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Quadriceps Strain

A quadriceps strain is a tear in one of the quadriceps muscles at the front of the thigh. It can range from a mild discomfort to a full blown tear of most of the muscle.

Symptoms of a Thigh Strain

Quadriceps strains are graded 1,2 or 3 depending on severity. A full quad strain assessment would be performed to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

Grade 1

Symptoms of a grade 1 quadriceps thigh strain are not always serious enough to stop training at the time of injury. A twinge may be felt in the thigh and a general feeling of tightness. The athlete may feel mild discomfort on walking and running might be difficult. There is unlikely to be swelling. A lump or area of spasm at the site of injury may be felt.

Grade 2

Grade 2 symptoms are more severe than a grade two. The athlete may feel a sudden sharp pain when running, jumping or kicking and be unable to play on. Pain will making walking difficult and swelling or mild bruising would be noticed. Pain would be felt when pressing in on the suspected location of the quad muscle tear. Straightening the knee against resistance is likely to cause pain and the injured athlete will be unable to fully bend the knee.

Grade 3

Sudden, severe pain in the thigh.
Unable to walk without the aid of crutches.
Bad swelling appearing immediately.
Bruising usually appears within 24 hours.
A static contraction will be painful and might produce a bulge in the muscle.
Expect to be out of competition for 6 to 12 weeks.

What is a Quadriceps Strain?

The quadriceps muscles are the muscles on the front of the thigh. They consist of the Vastus lateralis, Vastus medialis, Vastus intermedius and the Rectus femoris. A strain is a tear in the muscle. These can range in severity, from a very small tear to a complete rupture.

Tears to the quadriceps muscles usually occur following an activity such as sprinting, jumping or kicking, especially if a thorough warm-up hasn't been undertaken. Any of these muscles can strain (or tear) but probably the most common is the Rectus femoris. This is because it is the only one of the four muscles which crosses both the hip and knee joints. This make it more susceptible to injury. The most common site of injury is around the musculotendinous junction (where the muscle becomes tendon), just above the knee.

Injuries that occur following a direct impact to the muscle, such as being hit by a ball or other hard object, are more likely to be contusions and should be treated slightly differently.

Treatment for Grade 1 Quad Strains

What can the athlete do about it?

Apply the R.I.C.E (rest, ice, compression, elevation) procedure for the first 24 hours. Cold therapy should be applied as soon as possible and initially every hour for 10 to 15 minutes. Later this can be extended to every 2 to 3 hours.
Use a compression bandage or thigh support until you feel no pain.
Rest for at least 72 hours before commencing light training. If there is no pain then training can continue gradually.
See a sports injury professional who can advise on quad strain rehabilitation.

What can a sports injury specialist do?

Use sports massage techniques to speed up recovery (very important).
Use ultrasound and electrical stimulation.
Prescribe a quad strain rehabilitation programme.

Treatment for a Grade 2 Strain

What can the athlete do about it?

Use the R.I.C.E procedure as above.
Apply cold therapy straight away and every 2-3 hours for 48 hours.
Wear a compression bandage and rest with the leg elevated.
Use crutches if necessary.
See a sports injury specialist.

What can a sports injury specialist do?

Use sports massage techniques to speed up recovery (very important).
Use ultrasound and electrical stimulation.
Prescribe a rehabilitation programme.

Treatment for a Grade 3 Thigh Strain

What can the athlete do about it?

Stop play immediately.
Rest with the leg elevated, using a compression bandage.
Apply cold therapy immediately.
Seek medical attention. It is important you do this if you suspect a grade three strain. If you do not you may be permanently injured or weakened.