The quadriceps are some of the largest and most powerful muscles in your body.
They provide the force you oughta run, walk, jump, kick, and complete most lower-body movements.
The main function of the quadriceps is to keep your knee stable and help you straighten it.
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Because of the amount of stress placed on them, quads can be prone to injury.
They are attached to the top of the patella via the quadriceps tendon.
The muscle fibers themselves are made of protein.
This explains why body builders and other athletes eat more protein to build and maintain their muscles.
But some people may naturally have a higher amount of one key in.
It is possible to build more of a particular fiber throw in with targeted training.
Your quadriceps muscles also help you move around in bed.
All quad muscles work to keep your knee stable.
The vastus medialis oblique is especially important for stabilizing your knee joint and controlling how your patella moves.
Over time, this can damageknee cartilageand cause the joint lining to get inflamed.
Where do you feel quad pain?
Quadriceps pain is felt in the front of the thigh.
The rectus femoris is the most frequently injured quadriceps muscle.
Quadriceps Contusion
The most common quadriceps injury is a contusion (bruise).
As a result, the surrounding muscle gets inflamed.
Severe quad contusions can make it very painful to extend the knee.
Most quad contusions are minor and healon their own within a few weeks.
Contusions are treated with theRICE method, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
This is the most effective way to reduce swelling, ease pain, and heal the contusion.
A strain causes pain and swelling in the muscle.
There can also be bruising and temporary loss of strength in the strained muscle.
With rest, mild to moderate strains may take up to three weeks to heal.
The RICE method can also be used to ease pain and swelling and speed the healing process along.
If the strain is more severe, your healthcare provider may recommend physical therapy.
Quadriceps tendonitis causes inflammation of the quad muscles and quadtendon.
Symptoms include pain and swelling above the kneecap that worsens when you move your knee.
Physical therapy is often recommended for tendonitis both to decrease pain and minimize further damage.
Bracing or taping the patella can reduce pain during daily activities.
Custom orthotics (shoe inserts) can be worn to help keep your knee in its proper alignment.
Kneecap Dislocation
In this injury, the kneecap slips (dislocates) from its groove.
This is almost always the result of trauma, such as asports injuryor fall.
Whenkneecap dislocationoccurs, there may be a “popping” sensation and severe knee pain.
The quad muscle may tear off the bone just below the kneecap.
Dislocated kneecaps often pop themselves back into place.
Even so, you should still see your healthcare provider to verify.
If the kneecap has not corrected itself, your provider will manipulate it back into place.
They will take anX-rayof your knee to check forfracturesor ligament tears.
You may be given a brace to stabilize your knee as well as physical therapy.
This will also be followed by use of a knee brace and physical therapy.
Treatment for PFSS begins with RICE.
You will need to rest your knee and avoid activities that make your pain worse.
NSAIDs can be taken as needed to reduce pain and swelling.
Physical therapy is often recommended to strengthen the muscles that support the knee and prevent further issues.
Orthotic shoe inserts can also help keep your knee stable.
Excessive bending at the knee, as is needed to run or cycle, can cause it too.
If your pain is severe, your healthcare provider may recommendcortisone shotsto reduce inflammation.
In some cases, physical therapy is advised.
Surgery may be recommended if other therapies fail to improve your condition within six months.
Surgery involves removing the part of the iliotibial band that is rubbing against the femur.
Apinched nervein the lower spine, such as the L3 vertebra, can also lead to quadriceps paresis.
This condition leads to severe knee instability and disability.
Recovery from paresis or paralysis depends on what caused the injury and how severe it is.
Physical therapy is recommended to minimize the effects of paresis and restore nerve and muscle function.
Knee braces and foot orthotics are often used to stabilize the knee.
Anassistive machine, such as a cane or walker, can help those with paresis move around safely.
Emergency surgery may be required to treat the cause of the brain injury.
In severe cases, the damage may be irreversible.
Acute compartment syndromemust be treated with an emergency surgery called afasciotomy.
Be sure to check in with your healthcare provider or physical therapist before starting any exercise for your quads.
Quadriceps Exercises
The quadriceps are used every time you straighten a bent knee.
If you have pain in your knee, exercises that strengthen the quads can help.
The standing quad stretch is a convenient stretch that can be done anywhere.
Standing on one foot, bend the other knee and grasp that leg’s ankle with your hand.
Pull your foot back as far as possible and hold for about 30 seconds.
Repeat on the other leg.
Summary
The quadriceps femoris is a group of four muscles located in each of your thighs.
Knee instability is often a consequence of quad injuries.
Thus, treatment often focuses on both restoring quad strength and knee stability.
2023;15(9):e45494.
doi:10.7759/cureus.45494
Kaiser Permanente.Quadriceps bruise: care instructions.
Mercy Health.Quadriceps tear or strain.
Cedars-Sinai.Kneecap (patellar) dislocation.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Patellofemoral stress syndrome (runner’s knee).
