Quadricept Pain

Quadriceps pain occurs in the thigh area where four muscle groups make up the quadriceps. Next to the gluteus maximus, it is the largest muscle in the body. Thus, pain in this area can encompass a broad area. According to Runnersrescue.com, "A quadricep strain usually results from a muscular imbalance between the quadriceps and the hamstrings." Quadriceps pain can occur as a result of sudden movements, running, lifting weights or from direct impact. A combination of rest, ice, medication, massage and exercise can help alleviate quadriceps pain.

• Quadriceps

Considerations

• Pain can occur in the upper or lower area of the quadriceps. Lower pain may be related to tendinitis which is the inflammation of knee tendons. High pain on the inside of the leg can actually be a strained sartorius or groin (gracilis) muscle. A person can also have either a strained, bruised or torn quadriceps muscle, the latter of which will usually require surgery. A torn quadriceps can cause severe pain and discoloration.

Effects of Rest, Ice & Heat

• Most quadriceps pain requires a period of rest. This can prevent further injury to the area. It also gives ice time to reduce inflammation and pain. Ice controls pain and swelling through vasoconstriction. It minimizes blood and lymph flow to the area by narrowing blood vessels. Aurora Health Care professionals say to "Apply ice or a cold pack to the quadriceps area for 15 to 20 minutes, 4 times a day for several days after the injury." Ice packs can ensure that the coldness from the ice is compressed against the affected area. Elevating the thigh above the heart can also reduce inflammation and consequential pain. After inflammation has subsided a bit, heat can be used to promote blood (with its healing properties) to the injured area.

Types of Medications

• Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help relieve pain and inflammation. These medications are Cox-2 inhibitors which minimize the amount of prostaglandins (chemicals) that Cox-2 enzymes produce (the body's natural reaction to an injury). Topical ointments such as Bengay may also be effective in reducing inflammation and pain. Shoe inserts may also help as the alignment of your feet can affect your quadriceps. In the case of severe quadriceps pain, a doctor may need to prescribe oral steroids or administer a cortisone shot.

Types of Exercises

• Just as for other muscles, stretching exercises can help loosen up the quadriceps and promote healing and pain relief, once the swelling has subsided. Stretching exercises are most effective if performed within a range of movement that does not cause additional pain. Simply pulling the ankle up from behind and stretching the quadriceps is one type of movement. Resistance exercises or light weightlifting are the best ways to get blood flowing to the area. Walking, riding a bicycle or light dumbbell squats are some exercises that can help a person overcome quadriceps pain.

Time Frame

• There is no set time frame for overcoming quadriceps pain. Recovery is contingent upon the severity of the injury. Tendinitis or muscle strains can take several weeks to heal completely. Those who are more proactive in their treatments usually heal faster than others.