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Upper Leg Pain

Expert Upper Leg Pain Treatment in Houston & Pearland | Dr. Burke Orthopedics


Personalized Upper Leg Care for Restored Strength and Mobility

Your upper legs play a vital role in nearly every form of movement — walking, climbing, running, or simply getting out of a chair. Pain or injury in this area can disrupt daily life and limit independence. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide personalized, evidence-based treatment for all forms of upper leg pain.

Led by Dr. Robert L. Burke a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, our clinic serves Houston, Pearland, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, offering advanced diagnostics, compassionate care, and targeted rehabilitation to help you regain strength and freedom of movement.

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Common Causes of Upper Leg Pain

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1. Quadriceps Tendonitis

Quadriceps tendonitis occurs when the tendon that connects your thigh muscles to the kneecap becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress, overuse, or muscle imbalance.

    Symptoms:


    • Pain or tenderness above the kneecap and along the front of the thigh
    • Stiffness and weakness in the quadriceps muscles
    • Increased pain when climbing stairs, running, or squatting


How Dr. Burke Treats It:


  • Treatment begins with rest, activity modification, and anti-inflammatory care.
    physical therapy focuses on stretching, eccentric strengthening, and improving lower limb alignment. Supportive bracing may be used to protect the tendon during healing.


Surgical Options:


  • If the tendon becomes partially torn or fails to respond to therapy, surgical repair may be required to restore normal knee extension.


Recovery Timeline:


  • Conservative recovery: 4–6 weeks. Post-surgery: 3–6 months, depending on injury severity and adherence to therapy.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

2. Hamstring Strains

Hamstring strains are common among athletes and active adults, especially during sprinting, sudden acceleration, or overstretching. They can range from mild overstretching to complete muscle tears.

    Symptoms:


    • Sudden, sharp pain in the back of the thigh
    • Bruising or swelling appearing within hours
    • Difficulty straightening the leg or walking normally


How Dr. Burke Treats It:


  • Dr. Burke typically recommends the R.I.C.E. method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), followed by progressive physical therapy for flexibility and strength restoration. Soft-tissue therapies and gradual return-to-sport programs are often used.


Surgical Options:


  • For complete or high-grade tears, Dr. Burke may perform hamstring repair surgery to reattach the tendon to the bone.


Recovery Timeline:


  • Mild cases: 2–4 weeks. Moderate to severe: 6–8 weeks. Post-surgery recovery may last 3–6 months.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

3. Hip Flexor Strains

The hip flexors help you lift your knee and stabilize your pelvis. Overuse, sprinting, or abrupt motion can strain these muscles, leading to sharp upper thigh or groin pain.

    Symptoms:


    • Pain at the front of the hip or upper thigh
    • Difficulty lifting the leg or bending at the hip
    • Tightness or pulling sensation during movement


How Dr. Burke Treats It:


  • Treatment includes rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and targeted therapy to stretch and strengthen hip stabilizers. Balance and posture correction are often integrated for long-term prevention.


Surgical Options:


  • Severe tears that don’t respond to therapy may require surgical repair of the damaged muscle or tendon.


Recovery Timeline:


  • Non-surgical recovery: 4–6 weeks. Post-surgery: 3–4 months, depending on muscle healing and rehab intensity.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

4. Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome

The IT band runs from the hip to the knee along the outer thigh. Repetitive bending or overuse (especially in runners or cyclists) can cause irritation and friction between the band and underlying tissues.

    Symptoms:


    • Sharp or burning pain along the outer thigh or knee
    • Tenderness or swelling on the outside of the leg
    • Pain that worsens with repetitive motion, such as running


How Dr. Burke Treats It:


  • Care focuses on stretching the IT band, foam rolling, and strengthening surrounding hip and gluteal muscles. Adjusting training routines or footwear can also reduce recurrence.


Surgical Options:


  • Surgery is rarely needed but may be considered for chronic IT band friction syndrome that doesn’t respond to therapy.


Recovery Timeline:


  • Most cases resolve in 4–8 weeks with conservative care. Persistent cases may take several months for full relief.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

5. Upper Leg Fractures

Fractures of the thighbone (femur) are serious injuries that typically result from high-impact trauma such as falls, sports accidents, or vehicle collisions.

    Symptoms:


    • Severe thigh pain with inability to bear weight
    • Visible deformity or shortening of the leg
    • Extensive swelling or bruising in the upper leg


How Dr. Burke Treats It:


  • Dr. Burke uses imaging tests to determine fracture type and alignment. Stable fractures may be immobilized, while displaced fractures typically require surgery.


Surgical Options:


  • Procedures may include internal fixation with plates, rods, or screws to stabilize the bone and promote optimal healing.


Recovery Timeline:


  • Non-surgical recovery: 6–8 weeks. Surgical recovery: 12 weeks or longer, followed by structured for muscle restoration and gait training.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

6. Nerve Compression (e.g., Sciatica)

Nerve compression in the upper leg — such as sciatica — occurs when spinal or muscular structures irritate or compress the sciatic nerve, causing radiating pain from the lower back into the thigh and leg.

    Symptoms:


    • Shooting or burning pain that radiates down the leg
    • Numbness or tingling in the thigh or calf
    • Weakness when walking, standing, or lifting the leg


How Dr. Burke Treats It:


  • Treatment may include physical therapy, posture correction, anti-inflammatory care, and targeted injections to relieve nerve irritation. Gentle mobility and strengthening exercises help prevent recurrence.


Surgical Options:


  • If pain persists despite conservative care, surgical decompression may be performed to relieve nerve pressure and restore function.


Recovery Timeline:


  • Conservative recovery: 4–6 weeks. Post-surgical recovery: typically 3–6 months, depending on nerve healing and rehabilitation adherence.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

Why Patients Across Houston & Pearland Trust Dr. Burke Orthopedics

  • Board-certified orthopedic surgeon with decades of experience treating complex leg injuries
  • Comprehensive care — from diagnostics to recovery — all in one location
  • Evidence-based, patient-focused treatment that prioritizes your mobility and comfort
  • Trusted by patients throughout Houston, Pearland, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

Get Same-Day Diagnosis and
Treatment for Upper Leg Pain

Don’t let upper leg pain disrupt your lifestyle or slow you down. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we offer same-day appointments for accurate diagnosis and immediate care. Whether you’re dealing with a muscle strain, tendon injury, or nerve compression, Dr. Burke and his team will create a personalized plan to help you regain strength and return to activity safely.

(713) 436-3488

Disclaimer:


The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Do not disregard or delay seeking professional care based on information you have read here. Click For The Full Declaimer

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How do I know if my upper leg pain requires medical attention?
    If your pain persists for more than a few days, limits your ability to walk, or is accompanied by swelling, bruising, or numbness, it’s important to seek medical attention. Dr. Burke can assess the cause of your pain and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
  • Can upper leg conditions heal without surgery?
    Many upper leg conditions, such as tendonitis, muscle strains, and nerve compression, can heal with non-surgical treatments like rest, physical therapy, and medications. Dr. Burke will evaluate your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
  • How long does it take to recover from an upper leg fracture?
    Recovery from an upper leg fracture typically takes 6-12 weeks, depending on the severity of the fracture and whether surgery is needed. Physical therapy is essential for regaining strength and mobility after the bone heals.
  • What are the signs of nerve compression in the upper leg?
    Symptoms of nerve compression, such as sciatica, include sharp, shooting pain that radiates down the leg, numbness or tingling, and weakness in the leg. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to seek treatment to prevent long-term damage.
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"At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, our focus is on you. With personalized care, advanced orthopedic treatments, and a commitment to getting you back to what you love, we’re here to support your journey to better health and mobility."