You may feel thigh and hip pain at night before bed, or it may prevent you from sleeping at all, and it results from several factors and causes related to inflammation that can occur in the tendons, or problems related to the bones or sleeping position. In the following lines, we explain to you the different causes of thigh pain at night, and give you tips to relieve, treat and prevent it.
Causes of thigh pain at night
Bursitis: It is a type of inflammation that affects the sac that contains the synovial fluid between the bones of the joints, and it causes severe pain when sleeping.
Sleeping position: The mattress you sleep on can be too hard or too soft, causing thigh and hip pain. Try changing your sleeping position, such as sleeping on your back, or placing a pillow between your knees when sleeping on your side.
Sciatica: If you feel numbness extending from the back to the buttocks or from the lower leg to the feet, you may have sciatica syndrome, which makes you feel like a burning sensation in the hips when sleeping.
Pregnancy: Pregnancy places more pressure on the back and hips, especially in the third trimester. So make sure to wear comfortable shoes during the day, and take adequate rest periods. As for sleeping, it is useful to put a pillow between your knees, and another behind your back to support it and relieve aches and pains in the hip.
Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is one of the main causes of bone and hip pain, so it is useful to visit a doctor if you feel severe pain in the hip to conduct the necessary tests and guide you to the appropriate treatment.
Arthritis: which may lead to pain in the thigh, hip, buttock and knee. The pain is most severe when sleeping or when exposed to extreme cold.
How do you relieve pain?
In addition to finding a comfortable sleeping position, some anti-inflammatory medications can help relieve pain, provided they are taken as directed by your doctor. On the other hand, if the pain is caused by infections, you can put ice cubes inside a towel and place it on the site of the pain, but if it is caused by muscle spasms, here a heating pad or a bottle of hot water can be useful.
Treatment and prevention
The solution may be to change the quality of bedding, massage, and the solution may be the appropriate surgical intervention for your condition. As for prevention, it consists of exercising and stretching regularly, trying to relax before bed, and maintaining a healthy weight.