Quadriceps Strain is a condition that happens from the muscle and/or tendon being stretched or torn passed its capacity.  The Quadriceps muscles are a group of 4 muscles in the front side(anterior) leg.  These muscles aid in knee extension(straightening the knee) as well as stabilizing and supporting the leg in different movements.  Quadriceps strains can occur in anyone but most seen from repetitive use: hiking, running, biking, swimming, soccer, weightlifting, and physical labor jobs. 

Symptoms of a Quadriceps Strain are ache or sore quad muscles, sometimes sharp/stabbing pain in the quadriceps, swelling and occasionally redness and bruising.  One will feel these pains when actively using the quad muscles but can feel the pain when not using them as well.  This pain and injury will cause limitations in movement such as walking, running, standing, sitting to standing, walking up and down stairs, inability to perform normal daily tasks.  Pain will typically be constant but can be intermittent, and typically worse when first starting to use the muscles after a short bout of sedentary positions.

The best course of action for this injury is to seek professional help to evaluate and diagnose the issue/injury.  This allows the professional to build a proper treatment plan for the injury as well as the individual.  A good treatment plan for a quadriceps strain is joint mobilizations to help keep the pelvis, hips and knees moving properly.  Manual therapies to help alleviate soft tissue stress as well as increase blood flow for healing and decrease pain.  Stability and strength work to help build muscle and joint function for improved activity levels.  And finally, a self-care program that will help the individual manage the issue on their own as well.