At Shoreline Orthopaedics, our orthopaedic surgeons use a truly collaborative approach so our patients have the benefit of multiple expert opinions, without having to go elsewhere to obtain them.
Shoreline Orthopaedics provides more comprehensive services, state-of-the-art options, technologies and techniques than anyone else in the area.
The following information is provided to help you understand what you can expect from us regarding policies and procedures, and also what is expected of you before and after treatment or procedures.
The following information is provided to help you gain a better understanding of anatomy, terminology, certain orthopaedic procedures, and more. If you have any questions, feel free to ask your physician.
The thigh has three sets of strong muscles: the hamstring muscles in the back of the thigh, the quadriceps muscles in the front, and the adductor (groin) muscles on the inside. The quadriceps and hamstring muscles work together to straighten (extend) and bend (flex) the leg. The adductor muscles pull the legs together. The hamstring and quadriceps muscle groups are particularly at risk for muscle strains because they cross both the hip and knee joints. These muscles are used for high—speed activities, such as track and field events (running, hurdles, long jump), football, basketball, and soccer.
A muscle strain (muscle pull or tear) is a common injury, particularly among people who participate in sports. 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 tough, fibrous connective tissue of the tendon. A similar injury occurs if there is a direct blow to the muscle. Muscle strains are graded according to their severity. Grade 1 is mild and usually heals readily. Grade 3 is a severe tear of the muscle that may take months to heal.
A muscle strain in the thigh causes sudden pain that can be quite severe. Someone experiencing a muscle strain in the thigh frequently describes a popping or snapping sensation as the muscle tears. The area around the injury may be tender to the touch, with visible bruising if blood vessels are also broken. Weakness, swelling, inflammation and cramping are also common signs of a strain.
Common factors that can make it more likely for you to experience a muscle strain include:
During the physical examination, your doctor will examine the injured area for tenderness or bruising, and you may be asked to bend or straighten your knee or hip. An X-ray may also be needed if there is a possible fracture or other injury to the phone.
Once a muscle strain occurs, the muscle is vulnerable to reinjury; therefore, it is important to let the muscle heal properly and to follow instructions carefully. Your doctor may recommend a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, such as aspirin or another analgesic for pain relief. Rest, ice, compression (using a bandage), and elevation—or R.I.C.E., as the protocol is often referred to—are effective for most sports-related injuries.
A proper warm-up helps to protect your muscles against strain by increasing range of motion and reducing stiffness. Warm up before any exercise session or sports activity, including practice, by stretching slowly and gradually, holding each stretch to give the muscle time to respond and lengthen. Condition your muscles with a regular program of exercises based on your age and activity level.
Be sure to take as much time as needed to let your muscle heal before returning to sports. Wait until your strength and flexibility return to preinjury levels. This could take anywhere from 10 days to three weeks for a mild strain, and up to six months for a severe strain.