Posterior Thigh Pain (Back)

Posterior thigh pain

Pain at the back of the thigh is known as posterior thigh pain. Causes include Hamstring strain, Cramp, Contusions and Hamstring tendonitis. Posterior thigh pain occurs either suddenly (acute injuries), or develops gradually over time (chronic posterior thigh pain).

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Medically reviewed by Dr Chaminda Goonetilleke, 27th Jan. 2022

Sudden onset posterior thigh pain

The following are causes of sudden onset or acute pain at the back of the thigh:

Hamstring strain

Hamstring strain posterior thigh pain

Common in sport, pulled hamstrings are either sprint-related or occur from overstretching the muscles. Symptoms include:

  • Sudden onset pain at the back of the thigh.
  • Tightness in the muscle.
  • Swelling and/or bruising depending on severity.

Read more on Hamstring strain or go to our rehabilitation program.

Cramp in the hamstrings

Hamstring cramp posterior thigh pain

A muscle cramp is a painful involuntary contraction of the muscle. It is very common in the hamstring muscles. Symptoms consist of:

  • A sudden involuntary muscle spasm at the back of your thigh.
  • Significant pain.
  • You will find it very difficult to relax the muscle and straighten your leg.
  • Cramp often follows a bout of hard, or unaccustomed exercise.

Read more on causes and treatment of Cramp.

Hamstring contusion

Hamstring contusion

A hamstring contusion is also called a dead leg or charley horse. It involves a direct blow to the back of your thigh. Symptoms include:

  • Pain at the back of the thigh, particularly at the point of impact.
  • You may or may not have noticeable swelling depending. This depends on how bad your injury is.
  • Bruising also may or may not develop. This depends on the type of contusion and tissue damage.

Read more on Contusions.

Hamstring tendon avulsion

Pelvic avulsion strain fracture

An avulsion strain occurs when the tendon tears, pulling a small part of the bone away with it. This is more common in younger athletes aged 14 to 18 years old. Symptoms are similar to a hamstring tendon strain, therefore it is important to seek professional advice. Hamstring avulsions also occur in older people who may have had a history of chronic hamstring tendinitis.

Read more on Hamstring tendon avulsion.

Gradual onset/chronic posterior thigh pain

The following injuries cause gradual onset pain at the back of the thigh. You are unlikely to be able to pinpoint a specific time when your injury occurred.

Referred hamstring pain

posterior thigh pain from the sciatic nerve

Pain in the hamstring region can originate from your lower back, sacroiliac joints, or buttocks. This results in symptoms of:

  • Gradual onset pain at the back of your thigh.
  • Pain is usually less severe than a hamstring strain, although you may feel occasional acute ‘twinges’.
  • A positive result for the slump test (but not always).

More on Referred pain.

Ischioglutealbursitis/tendinopathy

Hamstring tendonitis (or tendinopathy) occurs at the origin of the hamstring muscles. More specifically, at the ischial tuberosity of the pelvis.

Bursitis is inflammation of the small sac of fluid between the tendon and bone. It is often difficult to distinguish between the two. Symptoms include:

  • Pain just under the crease of the buttocks.
  • You may have tenderness and thickening of the tendon at the site of pain.

More on Ischiogluteal bursitis/tendinopathy.

Tight hamstring muscles

Although not a specific injury, nor a cause of posterior thigh pain, tight hamstring muscles are common in athletes. Most of the time will not cause a problem.

However, if you have tight hamstrings you may be more prone to other problems. For example, back pain and postural issues. As a result, you are not training and competing at full capacity.

More on tight hamstrings

Posterior compartment syndrome

Compartment syndromes occur when the muscle swells up too big for the sheath that surrounds it. As a result, pressure increases causing pain. Symptoms include a dull pain in the back of the thigh, cramps, and weakness.

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It is caused either by overuse as might be seen in endurance runners or repeated trauma from redcurrant hamstring strains.

Surgery is thought to be the most effective form of treatment.

Other injuries causing posterior thigh pain

Other injuries causing pain at the back of the thigh which should not be missed include Myositis ossificans, Tumors, and Iliac artery endofibrosis.

Further information & research

  • Posterior Thigh Muscle Injuries in Elite Track and Field Athletes. Nikolaos Malliaropoulos, MD, MSc, PhD, Emmanuel Papacostas, MD, Olga Kiritsi, MD, Am.J.SportsMed.

Rehabilitation & exercises

Hamstring strain Rehabilitation Program

Our step by step rehabilitation program takes you from initial injury to full fitness.

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