The quadriceps which is located in the thighs also divided into four muscles rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis and the vastus intermedius. These muscles during intensive exercise can be damaged causing painful and most of the times crippling injuries like a simple strain or in severe cases a tear of the tendon.
A sprain is usually caused by an imbalance between the quadriceps and the hamstring causing a sudden sharp pain or a pulling sensation in the quadriceps of the thigh, these injuries can happen to people for example who practice running a lot. Pulled quadriceps treatment is simple by implementing the R.I.C.E first aid measurement (rest, ice, compression and elevation).
R: The patient rests the leg this is continuous process till the injury is healed this may take up three weeks depending on how severe the injury is.
I: Ice should be applied to the affected area immediately this will help reduce the swelling, this procedure should be repeated every few hours for about fifteen to twenty minutes.
C: Compression, the area should be wrapped up with a compression bandage this is to reduce the edematous swelling (edematous meaning oedema which is fluid buildup beneath the skin, which is what causes inflammation).
E: Elevation, this is to further reduce swelling and return the leg to normal function. This can be done by gentle exercise like a slow jog, cycling and gentle stretching. Special attention should be paid during this period as the muscles may heal in a shortened position this may eventually lead to problems later such as another tear or sprain.
In serve cases a tendon tear may occur this maybe a partial tear meaning it does not completely break or it may be a complete tear in which the tendon tears completely.
This injury can be caused by an awkward landing after a jump such injuries may occur with basketball players. In this occasion the patient will most likely hear a tearing or popping sound accompanied by various other symptoms such as unable to straighten the leg, find it difficult to walk also the kneecap may droop due to the tendon being detached.
Treatment of such an injury can vary depending on how severe it is, most likely a doctor will place the injured leg in a knee immobilizer which keeps the knee straight while it heals and the patient will have to use crutches to move this procedure may last for three to six weeks. Complimentary to this physical therapy may be necessary exercises that will strengthen the quadriceps and eventually allowing the patient to return to sports activities. In severe cases surgery may be necessary to reattach the tendon back to the kneecap. Injuries like this have been reported by some patients to take up twelve months to recover to normal function.
Although pulled quadriceps treatment can be simple prevention is always better than the cure so it is always advised that before intensive exercises the person performs the correct warm ups, correct stretching of the quadriceps and continue to make the quadriceps strong through exercise so they can absorb any sudden impact through physical stress.
