Quad Injuries

The quadricep, or the quad as everyone calls it, is actually a group of four muscles that function to extend the knee and flex the hip. The vastus intermedius is found on the front of the thigh, deep to the rectus femoris. The vastus medialis is found toward the inside of the leg, while the vastus lateralis is found toward the outside of the leg. The vastus muscles all attach on the proximal femur, and run down the front of the leg, inserting on the patella through the quadriceps tendon. The rectus femoris attaches above the hip joint on the anterior inferior iliac spine, and courses down the leg inserting into the patella, again through the quadriceps tendon. Whew! Sounds like a lot! Here’s the point: your quads are really important in athletic activities, but are susceptible to strains as the most common injury. Normally, resting your thigh muscles and exercises completed in a therapy program can get you back and playing quickly.