Quad strain is a muscle injury caused by microscopic tears in the quadriceps muscle fibers due to inadequate stretching before running or jumping activities. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and may require ice packs, NSAIDs, and rest. There are three levels of quad strain, with level three potentially requiring surgery. Precautions such as stretching and warming up can help prevent quad strains.
A quad strain is a muscle injury that results from microscopic tears in the quadriceps muscle fibers located on the front of the leg just above the knee. The quadriceps muscle is divided into the rectus femoris, vastus intermedius, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis. This injury most often occurs due to inadequate stretching before running or jumping activities. Treatment of a quad strain depends on the severity of the injury, but usually requires ice packs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and rest.
There are three different degrees of quadruple strain. The first level is the least serious. A person may notice slight swelling in the area and some pain when moving the affected leg. Usually, a level one quad strain does not impede the normal ability to walk, although the muscle may feel tight and sore. NSAIDs, alternating between applying ice packs and warm moist compresses to the area and resting the leg for one to three weeks is the standard treatment for a grade A injury.
The second level of quad tension is indicated by a greater degree of swelling in the muscle and pain during movement. Most people are unable to walk without pain with a level two quadruple voltage. Small tears in muscle fibers can take one to two months to fully heal. Rest, ice packs, moist heat, and anti-inflammatory medications are recommended during the healing period.
Level three quadruple strains may require surgery to repair torn muscle fibers. This type of injury makes it nearly impossible to walk without assistance. The muscle may be very swollen and the thigh may have significant bruising. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test may be scheduled to determine if the muscle will need to be surgically repaired. An injury this serious can take three months or more to heal.
While a level three quad strain is healing, the affected limb should be kept elevated as often as possible. Alternating ice packs and moist heat can help soothe some of the discomfort. A topical muscle rub can be used to relieve muscle pain and stiffness. If surgery was needed to repair the muscle, prescription pain relievers with NSAIDs may be used during recovery.
Quadriceps strain can be avoided if a person follows a few precautions before engaging in vigorous activity like running, jumping, or kicking. Allowing a few extra minutes of gentle quadriceps stretching exercises may be the most significant step in preventing quadriceps strains from occurring. A short walk before starting an activity will warm up the muscle fibers and reduce the risk of muscle damage.
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