The vastus lateralis is a muscle on the outside part of the thigh. Injuries to the muscle include strains, tendinitis, femoral nerve compression, and others. Can rehabilitation like heat and ice, massage, and strength and mobility exercises help individuals return to normal activities and function?
Table of Contents
The vastus lateralis is the largest of the four quadriceps muscles on the thighβs outer portion. The vastus lateralis helps extend the knee joint and maintain the knee position when walking or running. The vastus lateralis functions to work with the other quad muscles to help extend the knee joint.
Most muscles are attached to bone points of attachment, called the origin and insertion points. The vastus lateralis origin and insertion points are as follows (Vieira, EPL. 2017)
The muscle works with the other quadriceps muscles to extend or straighten the knee. The quads are responsible for functional activities like walking, running, climbing stairs, and getting up from a seated position. The vastus lateralis and the iliotibial band, which courses down the lateral thigh next to this muscle, form the lateral wall of the thigh. The vastus lateralis is on the opposite side of the vastus medialis muscle on the inner portion of the thigh. These muscles work together to maintain the appropriate position of the patella/kneecap in the femoral groove of the thigh bone. Malfunctioning these muscles properly can lead to knee pain from patellofemoral stress syndrome. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2024)
Many different injuries and conditions can affect the vastus lateralis and quad muscles, especially in athletes or active individuals. These injuries can cause vastus lateralis pain and other problems. (Timothy J. Von Fange, 2024) Some of the injuries and conditions include:
Injury to the vastus lateralis or quad muscles can cause pain, swelling of the thigh, or limited walking ability. Various treatments are available to help expedite recovery. A primary healthcare provider may recommend working with a physical therapy team. Self-care techniques can include:
A physical therapy team will prescribe certain exercises and stretches to help regain strength and range of motion. After an injury, quad stretching can improve the mobility and function of the muscle group.
If femoral nerve irritation coming from the lower back is causing thigh pain or weakness, exercises to release the nerve may be helpful and can include:
The exercises are designed to relieve pressure on the lumbar nerve, and postural correction exercises may be performed to maintain decompression.
Weakness to the vastus laterals and quads may be causing injury, and strengthening exercises may be prescribed during rehabilitation and can include:
Strengthening exercises should be done two to four times weekly with appropriate rest between sessions.
A physical therapist may recommend functional training to restore normal function. (RamΓrez-delaCruz, M. et al., 2022)
By understanding the anatomy and function of the vastus lateralis muscle, a healthcare provider can help individuals understand their specific injury and develop a treatment program to rehabilitate the muscle properly. At Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic, we focus on what works for you and strive to develop fitness and better the body through research methods and total wellness programs. These natural programs use the bodyβs ability to achieve improvement goals, and athletes can condition themselves to excel in their sport through proper fitness and nutrition. Our providers use an integrated approach to create personalized programs, often including Functional Medicine, Acupuncture, Electro-Acupuncture, and Sports Medicine principles.
Vieira EPL. (2017). Anatomic study of the portions long and oblique of the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles. J Morphol Sci., 28(4), 0-. www.jms.periodikos.com.br/article/587cb49f7f8c9d0d058b47a1/pdf/jms-28-4-587cb49f7f8c9d0d058b47a1.pdf
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2024). Patellofemoral pain syndrome. orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseasesβconditions/patellofemoral-pain-syndrome/
Timothy J Von Fange. (2024). Quadriceps muscle and tendon injuries. UpToDate. www.uptodate.com/contents/quadriceps-muscle-and-tendon-injuries/print
RamΓrez-delaCruz, M., Bravo-SΓ‘nchez, A., Esteban-GarcΓa, P., JimΓ©nez, F., & AbiΓ‘n-VicΓ©n, J. (2022). Effects of Plyometric Training on Lower Body Muscle Architecture, Tendon Structure, Stiffness, and Physical Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sports medicine β open, 8(1), 40. doi.org/10.1186/s40798-022-00431-0
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The information herein on "Understanding the Vastus Lateralis: Function and Importance" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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