National Associaltion of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists - Symptom Checker
Vastus Medialis
This is the technical name of the muscle being described. This name may be used to find additional information in any medical resource. Vastus Medialis
A group of muscles generally denotes muscles of the same function and may share a common attachment point. Quadriceps (Quads)
Muscle function, in this definition, is what the muscle could do if it was to contract by itself with the body in anatomical position. This is a general definition of muscle function. For more information on how muscles work together on the body please refer to a physiology or functional anatomy text.

Extension of the leg at the knee.
A description of where a Myofascial Trigger Point may produce pain in the body. This area is generally located away from the trigger point.

Pain may be felt over the anterior (front) aspect of the knee as well
as the medial (inner) knee.  Pain is also sometimes reported to run
in a line down the distal aspect of the medial thigh.
A description of the symptoms a person may experience with trigger points in the muscle being described.

The vastus medialis is termed a “quitter” by Dr. Janet Travell.  What this means is that the muscle will begin with its pain pattern, as described above, then stop hurting only to move into an inhibition phase in a matter of weeks or months after initial onset.  A person experiencing this inhibition phase will most likely complain of a buckling knee which may make them more susceptible to injuries resulting from falls.
   

 A list of possible diseases that fit the information derived from examination of a patient.

  1. Anterior subluxation of the lateral tibial plateau may cause the knee to buckle.
  2. Torn meniscus, tendonitis, and bursitis.
  3. Chondromalacia patellae – more common in runners.
  4. Patellofemoral dysfunction

A list of activities or positions that may either CAUSE a trigger point to manifest or PROLONG a pain condition respectively.

  1. Sudden eccentric contraction such as stepping into a hole, stepping off a curb, or stumbling.
  2. Exercising such as deep knee bends.
  3. Kneeling on a hard surface such as kneeling while gardening or on a bathroom floor to bathe a child.
  4. Immobilization of the knee from a cast or brace can activate TrPs and cause a pain complaint after the device is removed. 
  5. Excessive pronation of the foot.
  6. Morton foot structure.

A corrective action is usually a modification of daily routine which will reduce stress on the affected muscle(s) in a person with myofascial trigger points.

  1. Avoid overload by learning to correctly pick up heavy objects from the floor which will spare the quadriceps as well as the paraspinals (back muscles).
  2. Deep knee bends and full squats should be prohibited as so not to overload the quadriceps.  A partial squat, however, is relatively safe if the thigh does not drop lower than the horizontal position, which would be parallel to the floor.
 

References : 
Simons DG, Travell JG, Simons LS, Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual, vol 1, 2nd Ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1999.

Travell JG, Simons DG, Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, vol 2. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, 1992.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.  A proper diagnosis should be sought from a licensed health care provider.