A pulled thigh muscle usually results in a partial tear of some of the muscle fibers of the quadriceps, hamstrings or inner thigh muscles. This can result from repeated, overuse injuries, which can occur from excessive running or from a sudden overload of stress to the thigh. The three phases of healing are inflammation, repair and remodeling. Each phase requires a different type of treatment. Incorporate rest, ice, elevation and a gradual reentry into stretching and exercising to ensure proper healing.
Step 1
Rest the affected thigh to reduce further aggravation to the muscle. Immobilize or splint the patient's hip and knee only if you have to move him, as advised by the American Red Cross.
Step 2
Apply ice or a cold pack to the injured muscle to decrease pain, swelling and inflammation. Place a thin barrier such as a T-shirt, between the ice and the patient's bare skin. Keep the ice in place for 20 minutes; do this two more times during the day. Take anti-inflammatory medicine or acetaminophen to further help reduce pain and inflammation, according to the United States National Institutes of Health.
Step 3
Elevate the patient's injured limb to decrease blood flow and blood loss at the injured site while applying the cold pack. The decrease in the flow of blood at the injured area reduces swelling.
Step 4
Ice and elevate the leg for 20 minutes, three times a day over the next two days. Tissue debris and inflammation substances are removed during the inflammatory period, according to the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Step 5
Apply a heat pack to the injured area for 20 minutes, three times a day over the next two days. This increases blood flow to the patient's injured thigh, augmenting the repair and tissue replacement process.
Step 6
Introduce easy stretches and light exercises to the patient's recovering muscle to enhance remodeling. This helps the new scar tissue align with the existing muscle tissue, increasing its strength and improving its function, according to the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Things You'll Need
- Cold pack
- Hot pack
References
- "Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning"; Thomas R. Baechle and Roger W. Earle; 2000
- "First Aid/CPR/AED for Schools and the Community"; American Red Cross; 2006
- National Institutes of Health: Muscle Strain Treatment
