partial tear, and there will be a long recovery period.

Hip Arthritis

Sometimes diseases or injuries to the hip can cause pain the is felt in or radiates into the thigh, warns MedlinePlus. This is the case with hip arthritis. For some patients, the arthritis pain is mild and achy, while in others the pain can be sharp. 

Hip arthritis can make weight-bearing activities difficult, and may be accompanied by stiffness, redness and swelling. There are various forms of arthritis that can occur in the hip, so it is important to have the cause diagnosed so that the right treatment approach can be chosen.

Inguinal Hernia

If there is a weakness somewhere in the abdominal wall, the intestines can push through and cause the abdomen to bulge. If this happens in the lower portion of the abdomen, causing a downward bulge, it is called a groin or inguinal hernia. 

If an inguinal hernia is suspected, MedlinePlus recommends to be on the lookout for many symptoms, including sharp pain in the front top of the thigh. Unless they do not cause symptoms or complications, inguinal hernias usually require surgery.

The quadriceps muscle group is located on the anterior thigh and is actually four separate muscles that work in concert to extend the lower leg and straighten the knee. They are large and powerful muscles, and it is common for athletes to strain them with activity. Depending on the severity of the muscle strain, symptoms range from mild discomfort to severe pain with activity and may include bruising and swelling. Again, treatment options will depend on the severity of the strain, which can vary from mild micro-tearing to a complete rupture of the muscle.

Ice/Heat

In the early hours after a quadriceps muscle strain, the application of an ice pack over the muscle can help reduce swelling and bleeding within the muscle. Apply ice to the quadriceps muscle by wrapping it in a thin towel and leaving it in place for 20 minutes every two hours. Heat should not be used in the first 72 hours after injury, according to Emedicinehealth.com, as it will increase inflammation. After 72 hours, heat can be applied in the same manner as ice and can help restore blood flow.

Medication

There are several medications that can be helpful in treating symptoms that arise from a muscle strain. Over-the-counter or prescription-strength NSAIDs, such as naproxen, ibuprofen or aspirin, have both pain-masking and anti-inflammatory properties. In severe cases, a stronger pain reliever may be prescribed or an injection of steroid medication may be used to decrease inflammation and speed healing.

Massage

A massage therapist who is trained in the treatment of sports injuries can be very helpful in speeding recovery and preventing long-term disability. When a muscle is torn and goes through the healing process, the body tries to build stability back into the injured muscle by laying down scar tissue. This scar tissue can affect the muscle's ability to relax and contract in the future. Massage therapy during this healing process can help keep fibers aligned and prevent muscle restriction. According to Sportsinjuryclinic.net, sports-specific massage is critical to speeding recovery.

Physical Therapy

Rehabilitating a torn muscle is important to ensuring future function, especially in athletes. In the early stages, a physical therapist will use electrical muscle stimulation to drive out inflammation and reduce pain. As the healing process continues, a therapist may use ultrasound to help break up muscle restrictions and prevent scar tissue build up. Physical therapist will also use gentle assisted stretching and recommend rehabilitative exercises to repair muscle fibers and build strength.

Surgery

According to the Mayo Clinic, in severe cases where the quadriceps muscle has completely ruptured or detached from the bone, surgery may be required to repair it and to prevent disability in the leg. It is rare for surgery to be necessary in a quadriceps muscle strain.

The rectus femoris, vastus intermedius, vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles form the quadriceps muscle group, or quads, located on the front of your thighs. The quads extend your lower legs at the knee joints, allowing you to straighten your legs from a flexed position. Quadriceps muscle pain may occur due to a variety of reasons. The pain can limit your ability to perform various daily activities, including standing up and walking, and most recreational or sporting activities.

Muscle Contusion

A quadriceps muscle contusion, or bruise, can form due to a forceful blow to the front of your thighs, damaging the muscle tissue without breaking your skin. Blood may pool at the site of the blow, causing a lump, called a hematoma, to form. The pain and swelling caused by a bruise may limit your range of motion. Follow the RICE protocol -- rest, ice, compression and elevation -- to treat quadriceps muscle contusions. Consult with your doctor if the symptoms do not subside within several days. Athletes who play contact sports such as football and rugby should pad their quads to prevent bruises.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain in your muscles and connective tissues, which may include your quadriceps muscles and their tendons. Although the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, certain infections, emotional or physical trauma, and/or genetic factors may play a role. Drugs such as analgesics, antidepressants and antiseizure medications may help alleviate your pain, according to the Mayo Clinic, but consult with your physician before starting drug therapy to discuss your individual circumstances. Physical therapy, including exercises to strengthen and stretch the quadriceps, is another treatment option. If you suffer from fibromyalgia due to depression or emotional stress, personal counseling may also help relieve your symptoms.

Muscle Strain

If you are an athlete, you may experience pain in the quads due to a muscle strain. These can occur during kicking, running and sprinting activities, when you flex your lower legs at the knee joints and thereby lengthen the quads forcefully, stretching them beyond their customary limits. Strains often occur at the musculotendinous junction -- where the muscle fibers connect to the tendon. Treat quadriceps muscle strains by following the RICE protocol and taking anti-inflammatory medications at your doctor's discretion. Once the pain subsides, begin physical therapy to restore flexibility and strength. Recurrence is common, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, so do not rush back into sporting activities.

Pain in your quadriceps that is related to exercise can occur in a variety of circumstances. Your quadriceps run along the front of your thigh. While commonly referred to as quads or quadriceps, there are actually four muscles in this group -- the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis and astus intermedius. Overuse injuries and strains are two common causes of pain in the quadriceps. If you have thigh pain due to exercise, it's best to see a medical professional.

Muscle Strains

Working out too hard, such as during jumps or sprints, can cause a strain in these muscles. You are especially at risk of a strain if you jump into activity without warming up properly. Although you can strain any of the four muscles, the one most commonly affected is the rectus femoris, which crosses both your knee and hip joints. Strains are actually small tears in your muscle. These are graded as a level one, two or three, depending on how severe they are. With level one your discomfort is will be mild but you may have a spasm at the tear site. At level two you will feel a sharp pain when running or jumping, your pain will affect your walking and there may be swelling. You may be unable to bend your knee fully. If you suffer a level three strain you won't be able to walk without crutches and you will have immediate swelling when the injury occurs.

Strain Treatment

Treatment varies depending on how severe your strain is. At level one, you need to rest your quadriceps for 72 hours minimum before exercising again. Meanwhile, apply the rest, ice, compression and elevation, or RICE, technique. Level two requires similar treatment, with the addition of crutches if needed, wearing a compression bandage and elevating your thigh. Consult a medical professional about when to resume activity. Elevate your leg and apply cold and a compression bandage immediately with a level three strain; seek medical attention right away.

Overuse Injury

If it is not a strain, your quadriceps pain may be caused by an overuse injury called patellofemoral dysfunction. This injury occurs at the articulation of your kneecap, or patella, and underlying thigh bone. Dysfunction either occurs when the patella is forced with excessive pressure against the underlying thigh bone, usually due to overly-tight quadriceps muscles, or when it tracks to one side or other of the groove where it fits into the thigh bone. In either case, the end result is inflammation and pain. You may feel pain after sitting for a period of time or when going up and down hills or stairs.

Rehabilitation

Seek medical advice for treating patellofemoral dysfunction. It's commonly caused by weakness of the vastus medialis, which is the large quadriceps muscle that you find on the inside front of your thigh. Strengthening this quadriceps muscle is often a key factor for rehabilitating this injury. Three beneficial exercises are likely to be used. One simply involves tightening the vastus medialis when seated for 10 seconds several times a day. Another is wall sits, in which you stand with your back to a wall with your knees flexed 20 to 30 degrees while squeezing a ball between your knees. Side step-ups also are used to recruit the vastus medialis. Your doctor also may prescribe iliotibial band stretching.