A 2010 article in the journal "Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine" states that a bruised quadriceps or thigh muscle is the second most common injury to the thigh. A bruised muscle is also known as a muscle contusion and can cause pain and muscle weakness during activities such as running. Treatment includes rest, ice and compression to reduce swelling and pain. For severe or worsening pain, consult your physician.
Causes, Signs and Symptoms
A muscle contusion is caused by a direct blow to your muscle, which leads to ruptured muscle fibers and bleeding underneath your skin. Swelling and discoloration of your skin are common signs of a contusion. Symptoms include muscle pain, stiffness and muscle weakness. The severity of your symptoms depends on the size of your bruise and the amount of muscle damage.
Treatment
For initial treatment, follow the acronym RICE, which stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. Rest and avoid running, which can lead to additional pain and inflammation, and a delayed recovery. Ice for 20-minute increments several times a day. Apply compression using an elastic wrap, and elevate your leg above your heart to reduce swelling and manage pain. To further alleviate pain and swelling, take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS. For severe contusions of your thigh, wear a knee brace to keep your knee in flexion for the first 24 hours to reduce your risk of developing a hematoma or a pocket of blood under your skin. After the first 48 to 72 hours, apply heat and gently stretch your bruised muscle to promote healing.
Rehabilitation
Once your pain subsides and you have regained flexibility, start light strength exercises and cardio. Strength exercises will vary, depending on the affected muscle, and cardio exercises include walking and water walking. Biking may also be performed as long as you do not have a thigh contusion. Within a few weeks -- or when you are pain-free and have normal muscle strength -- slowly return to running. Start with shorter and slower runs, increasing no more than 10 percent a week to prevent re-injury.
Complications
Complications of a severe muscle contusion include compartment syndrome and myositis ossificans. Compartment syndrome can develop hours after a contusion and is when fluid builds up around the affected muscle significantly decreasing blood flow. Symptoms include extreme pain and swelling around the entire muscle. Treatment for compartment syndrome is immediate surgery to drain the fluid, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Myositis ossificans is when bone or calcification forms in your bruised muscle several weeks after a contusion and occurs in 9 to 17 percent of muscle contusions, according to a 2010 "Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine" article. Decreased range of motion and increased pain two to three weeks after your injury are common symptoms. Treatment includes rest, stretches, strengthening exercises and surgery for severe cases. To reduce your risk of developing compartment syndrome or myositis ossificans, progress slowly with your rehabilitation and running program.
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