Making up 10% of all sports injuries is not the only reason why the quadriceps muscles are important. The large size of these muscles accounts for their susceptibility to injury. In athletes, strains and contusions occur most frequently. Luckily, recovery periods are short since most injuries are minor.
The most common injury to these muscles are strains. There are different degrees of severity depending on the amount of damage and muscles affected. These injuries are graded as 1- (minor disruption of muscle), 2-(muscle tearing with significant hemorrhage), 3- (complete loss of continuity and function of most or all of muscle). When muscles near their maximum contraction, they are most susceptible to strains. Methods of preventing strains include: proper warm-up, stretching, and muscle balance. They can be treated with ice, stretching, and strengthening excercises.
Contusions are caused by a direct blow to the thigh, and many times involve the deep muscles. Grade 1 contusions will be painful, but grades 2 and 3 will swell and hematoma is a possibility. If a second blow to the same area occurs myositis ossificans compartment syndrome can develop. Contusions should be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevationt.