The purpose of the following is to provide the reader with information regarding treatment of minor medical issues. The purpose is not to provide medical advice and is not meant to circumvent the need for diagnosis and treatment of medical problems by trained medical professionals. Many more serious medical problems may only be capable of diagnosis by these trained professionals.

Thigh/Knee

Pulled Hamstring (three muscles along the back of your thigh)

Cause: A pulled hamstring is normally the result of an overextension of the leg. When one or more of the muscles is stretched too far, they can become strained or even tear. Pulled hamstrings affect athletes in a variety of sports, particularly sports that involve a lot of running and jumping.

Prevention: Develop a daily stretching and strength training routine. If you have taken time off from sporting activities due to injury or other causes, gradually ease back into your routine. If you experience pain in the back of your thigh, stop your activity as continuing may worsen your pain.

Treatment: Use compression while applying an ice pack to the thigh area and rest the muscle until the pain subsides. Elevate the affected area as often as possible. Take anti-inflammatory medicine such as Advil, Aleve, or Motrin to reduce inflammation. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle and check with your doctor before taking any new medications. If the pain does not subside or if you experience other symptoms, seek medical attention.

Imaging: MRI may be done to evaluate for any soft tissue injury.

Pulled Quadriceps (muscles along the front of the thigh)

Cause: The quadriceps can be pulled when the hamstrings become stronger than the quadriceps. This injury is most common in runners because the quadriceps are used much less often than the hamstrings.

Prevention: Develop a daily stretching and strength training routine for your quadriceps. Runners should always cross train with exercises that strengthen the quadriceps, such as stair climbing and squats.

Treatment: Use compression while applying an ice pack to the injured area and rest until the pain subsides. Elevate the affected area as often as possible. Take anti-inflammatory medicine such as Advil, Aleve, or Motrin to reduce inflammation. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle and check with your doctor before taking any new medications. Use an ACE bandage to prevent causing further injury to your quadriceps. If the pain does not subside or if you experience other symptoms, seek medical attention.

Imaging: MRI may be done to evaluate for any soft tissue injury.

Contusion (bruise)

Cause: A contusion typically comes from one or more blows to the body. Athletes in all sports are susceptible to contusions, but they occur most frequently in contact sports such as football and martial arts.

Prevention: Always wear protective gear when participating in a sport that may involve contact with an object or another person.

Treatment: Most athletes who suffer contusions recover quickly and without surgery. Use compression while applying an ice pack to the injured area and rest until the pain subsides. Elevate the affected area as often as possible. Take anti-inflammatory medicine such as Advil, Aleve, or Motrin to reduce inflammation. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle and check with your doctor before taking any new medications. If the pain does not subside or if you experience other symptoms, seek medical attention.

Imaging: Radiographs are used to evaluate for fracture. MRI may be done to evaluate for any soft tissue injury.

Meniscus Tear (cartilage in the knee)

Cause: A meniscus tear is caused when an athlete continuously makes sudden changes in direction. This typically is seen in athletes who play sports such as soccer, tennis, and basketball.

Prevention: Develop a daily stretching routine for your thighs. If you decide to increase the intensity of your training, do so gradually. Talk to an expert to determine if you are wearing the correct type of shoes.

Treatment: Use compression while applying an ice pack to the injured area. Elevate the affected area as often as possible. Take anti-inflammatory medicine such as Advil, Aleve, or Motrin to reduce inflammation. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle and check with your doctor before taking any new medications. Wear a knee brace to prevent further injury to your knee. Talk to your medical professional to determine an appropriate rehabilitation program. If the pain does not subside or if you experience other symptoms, seek medical attention.

Imaging: Radiographs may be done initially to look for an osseous injury. MRI is the study of choice to evaluate for a meniscal tear.

Ligament Tear

Cause: A ligament tear is the result of straining the ligaments that support the knee. These injuries are often seen during sports that require sudden changes in movement and jumping, including soccer, tennis, football, and basketball.

Prevention: Develop a daily stretching and strength training routine. Talk to an expert to determine if you are wearing the correct type of shoes. If you have had plantar fasciitis in the past, they may suggest that you wear orthotics.

Treatment: If you believe you have a ligament tear in your knee, seek medical attention immediately as major tears sometimes require surgery. If you do not need surgery, the doctor will most likely recommend that you use compression while applying an ice pack to the injured area. Elevate the knee as often as possible. Take anti-inflammatory medicine such as Advil, Aleve, or Motrin to reduce inflammation. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle and check with your doctor before taking any new medications. Talk to your medical professional to determine an appropriate rehabilitation program. If the pain does not subside or if you experience other symptoms, seek medical attention.

Imaging: Radiographs may be done initially to look for an osseous injury. MRI is the study of choice to evaluate for a ligament tear.