Front of thigh injury

[Jason H]

About 18 months ago, I over-extended my left leg when trying to shoot during a practice Football match, causing me a lot of pain at the front of my thigh.

It seemed to be OK for a while (got through the Cricket season without problems), but during the first match of the new Football season and subsequently I continued to experience pain - barely able to kick with my left foot, as well as suffering mobility problems when running.

The problem has also continued through the current Cricket season - mostly problems with mobility (especially when running and having to get down to field the ball from a running start), and I am afraid to kick a Football with my left foot because I know it will be painful.

Looking at various diagnostic websites, I assume the problem is to do with my quadricep, but haven't found anything where the symptoms/cause closely match mine (mainly kicking a Football but also mobility and changes of direction), so any advice / diagnostics welcome!

One assumption I have made is that my weight may not help (I am probably about 20-30 pounds overweight) so am working on that.

[Heidi]

Hi

It is most probably coming from your quads. So I think the first step should be to try and get these in good condition, then if problems persist, it may well indicate that there is something else going on.

Get 2-3 sports massages to your quads. This will help to ease off any tension, break down any scar tissue (if there was a tear before) and just improve the condition of the whole muscle.

Get stretching! Stretch the quad muscles 3-5 times a day. Do both a quad stretch (i.e. foot to bum behind you) and a hip flexor stretch (knee to be stretched on the floor and push hips forwards). You can find these here if your not sure:

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/stretching/allstretches.php

Try some strengthening exercises. If you go to a gym, try a leg press machine. If this is ok, try the knee extension. If not, start off with lunges:

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/strengthening/body_weight/lunges.php

If all of this has no effect over the next 4 weeks, I think you should get an assessment from a professional. There may be another cause of your pain.

Good luck!

[Jason H]

Some very sound advice Heidi - many thanks, I will get with the regular stretching and book in some massage sessions.