Thigh Strain

What is a thigh strain?

The quadriceps are a group of four muscles (Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis, Vastus Intermedius and the Rectus Femoris). A strain is a tear a muscle. Rectus Femoris is the most commonly injured of the quadricep muscles, because it crosses both the hip and knee joints (the other cross just the knee) meaning it is often placed under more strain.

Symptoms

• A sudden sharp pain at the front of the leg during exercise.
• The quad muscles may go into spasm causing pain on stretch and contraction.
• Swelling and bruising.
• If the tear is severe a gap in the muscle may be felt.
• Weakness and difficulty walking.

Quad strains, like all muscle strains are rated, depending on severity, as either grade 1, 2 or 3.

Grade 1

• A minor tear where only a few muscle fibres are torn.
• Pain at the time and discomfort following.
• No bruising and minimal or no swelling.
• Tightness in the front of the thigh

Grade 2

• A moderate tear
• Pain at the time and constant twinges following
• Pain on walking - causing a limp
• Straightening the knee against resistance causes pain
• Swelling and some bruising present

Grade 3

• Most or all of the fibres are torn
• Severe pain, swelling and bruising
• Inability to walk unaided

Treatment

It is vitally important that treatment for a quad strain starts immediately following injury. The most important phase for treatment is the first 48 hours post-injury. In this time the following can be carried out by the athlete:

• Use R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate) technique
• It is important to rest the leg as much as possible for the first few days. However, gentle stretching and mobilising exercises can begin as soon as they are pain-free.

See a sports injury specialist who may:

• Use ultrasound and other electrotherapeutic treatments.
• Apply sports massage to the injured muscle to help relax it, reduce swelling and increse blood flow to the area to aid healing.
• Advise you on specific stretching and strengthening exercises to form a rehab program. This will get it back to full strength and prevent it happening again.

Further Information

• Quad strain - for further information on treatment including rehabilitation, taping, sports massage, stretching and more visit sportsinjuryclinic.net