Everything You Need to Know About a Quadriceps Contusion
What is a Quadriceps Contusion?
A quadriceps contusion is a bruise to the thigh muscle, usually caused by a direct blow to the front of the thigh. It leads to bleeding and swelling within the muscle, causing pain, tightness, and difficulty moving the leg. It’s especially common in contact sports like football, rugby, basketball, and martial arts.
An analogy…
Think of the quadriceps like a sponge. If you hit it hard with a hammer, the inside bruises and swells, even though the skin might not break. That’s what happens in a contusion, the muscle is squashed and bleeds internally.
What are other names that a quadriceps contusion can be called?
Corked Thigh, Quadriceps Bruise, Corky, Quadriceps Haematoma, Charley Horse, Dead Leg
What causes a quadriceps contusion?
The quadriceps muscle group sits on the front of the thigh and helps to straighten the knee. A contusion happens when a direct impact (like a knee or hard object) crushes the muscle against the femur (thigh bone). This causes bleeding inside the muscle tissue, leading to inflammation, swelling, and pain. Severe cases can lead to myositis ossificans if not managed properly.
What are the signs and symptoms of a quadriceps contusion?
- Sudden pain at the front of the thigh after a knock or tackle
- Swelling and tenderness in the muscle
- Bruising, which may spread down the leg over time
- Difficulty bending the knee or walking normally
- Tightness or cramping in the thigh
- Muscle weakness or a feeling of “dead leg”
- In severe cases: visible lump or firmness in the muscle
What tests are used to diagnose a quadriceps contusion?
Palpation: To identify tenderness, swelling, and firmness in the muscle.
Range of motion testing: Usually shows reduced knee flexion.
Strength testing: Pain or weakness when trying to straighten the leg.
How long does a quadriceps contusion take to heal?
- Mild contusion: 1 to 2 weeks
- Moderate contusion: 2 to 4 weeks
- Severe contusion: 4 to 8 weeks or more, especially if there’s a large hematoma or early myositis ossificans
How does a quadriceps contusion happen?
- Direct contact trauma
- Falls onto a hard surface
- Inadequate padding or protective gear in contact sports
- Poor muscle flexibility, making muscles more vulnerable
- Previous thigh injuries can increase re-injury risk
What treatment can help a quadriceps contusion?
- R.I.C.E. protocol
- Gentle stretching and movement
- Progressive strengthening of the quadriceps
- Use of compression garments to support recovery
- Manual therapy (light massage or soft tissue work) later in the healing process
What exercises or stretches can I do for a quadriceps contusion?
- Isometric quad contractions
- Heel slides and active knee bends
- Bridges and straight leg raises
- Wall sits and bodyweight squats
- Foam rolling and light stretching
What products can help with a quadriceps contusion?
We don't offer magic fixes or cures, but a sustainable approach to back pain.
Our Osteopaths will offer you a road map to help you take control of your back pain and feel great again.
BOOK YOUR OSTEOPATH VISIT TODAY
Book a Time with Dr Luke Madden Below
Book a Time with Dr Melinda Madden Below
Already have an account?
Book as a guest
- Book an Appointment
A hip flexor strain happens when one of the muscles at the front of your hip, mainly the iliopsoas or rectus femoris, gets overstretched or torn. It’s a common injury in sports that involve kicking, sprinting, or sudden movements, causing pain at the front of the hip or groin.
An analogy…
Think of the hip flexor muscles like strong elastic bands that lift your knee toward your chest. If they are stretched too quickly or too far, they can tear like a snapping rubber band.
What are other names that a hip flexor strain can be called?
Hip Flexor Injury, Iliopsoas Strain, Psoas Strain, Hip Flexor Tear, Strained Iliopsoas Muscle, Torn Iliopsoas Muscle, Pulled Hip Flexor
What causes a hip flexor strain?
The hip flexors are a group of muscles that help you lift your thigh toward your body. A strain happens when the muscle fibres are overloaded, usually from a sudden burst of force or a rapid stretch beyond their limit. This causes small (or large) tears in the muscle or its tendon near the pelvis.
What are the signs and symptoms of a hip flexor strain?
- Sharp pain at the front of the hip or groin area
- Tenderness when pressing the hip flexor muscles
- Pain with lifting the knee, sprinting, kicking, or climbing stairs
- Stiffness or weakness in the hip, especially when bending forward
- Swelling or bruising in the front of the hip
- Pain when stretching the hip backward
What tests are used to diagnose a hip flexor strain?
Palpation: Feeling for tenderness in the front of the hip
Resisted hip flexion test: Pain when lifting the knee against resistance
Stretching tests: Extending the hip backward reproduces symptoms
How long does a hip flexor strain take to heal?
Grade 1 (mild) strains often heal in 1 to 2 weeks. Grade 2 (moderate) strains usually take 3 to 6 weeks. Grade 3 (severe) strains (significant tearing) can take 8 to 12 weeks or more to fully recover.
How does a hip flexor strain happen?
- Sudden sprinting or kicking movements
- Explosive acceleration or direction changes
- Tight hip flexor muscles
- Poor warm-up or muscle preparation
- Weak glutes and core, causing the hip flexors to overwork
- Fatigue or previous hip injuries increasing the risk
What treatment can help a hip flexor strain?
- Relative rest from aggravating activities early on
- Ice application for the first 48–72 hours to control swelling
- Manual therapy (massage, dry needling, and stretching)
- Progressive strengthening and controlled stretching of the hip flexors
- Postural retraining and core strengthening
- Gradual return to running, kicking, and sport-specific drills
What exercises or stretches can I do for a hip flexor strain?
- Isometric hip flexor holds
- Glute and core strengthening exercises
- Gentle hip flexor stretches
- Straight leg raises to rebuild control
What products can help with a hip flexor strain?