A quadriceps contusion is an injury to the quadriceps. This group of four muscles is at the front of the thigh. They help you straighten your knee and flex (bend) your hip. They're important for many movements, including walking and running.
With rest and proper treatment, most people get better from a quadriceps contusion within a few weeks.
All quadriceps contusions cause thigh pain. Other signs and symptoms depend on how severe the contusion is, but can include:
A quadriceps contusion happens when someone gets hit very hard in the thigh. The force makes the muscle tear and bleed. It also can tear the sheath that covers the quadriceps muscles.
Most quadriceps contusions happen from playing sports. For example, it can happen:
Doctors diagnose a quadriceps contusion by asking about the injury and the person's symptoms, and doing an exam.
Usually no testing is needed. If the injury is serious or doesn't get better after treatment for a few weeks, the doctor may order an MRI scan. This lets them get a closer look at the contusion and check for other injuries.
With rest and proper treatment, most quadriceps contusions heal on their own within a few weeks.
To help with symptoms while it heals:
It also helps to raise the thigh:
Do not put heat on the contusion. This can make swelling worse. Also, do not massage the area without talking to your doctor first.
When the doctor says it's OK, you can do muscle strengthening and stretching through physical therapy (PT) or an at-home exercise program.
Most people heal from a quadriceps contusion within a few weeks. Rarely, some need surgery if the contusion is very severe or doesn't get better with treatment.
You can go back to sports when you are completely pain-free or the doctor cleared you to start playing again.
In a few cases, a quadriceps contusion can lead to other problems, including:
These problems do not happen often, but call your doctor right away if you have:
It can be hard to prevent a quadriceps contusion because they happen suddenly and often without warning. But you can make one less likely by following safety guidelines while playing sports:
Reviewed by: Amy W. Anzilotti, MD
Date Reviewed: Nov 25, 2019