A Rectus femoris tendon strain is a tear in the tendon of one of the quadriceps muscles, commonly at its origin in the front of the hip.
Rectus femoris tendon strain symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Sudden sharp pain in the front of the hip or groin.
- Potential swelling and bruising at the site of injury.
- Increased tenderness when palpating the tendon attachment at the front of the hip.
- In the case of a complete rupture, the muscle cannot be contracted, and a visible gap or deformity may be present.
Diagnosis
A professional therapist conducts specific tests to identify your injury, such as:
Resisted Flexion Test: The therapist asks you to lift your knee or leg while resisting your movement. If you experience pain during this test, it might suggest a rectus femoris strain.
Symptom Severity: The intensity of your symptoms may fluctuate, depending on whether the rupture is partial or complete.
What is a Rectus femoris tendon strain?
The rectus femoris, a large quadriceps muscle responsible for knee extension and hip flexion, often strains during high-impact activities like running or jumping. Its location on the front of the thigh makes it vulnerable to high forces during kicking or jumping, potentially leading to partial muscle ruptures.
This could evolve into rectus femoris tendonitis or tendinopathy post-healing. Regular strengthening and stretching exercises can aid in preventing such injuries, by enhancing muscle strength and flexibility.
Rectus femoris avulsion fractures
Rectus femoris strains, prevalent in explosive activities such as running or jumping, affect a significant quadriceps muscle spanning the hip and knee joints. This muscle crucially contributes to knee extension and hip flexion, hence experiencing substantial force during kicking or jumping movements.
Instances of partial muscle rupture could subsequently develop into rectus femoris tendonitis or tendinopathy post-healing. Groin injury prevention lies in maintaining muscle strength and flexibility through regular targeted exercises.
Treatment for a Rectus femoris tendon strain
Treatment involves the following:
Rest: Complete rest for at least 48 hours, or longer depending on the severity of the injury. Gradually progress to active rest as symptoms improve, ensuring activities are pain-free.
Cold therapy: Apply cold therapy and compression for 10 to 15 minutes every hour during the acute stage, reducing frequency as symptoms subside.
Electrotherapy: Physiotherapy techniques such as ultrasound and laser treatment may be used to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and aid in the healing process.
Massage: Sports massage, including cross-friction massage on the tendon and deep tissue massage to relax the muscles, can be beneficial after the acute stage. Foam rolling can be an alternative if regular massage is not available.
Exercises: Follow a comprehensive rehabilitation program that includes stretching and strengthening exercises for the thigh. Progress to sports-specific functional exercises to regain full fitness.
Surgery: If the tendon is completely torn, surgery may be necessary for repair.
Avulsion fractures: If an avulsion fracture is suspected, seek immediate medical attention. Diagnosis and evaluation through X-ray or MRI scan will determine the extent of the fracture and any displacement.
Conservative treatment: In most cases, conservative treatment without surgery is appropriate, following the same approach as a tendon rupture.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional or physiotherapist for proper assessment and guidance in the treatment of a Rectus femoris tendon strain.
