Pulled quad: Symptoms, treatment, and recovery time

The quads’ primary purpose is to straighten the knee. Athletes and other physically active people are most likely to pull a muscle in this group.

Most people recover after applying ice and resting. However, some require further treatment, depending on the severity of the injury.

Symptoms and causes of a pulled quad

The most common symptoms include:

• pain
• swelling
• loss of strength
• loss of ability to move
• bruising

Some people can feel the injury as it occurs, while others only feel the effects.

An athlete who habitually makes sudden, forceful leg movements, especially when fatigued, is most likely to pull a quad.

According to research from 2010, the most common causes of a strain or a pull in the quads include:

• playing sports, such as soccer, football, and rugby, which involve forceful contractions of the quads
• excessively extending or stretching the muscle group
• overall muscle fatigue

The researcher also described the grading system for pulled quadriceps:

• Grade 1: mild pain, limited loss of strength, and no muscle defects
• Grade 2: moderate pain, moderate loss of strength, and possibly a noticeable muscle defect
• Grade 3: severe pain, typically with a complete loss of strength and a noticeable muscle defect

Most people do not need to worry about pulling their quadriceps. Those most at risk tend to be athletes engaged in intense physical activities.

Some risk factors include:

• muscle fatigue
• an imbalance between the strengths of the quads and the hamstrings
• poor conditioning, or trying to do too much too soon
• muscle tightness

Taking the following precautions can help:

• fully warming up before engaging in the demanding activity
• conditioning the muscles with regular exercise
• cooling down following exercise
• allowing the muscle to heal completely before returning to the activity

When to see a doctor

A person may not need to see a doctor for a mild quad pull. However, if a person has sustained the injury while playing a team sport, it may be a good idea to see a doctor. The doctor can recommend ways to speed the recovery.

Seek medical attention for a quad pull if the injury:

• causes extreme pain or loss of movement
• seems to worsen
• does not improve over time

A doctor will examine the leg and thigh. They may then use imaging to check the muscle for tears or additional damage.

The doctor can recommend medications to ease the pain and swelling. They may also suggest physical therapy.

Finally, a doctor may advise about returning to daily activities and write an excusal letter, if necessary.

Takeaway

For most people, a pulled quad would be an unusual injury. Those most at risk are athletes and others who participate in physically demanding activities.

It is essential to allow the body to heal by resting the muscles as much as possible. A person should also use the RICE method to reduce swelling.

Many people can return to their regular activities within a few weeks of the injury.

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