This injury usually results from a direct blow to the quadricep muscle such as a knee to the thigh in soccer or a helmet to the thigh in tackle football. These injuries can be severe at times and benefit from early diagnosis and supervised treatment to help speed recovery.
- Thigh contusion (deep bruise)
o In sports, it is common to experience direct trauma to the quadricep (thigh) muscle. This can happen when hit by a ball, helmet, or another hard object like an opponent’s knee as can happen in soccer and other contact sports.
o The thigh muscle is very vascular and when exercising the vascularity is increased even more. As a result, a contusion that damages blood vessels can cause a hematoma, which is a collection of blood at the injury site.
o Many individuals after this injury will feel a palpable, tender mass at the site. Sometimes the affected side is weak and has limited ability to bend and straighten especially as the injury severity increases.
o A thorough history and physical exam by a sports injury doctor is important after this injury. In addition to Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE), it may be important to wrap the knee in a flexed position and start a prescription medication.
o It is important for your sports medicine specialist to work closely with your physical therapist to help rehabilitate the injury and help you get back in the game.
