Tips for Recognizing and Treating a Quadriceps Strain
A quadriceps strain, more commonly referred to as a “pulled thigh muscle”, is the result of a muscle within the quadriceps that has been overused. When we say “quadriceps”, we are actually referring to a group of four muscles located at the front of the thigh. These muscles are called vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, and rectus femoris. When one of these muscles has been pushed too hard or has been overstretched, it can develop microscopic tears within the tissues of the muscle. The muscle may also become torn or damaged through impact, such as falling onto something or being hit with a great deal of force. A quadriceps strain is far less likely to occur this way than by overuse. There are different levels of severity in which a strain can occur. Sometimes the strain is very minor with only a microscopic tear, while other strains can be more severe with partial or full tearing of the muscle. Let’s take a look at the differences in symptoms that each grade of strain can produce.
Symptoms of a Quadriceps Strain
Grade 1 Strain:
This type of strain is the least severe level of strains. A Grade 1 strain is one in which the muscle has developed a few micro-tears. These tears do cause the muscle to experience a bit of discomfort when walking and the limb may be stiff and uncomfortable around the knee area when resistance is applied. The area of the strained muscle may twinge or produce spasms, however swelling generally does not occur in a Grade 1 quadriceps strain.
Grade 2 Strain:
This level of strain occurs when the muscle has been partially torn. The symptoms of this strain are much more noticeable than the symptoms of a grade 1 strain. Sharp pain is usually present during activities such as running or kicking, but pain will also be experienced when pressure is applied to the injured muscle (such as when the leg is massaged). A partial tear in the quadriceps usually makes it difficult or impossible to fully bend the knee and full extension of the leg against resistance results in a great deal of pain. Unlike a grade 1 strain, a grade 2 strain does produce swelling and even bruising in the area of the strain.
Grade 3 Strain:
A grade 3 strain is the most severe of strains because it is the result of a complete tear of the muscle. This type of strain is often simple to point out because it results in extreme pain and immediate swelling in the area of the tear. Bruising is usually quick to develop, although sometimes it could take up to a day for total swelling to appear. Activity—even walking—is nearly impossible without aid as the muscle simply will not be able to support the body’s weight.
Treating a Strained Muscle
The methods used to treat each level of strain vary because of the difference in severity. Let’s take a look at the treatment methods used for each grade.
Grade 1 Strain:
Immediately after the injury is suspected, an ice pack should be applied to the area. The leg should be elevated and allowed to rest for at least 24 hours to prevent further injury to the area. Ice should be applied for about 20 minutes and refreshed every three hours for the first day of recovery. No serious physical activity (even light training) should be conducted for at least three days. Total recovery usually takes between 10 – 20 days.
Grade 2 Strain:
As with a grade 1 strain, the application of ice is very important and should take place immediately after the injury. The ice should be applied for 20 minutes at a time and refreshed every three hours for two days. A compression band should be worn, if possible, and the leg should remain elevated for a few days. One should not put pressure on the leg for about a week, if possible. If mobility is unavoidable, crutches may be necessary to prevent further tearing of the muscle. Total recovery usually takes between 1 – 2 months.
Grade 3 Strain:
As this is the most serious type of strain, it is recommended that a doctor examine the muscle as soon as possible. Letting a grade 3 strain go untreated (by a medical profession) could result in permanent weakness of the muscle. There should be absolutely no pressure applied to the muscle during transport and ice should be applied immediately. Recovery usually takes more than 3 months, depending upon the severity and location of the tear. In some cases, surgery may be required to fully mend the tear. Whether surgery is necessary or not, physical therapy is likely to be necessary in order to regain full strength and mobility.