What is a thigh muscle strain?
A muscle strain, also called a pull or tear, is a common injury, particularly among athletes. The thigh has three sets of strong muscles: the hamstring muscles in the back, the quadriceps muscles in the front, and the adductor muscles on the inside. The quadriceps and hamstring muscle sets work together to straighten (extend) and bend (flex) the leg. The adductor muscles, commonly referred to as the groin, pull the legs together.
The hamstring and quadriceps muscle sets are particularly at risk for muscle strains because they cross both the hip and knee joints. They are also used for high-speed activities such as sprinting, cutting, and jumping.
How do muscle strains occur?
Muscle strains usually happen when a muscle is stretched beyond its limit, tearing the muscle fibers. They frequently occur near the point where the muscle joins the tendon. A similar injury occurs if there is a direct blow to the muscle.
What are the symptoms of a muscle strain?
An athlete who experiences a thigh muscle strain will frequently describe a popping or snapping sensation as the muscle tears. Pain is sudden and may be severe. The area around the injury may be tender with visible bruising. Once a muscle strain occurs, the muscle is vulnerable to reinjury, so it is important to let the muscle heal properly and to follow preventive protocols.
How is a muscle strain diagnosed?
A thorough physical exam can confirm the diagnosis. An X-ray may be needed if there is a possible fracture or other injury to the bone. Muscle strains are graded according to their severity. A grade 1 strain is mild and usually heals readily, while a grade 3 strain is a severe tear of the muscle that may take months to heal.
How is a muscle strain treated?
Most muscle strains can be treated with the RICE protocol. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Some strains require more formal physical therapy and even corticosteroid injections. An anti-inflammatory or another analgesic may be used for pain relief. As the pain and swelling subside, physical therapy will help improve range of motion and strength.
When can an athlete return to sport?
The muscle should be at full strength and pain-free before return to sports- this may take 10 days to 3 weeks for a mild strain, and up to 6 months for a severe strain. This will help prevent additional injury.
What can be done to prevent muscle strains?
Several factors can predispose you to muscle strains. These include muscle tightness, muscle imbalance, poor conditioning, muscle fatigue, and insufficient warm-up. To help prevent muscle strains, athletes may warm-up prior to activity, stretch slowly and gradually, and condition their muscles on a regular exercise program.
Kevin Westry
Ched Garten M.D.