Quadriceps Atrophy

Quadriceps atrophy can be linked with knee pain while running. If running hills used to be fun for you - but now it's causing knee pain - you may need to take a break due to chondromalacia patella. Cartilage under the patella (kneecap) is a natural lubricant and flexible cushion that help the knee function normally.

Too bad cartilage doesn't come with a lifetime warranty! Knee cartilage can be damaged by overuse, poor running form, worn out shoes and a variety of other factors including quadriceps atrophy.

The first thing to do with any kind of knee pain is see a doctor. Be prepared to discuss your mileage, any changes in running routes, old or recent injuries the involved the knees.

Know when your knee hurts: going upstairs, downstairs, during leg extensions. Write down any point you especially want to get across. There's a cause to injuries - they just don't happen. Do your best to expose the cause of your injury.

The causes of knee pain are diverse, and a physician will know how to approach the best treatment plan.

If quadriceps atrophy is a problem for your, there are quadriceps exercises that can help.

Quadriceps Exercises

Quadriceps Contractions:

While seated, extend your legs. Keep you legs straight. Contract your thigh muscles and hold for 10 seconds. Then relax the contraction. Repeat this repetition 10 times. If you can, to this several times each day.

Quadriceps Leg Lifts:

Lie on your back, and lift your left leg. Keep the right leg down. (Lifting both legs at once strains the lower back.) Lift your left leg 10 time - keep it straight! Then, do the same for your right leg. Repeat everything ten time - ten sets of ten for each leg.

Partial Squats with an Exercise Ball:

While standing, lean against a wall with an exercise ball between you and the wall. The ball should be pressing against your lower back. With back straight, feet and knees straight ahead, slowly lower yourself. Do not bend your knees more than 90 degrees, and don't let your knees stick out past your toes. This keeps the knee strain associated with squats down to a minimum.

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