Quadriceps Haematoma (Contusion)

What is Quadriceps Haematoma?

A Haematoma is bleeding within a muscle. This usually occurs due to a direct force to the muscle which crushes the muscle against the underlying bone, damaging blood vessels resulting in bleeding. This is also known as a contusion.

The Quadriceps muscles are four muscles at the front of the thigh which travel from the hip to the knee, with the function of straightening the knee and flexing the hip (moving the thigh forwards). A haematoma in one of these muscles, especially lower down, can cause problems with bending and straightening the knee and difficulty walking.

Symptoms of Quadriceps Haematoma

• Instant pain and sometimes a 'dead leg' feeling on impact.
• Bruising and swelling may appear.
• It may be difficult to fully bend or straighten the knee.

Treatment

• Rest and elevation.
• Application of cold therapy as soon as possible and regularly for the first 2 days.
• A compression bandage will help reduce bleeding and swelling.
• Do not use heat until all bleeding and swelling has stopped! Otherwise this could lead to myositis ossificans.
• Sports massage can be used after all bleeding has stopped, usually 3-4 days.
• Gentle stretching of the quads provided this is painfree will help increase flexibility.
• Once all pain is gone, muscle strengthening such as knee extensions should be performed.

Recommended Products:

• Cold therapy - ice packs and wraps can be used to ease pain and reduce swelling.
• Thigh supports - provide compression and heat retention to the injured muscles.

Please see the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat Quadriceps haematoma and other thigh injuries.