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Corked Thigh (Bruised Quadriceps)
Corked Thigh (Bruised Quadriceps)
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What is a Corked Thigh?
(Also known as: "Dead Leg", Quadriceps Contusions, "Charleys Horse")
A corked thigh is very common in contact sports. In simple teams, your thigh muscles are usually "kneed" by an opponent during a tackle or similar impact. The muscle is crushed against the underlying bone. The impact to the muscles causes significant bruising and bleeding both intramuscularly and also between the muscle and your femur (thigh bone).
It's damage can often be much more than you might expect for such a simple cause and these injuries should be treated with respect. If not treated correctly or if treated too aggressively then Myositis Ossificans may result.
There are Two Types of Contusion
Intramuscular Contusion
This is a tearing of the muscle within the sheath that surrounds it. This means that the initial bleeding may stop early (within hours) because of increased pressure within the muscle. However, the fluid is unable to escape as the muscle sheath prevents it. The result is considerable loss of muscle function, power and pain which can take days or weeks to recover. You are not likely to see any bruising come out with this type - especially in the early stages. Physiotherapy and carefully performed Massage Therapy are highly recommended for a speedy recovery. These interventions are important to prevent functional morbidity related to the large compression issues and myositis ossificans.
Intermuscular Contusion
This is a tearing of the muscle and part of the sheath surrounding it. This means that the initial bleeding will take longer to stop especially if you do not ice it. However recovery is often faster than intramuscular as the blood and fluids can flow away from the site of injury. You are more likely to see bruising come out with this one. These injuries respond very well to Physiotherapy and Massage
What are the Symptoms of a Corked Thigh?
- Pain after being whacked in the leg.
- You might get swelling or bruising.
- Restricted movement and reduced power.
What to Do for a Corked Thigh?
Seek professional help quickly if you can. Otherwise impliment a RICE regime until you can be assessed.
After two to three days check:
- If the swelling has not gone then you probably have an intramuscular injury.
- If the bleeding has spread and caused bruising away from the site of the injury then you probably have an intermuscular injury.
- If you are more able to contract the muscle you probably have an intermuscular injury.
- Can you feel a deformation in the muscle or a gap? If so, please seek professional assessment.
It is important the correct diagnosis is made. If you try to exercise on a complete rupture, or a bad intramuscular injury you can inhibit healing, make things worse or cause permanent disability. If you apply heat and massage in the early stages then you could get Myositis Ossificans (or bone forming within the muscle), then you are in trouble. Myositis ossificans can result in months or years away from sport.
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Contusions are Graded 1, 2 or 3 depending on the Severity.
Grade 1:
What does it feel like?
- Unable to walk properly.
- Probably not much swelling.
- Trying to straighten the knee against resistance probably won't produce much pain.
- Lying on front and bending the knee should allow you nearly a full range of motion.
Grade 2:
What does it feel like?
- Probably cannot walk properly.
- Occasional sudden twinges of pain during activity.
- Straightening the knee against resistance causes pain.
- Unable to fully bend the knee.
Grade 3
What does it feel like?
- You will be unable to walk properly without the aid of crutches.
- You will be in severe pain.
- You will have bad swelling appear immediately.
- A static contraction will be painful and might produce a bulge in the muscle.
- Expect to be out of competition for 3 to twelve weeks.
What Can the Athlete Do?
- Seek medical attention immediately. R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate.) Use crutches.
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Common Treatments for Corked Thigh
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