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Rectus femoris tendinopathy is a condition where one of the tendons at the front of the hip (rectus femoris) is overloaded. This tendon attaches to the front of the pelvic brim and the knee. This can cause pain at the front of the thigh, as well as in the groin.
What is rectus femoris tendinopathy?
Rectus femoris tendinopathy is a condition where one of the tendons at the front of the hip (rectus femoris) is overloaded. This tendon attaches to the front of the pelvic brim and the knee. This can cause pain at the front of the thigh, as well as in the groin.
The function of the rectus femoris is to flex the hip and extend the knee.
How does rectus femoris tendinopathy develop?
A rectus femoris tendinopathy typically develops gradually. The load-bearing capacity of the tissue (i.e. the strength of the tendon) therefore determines whether an injury can occur. If the load is higher than the load-bearing capacity, the risk of injury is higher.
Repeatedly loading the attachment of the rectus femoris causes the load to accumulate. The tendon must be able to adapt to this load. If the tissue is not strong enough, or if the recovery time is too short, the body will produce an inflammatory reaction in the tendon as a protective signal. Adjusting the load, as well as specifically training the load-bearing capacity, is essential for tendon recovery.
Overload can be divided into three phases:
- Chronically overloaded tendon: severe damage due to prolonged overload, with scar tissue and an increased risk of tears. Treatment ranges from exercises to possible injections or surgery.
- Reactive tendon: the tendon reacts to sudden loading, becomes thicker and painful. Temporarily reducing the causative load can help here.
- Changed tendon structure: the tendon changes due to persistent loading, remaining thick. Temporarily reducing the causative load in combination with appropriate exercise therapy can help here.
Possible symptoms
When this tendon is overloaded, you may feel pain at the front of the thigh, the knee, or in the groin. This can radiate towards the knee.
You usually experience discomfort when flexing your hip, lifting your leg, driving, getting in/out of the car, getting up from a seated position, walking, etc.
Treatment
The treatment of rectus femoris tendinopathy depends on the severity of the injury. If there is a tear in the tendon, surgery (rectus femoris repair) may be necessary.
- Specific exercise therapy
- Lifestyle adjustments
- Injection
We will discuss with you which treatment option is most suitable based on your specific situation and needs.
Frequently asked questions
Other hip conditions
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