Quadriceps Injuries: Quadricep Injury Symptoms and Treatment

What is a quadricep injury?
 
An injury to the quadriceps femoris muscle or its tendons . The quadricep femoris is a large muscle at the front of the thigh. The muscle, tendon and their attached bones comprise contractile units that stabilizes the hip and knee and allow their motion. A strain occurs at the weakest part of the unit.

What types of quadricep injuries are there ?

Quadricep strains are of three types;

1. A mild or (grade I) strain, which is a slightly pulled muscle without tearing of muscle or tendon fibers. There is no loss of strength.
2. A moderate or (grade II) strain, which is a tearing of fibers in a muscle or tendon or at the attachment to the bone. Strength is diminished.
3. A severe or (grade III strain), which is a rupture of the muscle tendon-bone attachment, with separation of fibers. A severe strain may require surgical repair. Chronic strains are caused by overuse. Acute strains are caused by direct injury or over-stress.

What muscles are involved in a quadriceps injury?
 
The specific body parts involved are the quadricep femoris or its various tendons. The Femur(thigh bone), patella (kneecap) or tibia(large lower legbone) are also involved in quadricep injuries. There are also soft tissues surrounding the strain, including nerves, periosteum (covering of bone), blood vessels and lymph vessels.

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