Rectus Femoris Tendon Rupture

A rectus femoris rupture is the full or partial rupture of the upper part of the the thin muscle that goes from the front side of the hip to the knee. The main causes of rectus femoris ruptures are explosive kicking techniques. Learn about other injuries at injuries main.

Description: Rectus Femoris Tendon Rupture

The rectus femoris is the muscle that goes from the front side of the hip to knee. between vastus medialis and vastus lateralis. This muscle is used to lift the leg straight in front of you and to extend the knee. (a quadriceps muscle) The upper end of the rectus femoris can rupture or get inflammed from overusage, training with bad warm up or overstretching.
A partial rupture can lead to an inflammation even if the injury is almost healed out. Partial or bad function of the rectus femoris muscle can lead to problems or inflammations of other hip / groin muscles or the joint. To avoid this, it's recommended to strengthen and stretch the rectus femoris and the quadriceps.

Symptoms: Rectus Femoris Tendon Rupture

Sharp pain at the front of the hip and/or in the groin area. Especially when you lift your leg fast.
Sometimes swelling and/or bruising occures.
Pain when pressure is applied.
Following exercises hurt: wushu stretchkicks, cartwheels without hands, backflips, frontflips, butterfly twists, heavy squats, incline sit-ups, leg raises, flying frontkick, sprinting, longjump, etc.
And If it is a total rupture you won't even be able to lift the leg in front of you slightly. No running or jumping is possible. Even walking hurts.

Who is susceptible: Rectus Femoris Tendon Rupture

Practicioners of sports involving a lot of explosive leg techniques: Martial artists, TKD, dancers, trickers etc.
People who don't warm up enough or work out in a cold enviorment.
Athletes with bad flexibility or weak leg muscles.
Every wushu athlete who just started learning the jumps. Especially flying frontkicks, cartwheels without hands and whirlwindkicks can lead to rectus femoris tendon ruptures.

Treatment: Rectus Femoris Tendon Rupture

DR.RICE - Cunsult a doctor to find out how bad the rupture is. Rest is the most important part. If you don't rest enough, a partial rupture can lead to a total rupture. Apply Ice to reduce pain and inflammation, Compress and Elevate. (well... the elevation part is a bit complicated here) Anti-inflammants like diclofenac may be prescribed to reduce inflammation.
It is very imprtant to use sports massage techniques after the acute phase. You can massage the rectus femoris muscle with one hand before and after training sessions.
Full rehabilitation program: Strengthen, stretch and massage. Consult your doctor for more info.
Ultrasound or Laser treatments.
In the worst case operation will be necessary (if the muscle has torn completely) After an operation you will not be able to train properly for at leat 6 month.

Trainer advice: Rectus Femoris Tendon Rupture

Strengthen and stretch your rectus femoris muscles and you quadriceps. See weight training and stretching.
Warm up sufficient and keep your muscles warm during training. (bandage etc.) Train in a war enviorment. (especially if you recently suffered a rectus femoris rupture)
Avoid explosive martial arts kicks and jumps if your muscles are not warm enough.
To avoit a rectus femoris tendon ruptures in the first place, strengthen and stretch you hips always.

Videos: Rectus Femoris Tendon Rupture

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