When our youth participate in sports there are many
opportunities for injury. One injury
that is often overlooked or underestimated with regard to the seriousness is
the Quadriceps contusion. The contusion
may be mild, moderate or severe in nature.
The severity of the injury is determined by the amount of motion of the
knee following the injury.
Signs and symptoms
·
History of a blow to the front part of the thigh
(the quadriceps area)
·
Pain and/or weakness in the quadriceps muscle
group.
·
Tightness and welling in the anterior thigh
·
Inability to actively bend the knee
·
A knot noted in the thigh that is palpable and
most likely discolored (hematoma)
Usually the athlete complains of immediate pain and is
attended to by either a parent or a coach.
The first line of treatment is to apply ice to the injured area to the
leg that is extended to about 90 degrees.
The ice should remain in place for about 20 minutes. This procedure is then repeated about every 1
to 2 hours minutes (ice on 20 minutes and ice off about 1-2 hours). This should continue over the next 48 to 72
hours to decrease the pain and swelling.
Compression with an elastic bandage may also help the injury
sight and the athlete should utilize crutches for mobility if he/she is not
able to walk without pain or a limp.
Complete rest from all lower extremity activity should be maintained for
approximately three days following the injury.
It is not helpful to use heat, head rubs, thigh message, or
to stretch the tight thigh muscles aggressively. At any time if there is a suspicion of a
fracture or pain is not manageable a follow up visit with your physician is
advisable.
Following three to seven days of rest the athlete may begin
mild quadriceps stretching two to three times per day. Light activity like jogging, swimming or
stationary cycling can be utilized to rehabilitate the quadriceps contusion. Activity may be increased daily if no pain is
present. If at any time the pain is not
diminishing or is increasing enlist the care of your physician. It is helpful to ice following periods of
activity for about 15 to 20 minutes.
This will aid in decreasing the pain and swelling in the area.