You have indicated that you have back of thigh pain

Below are some specific descriptions of symptoms related to a running back of thigh injury or back of thigh pain.

Decide which description most closely matches the back of thigh problem you are experiencing then click on
the button next to it. You will be presented with a likely diagnosis for your back of thigh injury and advice as to
what to do.

You can diagnose other running injuries here.

  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3 - current step
  • Step 4

Click on the description that most closely matches your symptoms:

Symptom 1

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  • A dull ache deep in the general area of the thigh that occurs after running long distances, and worsens the more you run.
  • The pain slowly increases during your run, reaching a peak at the end of your run.
  • On successive runs the pain comes on at an earlier stage and becomes severe sooner, eventually forcing you to finish your run early.
  • Pain may be referred into the knee.
  • Pain may become worse if you sit on a bench, table or chair, and let your thigh hang over the edge of it, particularly if weight is then applied downwards onto the thigh – this is called the hanging test.
  • X-ray may or may not show up the stress fracture but a bone scan or MRI should give a more accurate diagnosis.

Symptom 2

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  • A sudden sharp pain at the back of the thigh whilst running, most commonly during speed work or hill sprints.
  • The muscle  at the back of your thigh (hamstring) may go into spasm, and be painful when trying to stretch and contract it.
  • There may be swelling and bruising.
  • The bruising may be at the area of pain, or in the back of the knee.
  • If the tear is severe a gap in the muscle may be felt at the area of pain.
  • You may find it difficult to walk without a limp, and get sudden twinges of pain on each step.
  • You might be unable to fully straighten the knee.
  • Pain when you try to bend the knee against resistance (digging your heel into the floor).