Quadriceps Injuries
Several types of quadriceps injuries can occur, the most common being the quadriceps contusion, which is painful and disabling. The usual cause of the quadriceps contusion is a direct blow to the anterior thigh from an object or another person. Very rarely, this injury can be severe enough to progress to an acute compartment syndrome.
Because the quadriceps is in contact with the femur (thigh bone) throughout its length, it is susceptible to compression forces. The rectus femoris, one part of four muscles in the thigh, is the most commonly injured portion of the muscle because of its anterior location. Minimally, impact causes cellular edema (swelling) of the muscle, but complete capillary disruption with localised haemorrhage (bleeding) leading to a tense anterior (front) compartment can occur.
The muscle is more resistant to injury if it is struck while in a contracted nonfatigued state. Other quadriceps injuries range from simple strains to more complex and disabling muscle ruptures.
Treatment
Muscle strains and contusions are treated in much the same way. Management includes minimisation of bleeding and swelling. Treatment is aimed at the restoration of full range of movement and strength through massage therapy, electrotherapy, stretching and a progressive muscle strengthening programme with the result in return to all activities.
Hamstring Injuries
Hamstring muscle strains are common injuries among sprinters, hurdlers and long jumpers. They also occur in other sports involving sprinting.
A pulled hamstring, also called a hamstring strain, is a tear of the hamstring muscle fibers. In less severe hamstring strains, Grade I injuries, the tearing is microscopic.
Muscle strains and tears most commonly occur because of what is called an “eccentric contraction (the muscle is contracting but lengthening a breaking mechanism).” When this occurs, the muscle is trying to contract while another force (the ground, another player, etc.) is forcing the muscle in the opposite direction. This creates tremendous force on the muscle, and if the force is strong enough, it will tear the muscle fibers.
What are the symptoms of a pulled hamstring?
The symptoms of a pulled hamstring depend on the severity of the injury. The hamstring injury is usually sudden and painful. Other common symptoms include:
- Bruising: Small tears within the muscle cause bleeding and subsequent bruising. The bruise begins in the back of the thigh, and as time passes the bruise will pass down below the knee and often into the foot.
- Swelling: The accumulation of blood from the hamstring injury causes swelling of the thigh. This can make further muscle contraction difficult and painful. Wearing a compressive bandage can help control the swelling.
- Spasm: Muscle spasm is a common and painful symptom of a hamstring injury. Because of the trauma to the muscle, signals of contraction are confused, and the muscle may be stimulated. If severe, muscle relaxants can help with spasms.
- Difficulty Contracting: Flexing the knee is often painful after a pulled hamstring, and can even prevent the patient from walking normally. If you are unable to contract the hamstring, the muscle may be completely ruptured.
Treatment
The effective management of pain in the hamstring area is dependent upon correct diagnosis. Initially the therapist must diagnose whether the injury to the posterior thigh is a muscle strain or pain referred from elsewhere so that appropriate treatment can be carried out.
Over the first 48 hours regular ice and compression should be applied. Treatment is aimed at the restoration of full range of movement and strength through massage therapy, electrotherapy, stretching and a progressive muscle strengthening programme with the result in return to all activities.
Other Problems
Hamstring tendinopathy
Tendinopathy of the hamstring muscle group may occur at the origin (back of the knee) or the insertion (buttock) of the hamstring muscle group. Both present with the typical inflammatory pattern of warming up with activity and an increase in pain post activity. Tenderness occurs over the tendon with associated thickening.
Ischial bursitis
Ischial bursitis presents with pain when sitting on hard surfaces. The two aforementioned conditions do not significantly limit the performance of a running athlete however, they can be quite (annoying) (replace with frustrating).
Ultimately these conditions require sufficient rest and rehabilitation and possible injection therapy.
Call 07486 692119 or complete our quick online form to arrange an appointment.
Contact us
Physio Team-Works will be able to guide you through these stages of rehabilitation. We can assist in monitoring your progress, setting your goals, and providing appropriate treatment to maximise your recovery potential.
We can also inform you of how you can help your own recovery, and what should be avoided. You will be provided a specific rehabilitation programme, and we aim to back to your full levels of activity and/or sport as quickly as possible.
Call 07486 692119 or complete our quick online form to arrange an appointment.
