Corked Thigh in Athletes

Dead leg, Charley horse, and quadriceps contusions – these are just a few of the alternative names for corked thighs, a very common injury in contact sports. The injury is usually the result of being kneed by another person during a tackle or the like, which leads to the thigh muscle being crushed against the bone. The hard impact causes significant bruising and bleeding to the thigh muscles on both the intramuscular level and between the thigh bone and the muscles.

While corked thighs are common in athletes engaging in contact sports, such as rugby and soccer, these should not be dismissed so easily. Athletes should respect their bodies especially considering corked thighs can result in myositis ossificans, an uncommon condition wherein bones form in the muscle (i.e., calcification), when appropriate treatment is withheld.

Corked thighs occur in two different capacities:

• Intramuscular contusion: a tearing of the muscle that happens within the protective sheath around it. The initial bleeding may stop within a few hours but because the fluid cannot escape due to the protective sheath, the muscle loses function and power while the pain increases. You can take days, even weeks, to recover from the symptoms although physiotherapy and massage therapy can facilitate recovery.
• Intermuscular Contusion: a tearing of the muscle along with part of the sheath around it. The internal bleeding will take longer to stop but recovery can be faster since the fluids, including blood, can easily flow away from the site of injury. Bruising is more likely to occur. Physiotherapy and massage therapy can also facilitate faster recovery and prevent further complications.

The symptoms of a corked thigh are easy to spot. These include pain after the hard impact, swelling, bruising, reduced power, and restricted movement.

While the RICE protocol is a must immediately after the injury, you should seek professional help from your local Healthpointe clinic as quickly as possible. The earlier a definitive diagnosis is made, the smoother the recovery; a quick diagnosis also lessens the risk of myositis ossificans. You may also be instructed to use crutches to ease the stress on the affected thigh and to facilitate movement.

Seeking medical attention is a must especially when there is an apparent deformation in the muscle or in the gap between the muscle and the bone. Exercising without medical attention especially in the case of a complete rupture can result in permanent disability, too.

For more information on corked thighs, call Healthpointe at (888) 824-5580 or visit healthpointe.net.

About Healthpointe:

Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Irwindale, which is conveniently located near Duarte, Azusa, West Covina, Vincent, and Mayflower Village. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit www.Healthpointe.net