A quadricep muscle strain refers to a pull of / tear in the muscle which covers the front of the thigh.

CAUSE

The group of muscles on the front of the thigh is called the quadriceps. A quadriceps strain typically occurs when the muscle is contracted with excessive force while straitening the knee, with jumping or kicking – this is common during jumping or sprinting, while propelling the body forward.

SYMPTOMS

The first sensation you will feel is a sudden sharp pain in the front of the thigh due to damage to muscle fibres. At the same time, you may have a ‘tearing’ sensation. With a minor strain, you may be able to continue with participation with minimal restriction. However, as the muscle cools down following activity pain may gradually increase as bleeding and swelling around the injured muscle continues. In more severe strains, you cannot continue with sport participation due to excessive pain in the thigh, muscle tightness, weakness and spasm. In these cases, pain may be so intense that you may not be able to walk without a limp. There may also be obvious swelling and bruising as well as a visible defect in the muscle.

TREATMENT

Physiotherapy is the most important part of conservative treatment. It includes various treatment modalities including manual therapy, mobilisation techniques, electrotherapy modalities, exercise/technique modification, dry needling, exercise and stretching etc.