Help -DH pulled his quad muscle badly

[ewatkins]

DH is a weekend warrior, meaning he doesn't usually exercise much during the week. He tried to be a hero at DD's parents v. kids soccer game, and ended up with a really bad pull in the front of his thigh. He could barely get up and I had to drive him home. He's in bed with 2 Advil and an ice pack. Says he can walk, but it hurts to pick up his leg (I almost said "lift his leg"!) Any other suggestions for treatment and then recovery? Does an ace bandage do any good?

[BosunsWife]

DH (who's taken an EMT course through the CG) always tells me ice and then heat alternatively. He also says anti-inflammatories. Do not leave the ice pack on too long (more than about 15 minutes) because your leg, etc. will become numb and thats not good. A good ice pack is a bag of frozen veggies since you can conform it to the area needed. I always have one in the freezer (I'm known to be kind of klutzy).

I have sympathy, I was pushing DD's umbrella stroller the other day and fell (we were going down a hill and thankfully I maintained my hold on the stroller), twisting my ankle. Didn't come right home and ice it and boy do I regret it now.

[ewatkins]

Thanks for the tips -- he lay in bed most of yesterday with ice packs, and went to work today (desk job). Should he be doing any stretching or massage, or just leave it alone for a few weeks?

[Natasha]

Hi,

Glad to hear that your DH is feeling better. I would say definitely stretching and massage by a trusted registered massage therapist, physiotherapist and/or athletic therapist. The physio can also help him by showing him good exercises to do to get the muscles limber again.

Good luck!

Natasha