Thevastus lateralisis a muscle located on the lateral, or outside, part of your thigh.
The muscle is one of the four quadriceps muscles and is the largest muscle of that group.
It is also active in maintaining thigh and kneecap position while walking and running.
Emiliozv / Getty Images
It is located on the lateral or outside part of the thigh.
Most muscles are attached to bone.
These points of attachment are called the origin and insertion points.
Blood supply to the muscle is via the lateral circumflex femoral artery of the upper thigh.
The vastus lateralis directly opposes thevastus medialis muscleon the inner portion of your thigh.
Failure of these muscles to function properly may lead to knee pain frompatellofemoralstress syndrome (PFSS).
These injuries can cause vastus lateralis pain and other problems.
Your healthcare provider can diagnose your condition and help guide you in your recovery.
There are various treatments available that may help you recover after a vastus lateralis injury.
Working with a physical therapist may be helpful when rehabbing vastus lateralis injuries.
Two to three days after injury, you may switch to heat to promote circulation and improve tissue mobility.
Heat should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes.
Again, care should be taken to avoid burns.
Massage techniques can improve tissue mobility prior to stretching to help improve quadriceps motion.
Be sure to stop any exercise if it causes pain in your vastus lateralis or quad muscle.
Balance exercises and sport-specific plyometric training may be done to ensure that your quad is functioning normally.
Most injuries to the quadriceps and vastus lateralis muscles heal within six to eight weeks.
Your recovery may be shorter or longer depending on the nature of your injury.
Work with your healthcare provider to understand your specific course of rehab.
Summary
The vastus lateralis is the largest of four quadriceps muscles.
It is located on the outer portion of your thigh.
Injuries to the vastus lateralis include strains, tendinitis, femoral nerve compression, and others.
Rehabilitation after an injury usually includes heat and ice, massage, and strength and mobility exercises.
Vieira ED.Anatomic study of the portions long and oblique of the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles.J Morphol Sci.
2017;28(4):0-.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Patellofemoral pain syndrome.
UpToDate.Quadriceps muscle and tendon injuries.
2022;8(1):40. doi:10.1186/s40798-022-00431-0
