Pulled muscles in the quadriceps of the leg can be debilitating, but patients can begin therapeutic treatments right away. While damage to the back of the thigh affects the hamstrings group, leg pain in the front of the thigh indicates a quadricep muscle strain. This leg muscle group can be overstretched during running and jumping sports, slips and falls, and other awkward movements. Applying first aid treatments and performing physical therapy will put patients on the road to full recovery.
Stop Play
Athletes who injure the quadricep area can aggravate muscle strains by finishing a match. Likewise, anyone who sustains accidental trauma can cause more harm by continuing to walk or work on their feet. The NYU Langone Medical Center cautions patients not to perform movements that trigger pain, and not to play sports until leg pain is gone.
Apply Ice
First aid treatments for pulled muscles include the application of cold packs to the quadriceps as soon as possible after the incident. The University of Buffalo Sports Medicine group recommends cold therapy for athletes and other muscle strain patients, to reduce acute inflammation at the time of the injury.
Cold packs can also be used for leg pain relief any time in the following weeks of recovery. A chilled reusable gel pack should be applied directly on the front of the thigh for 20 minutes, every 3 to 4 hours.
Take Medication
Drug therapy can be used for a week or so to control the pain as well. The NYU Langone Medical Center reports that nonprescription pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin or acetaminophen also calm the inflammatory response to muscle strain. The injured muscle tissue needs this stable condition in order to begin cellular repair.
Reduce Activity
All activity should be reduced until the initial leg pain and swelling subside. The acute stage of a quadriceps injury may last for 2 to 3 days. During this time, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases suggest restricting everyday chores and strenuous exercise.
Use Aids
While resting, patients can also benefit from wearing a thigh wrap or compression bandage to support the pulled muscles and discourage inflammation. When moving about, the bandage, a cane or crutches will help to disperse the weight stress of standing on the injured leg. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases recommends such treatment while any leg weakness persists.
Resume Exercise
When it is comfortable to do so, patients can return to exercise in stages. The NYU Langone Medical Center advises several short stints of stretching and strengthening exercises daily. By gradually increasing these workouts, patients can restore flexibility and fitness to the quadricep muscle group.
