A quadriceps strain, or a pulled quad muscle, occurs when there is a partial tear in one or more of
the small fibers that make up your quadriceps muscles. The quadriceps are a large group of four muscles located
in the front of your thigh that stretch from your hip to your knee – a tear in any of these muscles is
considered a pulled quad muscle.
Your quadriceps are responsible for extending your lower legs and they work opposite the hamstrings. As the
largest muscle group in the legs, they are a big part of your lower body motion. If you pull your quads in
anything by a minor way, it's in your best interest to address it properly.
Most commonly, eccentric contraction is responsible for muscle pulls. More simply put,
imagine contracting (tensing) your muscle in one direction while simultaneously it is being forced in the
opposite direction by some outside force. The tension created has the ability to cause a muscle strain or pull.
Quad pulls and strains are extremely common in many sports including:
football
basketball
baseball
running
track and field events
rugby
cycling
tennis
field hockey
soccer
Note:
For more information on symptoms, treatment for a Pulled Quad muscle, quad stretches and exercises,
read: