The Quadriceps strain is known as a partial tear of the small fibers of muscle which makes up the quadriceps group. A quadriceps is a large group of muscle which is located in the front of the thigh. The quadriceps muscle is actually a group of four muscles which are found in the front thighs which connect to the knee just below the kneecap.
There are lots of roles performed by the quadriceps muscles examples of which include straightening of the knee in order to make kicking of a ball easier. They bend the knees to allow squatting. They move the leg in a forward direction during running and pull when your leg touches the ground to absorb shocks. These muscles also help you jump and provide stability during one-leg standing such as during a layup.
What Are the Causes and Risk factors for a Quadriceps Injury?
1. Contusions. These usually occur as a result of a direct hit to the quadriceps muscle, usually by another individual or object. This can damage muscle fibers and associated bleeding. In the event that there is a significant trauma, such as severe bruising injuries or if there is an associated fractured femur, sufficient bleeding can occur so that the pressure grows within the compartment that contains the quadriceps muscle.
2. Compartment syndrome. This is known as a surgical emergency which occurs when the pressure inside the muscle section is so high that it hinders the proper flow of blood to the muscle itself. This can lead to the death of muscle cells due to oxygen shortage and long-lasting muscle and nerve damage.
3. Strains. Strains of the quadriceps occur due to repeated overuse, which causes inflammation of the muscle fibers, and sometimes partial tears. Usually, there is a bigger load bearing than the muscle can tolerate. Do not forget to straighten your leg several times during weightlifting, which results in muscle fatigue and can be damaged. This is commonly seen in athletes who practice weight training, but this can also occur in people who perform manual work which requires a certain level of heavy lifting. Partial tears may also occur during running or kicking.
4. Tendinitis. This is an inflammation of the tendon that connects the quadriceps muscles with the tibial tubercle. Most often, the patellar tendon becomes inflamed, causing pain and swelling in the area under the patella. There are also recurring injuries in which the tendon is damaged, causing acute inflammation.
5. Peri-patellar tendinosis also known as jumper's knee. This occurs as a result of excessive use in which micro-tears occur in the area where the quadriceps tendon inserts into the top or bottom of the patella. Instead of causing acute inflammation, the area begins to degenerate and leave scars. This injury usually occurs in people who play sports that involve intense jumps like volleyball, basketball or track, and field events.
What are the Symptoms of a Quadriceps Strain?
Below are some of the symptoms of quadriceps strain:
• Pain and tenderness on the front of the thigh
• Stiffness and swelling in the quadriceps
• A weakness of the quadriceps
• There will be bruises on the front of the thigh—in case the blood vessels are damaged
• Popping or snapping sensation as the muscle tears—rare
Quadriceps Strain Treatment
Treatment for a Quadriceps Strain requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in your quadriceps. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids in your quadriceps to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.
Products recommended for symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:
Ice Substitute Poultice
Bruise Relief Liniment
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:
Pain Relief Liniment
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
