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General Prevention for Thigh/Upper Leg Injuries

July 10, 2006 Send this Article to a FriendPrint This Article

Author: HyperStrike Certified Athletic Trainers

Overview

The thigh/upper leg is comprised of the quadriceps muscles on the front of the leg and the hamstrings on the back of the leg. Some general guidelines for the prevention of thigh/upper leg injuries includes:

• Effective strength and conditioning
• Utilization of protective padding

Effective strength and conditioning


Effective strength and conditioning involves achieving and maintaining maximal strength, endurance and extensibility/flexibility of the quadriceps and hamstrings so they can withstand the forces associated with strains. Strength and conditioning of the quadriceps and hamstrings also involves improving neuromuscular control with regard to reciprocal inhibition, or muscle recruitment and firing patterns.

Strength and conditioning specialists with an extensive background in kinesiology and/or biomechanics, physical therapists and/or certified athletic trainers can help develop a program that fits the needs of an individual. To read more on the mechanisms of injury with regard to quadriceps and hamstring strains, see “Quadriceps Strain” and “Hamstring Strain” under the “Thigh, Hip, Groin, Pelvis Injuries and Conditions” section of the injury library.

Utilization of protective padding


The quadriceps is highly susceptible to injury during contact and collision sports due to the large and sometimes unexposed surface area. Utilizing protective padding can help reduce the incidence of initial injury and/or prevent the recurrence of an injury.

Quadriceps injuries can be debilitating resulting in time lost from physical activity. Potential permanent soft tissue damage may also result from serious quadriceps injuries that can predispose an individual to chronic recurring injuries. To read more about quadriceps injuries, see “Myositis Ossificans,” “Quadriceps Contusion,” and “Quadriceps Strain” under the “Thigh, Hip, Groin, Pelvis Injuries and Conditions” section of the injury library.
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