What is vastus medialis obliquus

The vastus medialis muscle is a part of the quadriceps muscle group, located on the front of the thigh.

It is the most medial, or inner, of the quadriceps muscles. It extends the entire length of the thigh. The portion of the muscle that is just above the knee is sometimes referred to as the vastus medialis obliquus, or VMO. This muscle is used to extend the leg at the knee and to stabilize the patella, which is also known as the kneecap.

The muscle is a common center of weakness because it will not become fully strengthened unless the leg is regularly extended fully.

The vastus medialis can be strengthened by performing exercises such as knee extensions, leg presses, and squats. The muscle is more fully activated when the knee is at a greater angle, especially when the leg is completely extended. Therefore, quadriceps exercises that involve a full range of motion are best for strengthening this muscle. Both cohorts presented with either one or two nerve branches to the VM. A fibrofascial plane dividing these two muscles was seen in a small proportion of both pathological and nonpathological knees.

If you develop anterior knee pain, you should seek advice and treatment from a Physical Therapist. They will evaluate you and prescribe specific exercises that will address the imbalances that exist throughout your lower extremities.

Strength development of the vasti muscles is only one part of the treatment protocol that will be implemented to address the symptoms of anterior knee pain. During the past 25 years the treatment protocols for anterior knee pain have changed quite a bit. The focus has transitioned to include the entire body and not just the muscle structure around the involved knee joint.

The VMO and vasti muscles have a role in controlling the patella but the core and entire leg has to be included to fully rehabilitate a knee that has anterior knee pain as a primary symptom. Your email address will not be published.

Schedule Appointment. The VMO is most active in the final 30 degrees of knee extension. Your patella is situated in a small groove on the end of your thigh bone. The groove allows your kneecap to track up and down when you bend and straighten your knee. As it tracks in the groove, the patella gets medial stability from the vastus medialis. The function of your vastus medialis can be impaired by several conditions, which can result from surgery, trauma, or athletic injuries.

Injury to the muscle can cause weakness, change how your knee moves, or affect your ability to walk and run. If you have knee pain or weakness, see your healthcare provider. They may refer you to a physical therapist who can help you recover. An injury to your knee or vastus medialis muscle may limit your normal functional ability. Rehabilitation will depend on the type of injury and your individual needs.

For an acute injury to your vastus medialis, it's generally recommended that you allow some time for rest initially, then begin gentle movement as you heal. Exercises that improve muscle flexibility and strength can help you fully regain mobility as well as prevent future problems. Most quadricep injuries take at least six to eight weeks to recover.

If you tear or strain your vastus medialis, the first treatment is a period of rest. You may need a knee brace or compression sleeve to support your knee and control swelling as you recover. After a week or so of rest, try starting gentle exercises such as heel slides, quad sets, and straight leg raises. Stretching for your quadricep will also gently elongate the muscle. If your femoral nerve becomes pinched by arthritis or a bulging disc in your back, it can cause vastus medialis weakness and limit your ability to walk.

The first step in treatment is to get the pressure off your femoral nerve to restore normal nerve communication with the vastus medialis. Once the nerve is free, you can use strengthening exercises to regain normal knee function.

Since the vastus medialis is a major knee stabilizer, weakness in the muscle can be a cause of PFSS. Treatment of PFSS involves improving vastus strength with quad sets, straight leg raises, and patellar tracking exercises.

The position of your knee is controlled by your hip muscles gluteus medius. Treating PFSS can also involve strengthening your hip muscles along with your vastus medialis. Swelling is common after a knee injury or surgery and can inhibit the function of your quad and vastus medialis. Heat or ice may be used to reduce swelling. Exercises like heels slides and stationary bike riding may also be useful.

As part of your longterm recovery, you may work with a physical therapist to improve vastus medialis function.