Weak left quad...help!!

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   Our user asked: "From about a month of overuse (upping running mileage, walking on hills, using stairs, cycling) my left quad has become weak to the point that if I walk for about 5 minutes I can feel it getting weak and it along with my knee will just tighten up and get stiff making it bothersome to walk. I don't have any pain however. I stopped running about 2 weeks ago but still walk, bike, and use stairs out of necessity. I also started doing some very mild quad strengthening (leg lifts mainly) but still am having weakness problems. What do I need to do about this? Is it ok to run a little bit or at least do the elliptical? I want it to get better but I can't stand not being able to be active. Thanks so much!!"

Ask a PT Response: "From what you describe, it definitely sounds like you may have overused it. Your quadricep might not have been ready to handle all the increase activity which you have mentioned. When someone is experiencing what you describe, it is generally wise to cut back on the activities which may have resulted in your current condition. Therefore, it sounds like you are doing the right thing by no longer running and performing less strenuous activities such as biking and walking. Straight leg lifts along with quad sets, short arch quads, partial wall slides, standing terminal knee extensions, partial forward lunges, etc. would be some initial exercises which a PT may prescribe. Progression of quadricep strengthening could then include leg press, squat rack, single leg squats, and other functional based quadricep strengthening exercises. Stretching of the quadricep and hamstring muscles would be most likely prescribed as well. As far as the elliptical goes, therapists' would generally have the patient build up their tolerance level, meaning increasing time or intensity over time in accordance with the patient's tolerance level. Exercise should generally not make a patient's condition worse. Good luck with your condition and should you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us." 

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Ask a PT Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: Jul 07 2008 Status: Offline Points: 954	Post Options Post Reply Quote Ask a PT Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Weak left quad...help!! Posted: Jul 08 2008 at 11:39pm
	Our user asked: "From about a month of overuse (upping running mileage, walking on hills, using stairs, cycling) my left quad has become weak to the point that if I walk for about 5 minutes I can feel it getting weak and it along with my knee will just tighten up and get stiff making it bothersome to walk. I don't have any pain however. I stopped running about 2 weeks ago but still walk, bike, and use stairs out of necessity. I also started doing some very mild quad strengthening (leg lifts mainly) but still am having weakness problems. What do I need to do about this? Is it ok to run a little bit or at least do the elliptical? I want it to get better but I can't stand not being able to be active. Thanks so much!!" Ask a PT Response: "From what you describe, it definitely sounds like you may have overused it. Your quadricep might not have been ready to handle all the increase activity which you have mentioned. When someone is experiencing what you describe, it is generally wise to cut back on the activities which may have resulted in your current condition. Therefore, it sounds like you are doing the right thing by no longer running and performing less strenuous activities such as biking and walking. Straight leg lifts along with quad sets, short arch quads, partial wall slides, standing terminal knee extensions, partial forward lunges, etc. would be some initial exercises which a PT may prescribe. Progression of quadricep strengthening could then include leg press, squat rack, single leg squats, and other functional based quadricep strengthening exercises. Stretching of the quadricep and hamstring muscles would be most likely prescribed as well. As far as the elliptical goes, therapists' would generally have the patient build up their tolerance level, meaning increasing time or intensity over time in accordance with the patient's tolerance level. Exercise should generally not make a patient's condition worse. Good luck with your condition and should you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us."

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