Quad tendon repair is a surgical procedure to repair partial or complete quad tendon tears. The procedure helps athletes and military personnel sustain injuries to the quadriceps muscle group. It also helps them to return to their regular activities faster. The surgery is typically recommended for individuals suffering from severe injuries or those who cannot perform their normal daily activities without pain. Quad tendon repair protocol requires proper diagnosis and expertise.
During the procedure, surgeons prepare the patient’s leg either caused by arthritis or by removing any excess tissue. They then insert a tendon into the muscle-body fusion area. Next, they close the area and stitch it to ensure no leaks. Afterwards, they may apply ointment to aid in the healing process. As a result of the injuries, the patient may need additional surgeries such as late reconstruction or cruciate repair if his knee is also damaged.
What is the quad tendon repair protocol?
The quadriceps muscles of your thigh act as the knee, ankle, and foot stabilizers and are crucial to the movement of these joints. They also help control blood flow throughout your body and ensure proper knee function during activities like jumping or running. You’ll be at risk for joint pain and swelling without sufficient blood flow and circulation.
There is no single diagnosis when it comes to a torn quad muscle, but a few factors can increase the chances of getting injured in this area. When you experience any of these symptoms, you should see an orthopedic specialist immediately for an evaluation:
- A dull ache in one leg with tenderness or sharp pain in either limb
- Stiffness with standing or walking
- Aching, tingling, or numbness
- Pain and stiffness when using your muscles
The most common cause of torn quadriceps (the soleus) is overuse injuries — both from sports and overuse injuries are common culprits. These may include overuse of the hamstrings, calves, lats, glutes, quads, and hamstring muscles.
Overuse injuries can occur during exercises or weight-bearing activities. In fact, according to Osteoarthritis Foundation, more than 50% of all arthritis diagnoses are related to these injury types. However, overuse and overcompensated injuries can result in a tear or tears of the muscles. Keeping these things in mind will help:
- Overuse injuries often lead to an imbalance between tension and relaxation.
- Overcompensation can make you even more vulnerable or fragile.
Tension & Relaxation Defined
The main goal of performing certain activities or positions is to maintain a balance between tension and relaxation. Healthcare providers accomplish this through various stretches and motions along with changes in position, such as lying on a bed. While stretching the muscles may seem simple, overuse or overloads can contribute to further damage. You will be evaluated by a doctor who will perform a thorough physical examination and evaluate your situation to determine if a strain or sprain is the case.
Tension vs Rest
Due to excessive workload, many individuals experience tension in their hamstrings, quads, calf muscles, back, hip flexors, glutes, and hips. Although the average amount of work performed per day is slightly less than five hours, many people still need to complete the full range of motion.
Due to the nature of their jobs, some individuals feel that they have only 10 or 15 minutes left before they must shut off their movements. Not surprisingly, experts are increasingly seeing cases of lower back problems as an outcome of increased workload.
Some patients may even get worse with every additional hour of extra work that needs to be completed. As per the American College of Sports Medicine, approximately two to three hours are needed to reach peak performance. One out of six Americans is underperforming at their job because of added stress. When someone has too much stress behind them, they are constantly working harder and faster.
As a result, they put extra pressure on themselves, leading to chronic pain and difficulty completing everyday tasks. It is important to note that this constant stress can cause other issues like a weakened immune system and decreased immunity. The stress is manageable and overcome by giving yourself the right tools and techniques. Learning how to manage and cope with stress is crucial to staying injury-free, whether you suffer from sports injuries or not! Read more about managing stress here.
Common Causes of Tears
When comparing injuries, sprains or strains are the very common first port of call if something goes wrong.
Common causes of tears include strain or trauma to the affected areas’ tendons, ligaments, or muscles. Other causes include repetitive actions from athletic activities, such as lifting heavy objects or throwing balls.
Regardless of what because you have in mind, it is often better to consult a physician. Moreover, you should consult your team physician or athletic trainer. There may be specific treatments available in addition to surgical intervention, depending on the severity of the injury, how severe the injury has been, and the medical history of your sporting activities. Once treatment has begun, you should remain diligent in managing recovery. Staying active while recovering can greatly aid in avoiding injury.
Prevention Tips
Some tips to prevent torn quad musculoskeletal joints include taking proper care of your hands, maintaining flexibility and strength, staying hydrated, and avoiding excess weight.
To reduce the chance of injury, always seek medical attention if experiencing any of the above symptoms. If possible, see a doctor before exercising or carrying dangerous items, using power lifts or machines, doing high-impact activities such as playing football, or engaging in regular exercise outdoors. Do not push yourself, especially if you feel pain as you struggle for a break.
Taking care of yourself not only physically but mentally as well is vital in preventing further risk.
