Quadriceps Injuries: Quadricep Injury Symptoms and Treatment
(Continued)

Are there any complications with quadricep injuries ?

Some possible complications can be (1) prolonged healing time if activity is resumed too soon, (2) proneness to repeated injury, (3) Loss of the ability to quickly accelerate and decelerate, (4) inflammation at the attachment to bone (periostitis); or prolonged disability (weakness). With a first-time injury, proper care and sufficient healing time before resuming activity should prevent permanent disability.

How long does a quadricep injury take to heal ?

Torn ligaments and tendons require as long to heal as fractured bones do.
The average healing times are: (1) mild strain - 2 to 10 days, (2) moderate strain - 10 days to 6 weeks, (3) severe strain - 6 to 10 weeks. The complications listed above are more likely to occur in the case of repeated injuries.

What treatment should I use for a quadricep injury ?

Treatment should consist of following your doctor's instructions. Some supplemental first aids are the "R.I.C.E." instructions: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. It is helpful, as continuing care, to use an ice massage 3 or 4 times a day for 15 minutes at a time. . Fill a large styrofoam cup with water and freeze. Tear a small amount of the foam from the top so the ice protrudes. Massage firmly over the injured area in a circle about the size of a softball.

After the first 72 hours, apply heat instead of ice if it feels better. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads or heat liniments and ointments. Take whirlpool treatments, if available. Wrap the injured quadricep muscle loosely with an elastic bandage between treatments. Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.

Continued

 to top of page