The quadriceps or quads is a group of four muscles located in the front top of the thigh. These muscles are involved in almost every movement the legs make. They help to straighten the knee, climb stairs, rise from a seated position, walk and run. With all this activity, the quadriceps muscles or the tendons attached to them can become strained. A muscle or tendon can become pulled, tear slightly or tear completely. The treatments for a strained quad muscle depend on the severity of the injury. However, the longer treatment is delayed, the longer recovery can take.
R.I.C.E
Unless there is a severe tear of the quadriceps muscle or attached tendon the first step is to apply the R.I.C.E principal, states the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. This involves resting the area and avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms, applying ice to reduce swelling and pain, and compression or wrapping the area along with elevating the thigh above the level of the heart to help control inflammation. A muscle that has been pulled but is not damaged may get better in a week or so. A muscle or tendon that has suffered a tear may take weeks and require complete immobilization. If there is a severe or complete tear, surgery may be required.
Medications
If pain and swelling are significant the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center recommends speaking with a physician about medications. This may include anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medications and muscle relaxants. The dosage, type and length of time meds are needed depends on the severity of the strain.
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
Once the injury has started to heal, the doctor may OK a stretching and strengthening program to help regain strength and flexibility in the quads. The NYU Langone Medical Center suggests work with a physical therapist or health care provider first to learn the best exercises to do. The exercises should only be done at a pain free level and stretches should be held for at least 10 seconds. Keeping the quadriceps muscles strong and flexible will both help a muscle strain to heal and prevent re-injuring the area. If there are muscular imbalances such as tight hamstrings that are causing the strain, then additional exercises may be necessary.
Training Safely and Properly
Muscle strains are often the result of over training, over exercising or making abrupt and jarring movements. All of these can place too much stress on the muscle and attached tendons, leading to a pull or tear. The National Institutes of Health suggests doing a proper warm up and cool down with all activities to help prepare muscles for exercise and adequately stretch them out after a workout. When treating chronic strains, working with a coach or therapist can help with developing training techniques that place less strain on the quads.
