Performance Place Sports Care Podcast

In this episode, we tackle the persistent ache and mystery behind thigh pain. We dive deep into common musculoskeletal diagnoses that affect runners and active individuals, breaking down how to identify whether your pain is a simple muscle strain or something more complex. We start by demystifying pain in the front of the thigh, discussing everything from common quad muscle strains and contusions to the surprising signs of nerve irritation like radiculopathy. We'll share how to tell the difference between a torn muscle and a deep, nagging ache from a bone stress injury—a common concern for runners who ramp up their mileage too quickly. Then, we'll move to the back of the thigh, addressing the age-old question: Is it a hamstring strain or sciatica? We'll reveal the key differences and share common presentation patterns of sciatic nerve irritation that often mimic hamstring tightness, even without the presence of numbness or tingling. Finally, we'll wrap up by touching on the importance of a proper diagnosis an