Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFunction and AnatomyAssociated ConditionsTreatmentExercises
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Function and Anatomy
Associated Conditions
Treatment
Exercises
Thevastus medialis, otherwise known as the vastus medialis oblique (VMO), is a teardrop-shaped muscle that helps extend the knee and stabilize the kneecap. It is one of the fourquadriceps (“quad”) muscleslocated in the front of your thigh.
The vastus medialis is crucial to mobility and weight-bear activities. If the VMO muscle is weak or injured, it can cause knee pain and make it difficult to run, cycle, climb stairs, lift objects from the ground, or even rise from a chair.
Treating a vastus medialis injury typically involves rest, ice application, compression, and elevation of the leg, along with over-the-counter pain relievers. Surgery may be needed if there is a severe tear, while physical therapy can aid with recovery whether an injury is minor or serious.
Function and Anatomy of the Vastus Medialis
The vastus medialis is a muscle located in front of the thigh. Its primary role is to extend (straighten) the knee in tandem with the other quadriceps muscles (called thevastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, and rectus femoris). It also ensures that thepatella(kneecap) remains properly aligned and stable as the knee is extended.
The VMO muscle originates at a ridge at the upper part of thefemur(thigh bone) just below where the ball socket fits into the hip joint.
From there, the tear-shaped muscle extends down and across the femur, curving along the inner thigh where it attaches to the inner edge of the kneecap (via thequadriceps tendon).
How to Find Your Vastus Medialsis
The vastus medialis is closer to the surface of your skin than some of the deeper quad muscles, so it’s easy to find and feel.
To locate your VMO muscle:
pictorico / Getty Images
Conditions That Affect the Vastus Medialis
The vastus medialis is important because it keeps the knee stable. This allows the legs to bear the weight of the upper body while walking, running, rising from a squat position, or ascending or descending stairs.
Because the VMO muscle is tasked with bearing weight—as well as the force of impact from running and jumping—it is vulnerable to injury such asstrains(in which the muscle can become partially or fully torn). Nerve and connective tissues can also be damaged.
Medical conditions involving the vastus medialis include:
Treatment and Recovery From a Vastus Medialis Injury
An injury to the VMO muscle typically involves the same treatments as any other muscle strain, namely:
Surgery may be needed if there is a severe rupture of the vastus medialis. A complete rupture is less common at the upper insertion (and rare in the main body of the muscle) but is relatively common at the quadriceps tendon near the knee.
A surgery called a lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) decompression may also be needed to release a femoral nerve that has become trapped in the lumbar spine.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Physical Therapy and Exercises
Any severe injury to the vastus medialis will invariably benefit from physical therapy. Depending on the extent of the injury, treatment should start within three to five days of the injury.
The program would involve a combination of muscles targeting the hip, thigh, and knee. Other treatment modalities—such asmassage therapy,hydrotherapy, andneuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)—may be incorporated into the plan to support recovery.
Performed consistently and correctly, exercises can not only speed healing and restore flexibility and strength but also prevent injury and keep your VMO muscle strong.
Static Quad Stretch
This is an ideal exercise if your leg is unable to bear weight as it is performed on the floor without applying pressure to the knee.
To do the static quad stretch:
To increase the stretch, tilt your hip backward.
Hip Flexor Stretch
This is a more advanced stretch you can do when the swelling has subsided and you can stand without instability or pain. You can hold onto the back of a chair or wall to keep your balance.
To do the hip flexor stretch:
Straight Leg Raises
This exercise can be done daily. Not only does it strengthen the vastus medialis without stressing the knee, but it also strengthens the hip near the point of insertion.
To do straight leg raises:
Step-Ups
Walking up and down stairs are better exercises than most people realize. This exercise is a variation that requires a stable box, platform, or step of any sort.
Start at a level where you can step up and down comfortably. You can hold the back of a chair or the wall for support if needed.
To do step-ups:
Wall Squats
To do wall squats:
Don’t worry if you can’t go down that far; what’s important is that you can push yourself up with no pain. Over time, you should be able to go deeper and deeper and may even be able to eventually do unsupported squats.
11 Quad-Focused Exercises for Strength and Muscle Building
Summary
The vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscle helps to stabilize your knee and kneecap. A VMO injury can make it difficult to walk or use stairs due to knee pain. These injuries can occur due to sports and exercise, or because of trauma to the knee.
Physical therapy and rehabilitation are focused on improving mobility and strength. You can expect recovery to take about six to eight weeks. Your healthcare provider will discuss treatment options for your VMO injury.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Lettner J, Graventein L, Hakam HT, Ramadanov N, Becker R, Prill R.Assessment of muscle stiffness using the MyotonPro: effects of fatigue on vastus lateralis and medialis muscles.J Pers Med. 2024 Mar 12;14(3):301. doi:10.3390/jpm14030301Castanov V, Hassan SA, Shakeri S, Vienneau M, Zabjek K, Richardson D, et al.Muscle architecture of vastus medialis obliquus and longus and its functional implications: a three-dimensional investigation.Clin Anat. 2019 May;32(4):515-523. doi:10.1002/ca.23344Kaya D, Guney-Deniz H, Sayaca C, Calik M, Doral MN.Effects on lower extremity neuromuscular control exercises on knee proprioception, muscle strength, and functional level in patients with ACL reconstruction.Biomed Res Int.2019 Nov 15;2019:1694695. doi:10.1155/2019/1694695American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Patellofemoral pain syndrome.Flores GW, de Oliveira DF, Ramos APS, Sanada LS, Migliorini F, Maffulli N, et al.Conservative management following patellar dislocation: a level I systematic review.J Orthop Surg Res. 2023 May 30;18(1):393. doi:10.1186/s13018-023-03867-6Lee P, Nixion A, Chandratreya A, Murray J.Synovial plica syndrome of the knee: A commonly overlooked cause of anterior knee pain.Surg J. 2017;03(01):e9-e16. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1598047Al Kheraiji A, Al Hakbani A.Combined injury of femoral artery and femoral nerve after blunt trauma to the proximal femur: a case report.Int J Surg Case Rep. 2020;77:695-697. doi:10.1016/j.ijscr.2020.11.036American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Quadriceps tendon tear.Schwaiger K, Panzenbeck P, Purschke M, et al.Surgical decompression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) for meralgia paresthetica treatment.Medicine (Baltimore).2018 Aug;97(33):e11914. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000011914Alba-Martin P, Gallego-Izquierdo T, Plaza-Manzano G, Romero-Franco N, Nunez-Nagy S, Pecos-Martin D.Effectiveness of therapeutic physical exercise in the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review.J Phys Ther Sci.2015 Jul;27(7):2387–2390. doi:10.1589/jpts.27.2387
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Lettner J, Graventein L, Hakam HT, Ramadanov N, Becker R, Prill R.Assessment of muscle stiffness using the MyotonPro: effects of fatigue on vastus lateralis and medialis muscles.J Pers Med. 2024 Mar 12;14(3):301. doi:10.3390/jpm14030301Castanov V, Hassan SA, Shakeri S, Vienneau M, Zabjek K, Richardson D, et al.Muscle architecture of vastus medialis obliquus and longus and its functional implications: a three-dimensional investigation.Clin Anat. 2019 May;32(4):515-523. doi:10.1002/ca.23344Kaya D, Guney-Deniz H, Sayaca C, Calik M, Doral MN.Effects on lower extremity neuromuscular control exercises on knee proprioception, muscle strength, and functional level in patients with ACL reconstruction.Biomed Res Int.2019 Nov 15;2019:1694695. doi:10.1155/2019/1694695American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Patellofemoral pain syndrome.Flores GW, de Oliveira DF, Ramos APS, Sanada LS, Migliorini F, Maffulli N, et al.Conservative management following patellar dislocation: a level I systematic review.J Orthop Surg Res. 2023 May 30;18(1):393. doi:10.1186/s13018-023-03867-6Lee P, Nixion A, Chandratreya A, Murray J.Synovial plica syndrome of the knee: A commonly overlooked cause of anterior knee pain.Surg J. 2017;03(01):e9-e16. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1598047Al Kheraiji A, Al Hakbani A.Combined injury of femoral artery and femoral nerve after blunt trauma to the proximal femur: a case report.Int J Surg Case Rep. 2020;77:695-697. doi:10.1016/j.ijscr.2020.11.036American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Quadriceps tendon tear.Schwaiger K, Panzenbeck P, Purschke M, et al.Surgical decompression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) for meralgia paresthetica treatment.Medicine (Baltimore).2018 Aug;97(33):e11914. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000011914Alba-Martin P, Gallego-Izquierdo T, Plaza-Manzano G, Romero-Franco N, Nunez-Nagy S, Pecos-Martin D.Effectiveness of therapeutic physical exercise in the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review.J Phys Ther Sci.2015 Jul;27(7):2387–2390. doi:10.1589/jpts.27.2387
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Lettner J, Graventein L, Hakam HT, Ramadanov N, Becker R, Prill R.Assessment of muscle stiffness using the MyotonPro: effects of fatigue on vastus lateralis and medialis muscles.J Pers Med. 2024 Mar 12;14(3):301. doi:10.3390/jpm14030301Castanov V, Hassan SA, Shakeri S, Vienneau M, Zabjek K, Richardson D, et al.Muscle architecture of vastus medialis obliquus and longus and its functional implications: a three-dimensional investigation.Clin Anat. 2019 May;32(4):515-523. doi:10.1002/ca.23344Kaya D, Guney-Deniz H, Sayaca C, Calik M, Doral MN.Effects on lower extremity neuromuscular control exercises on knee proprioception, muscle strength, and functional level in patients with ACL reconstruction.Biomed Res Int.2019 Nov 15;2019:1694695. doi:10.1155/2019/1694695American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Patellofemoral pain syndrome.Flores GW, de Oliveira DF, Ramos APS, Sanada LS, Migliorini F, Maffulli N, et al.Conservative management following patellar dislocation: a level I systematic review.J Orthop Surg Res. 2023 May 30;18(1):393. doi:10.1186/s13018-023-03867-6Lee P, Nixion A, Chandratreya A, Murray J.Synovial plica syndrome of the knee: A commonly overlooked cause of anterior knee pain.Surg J. 2017;03(01):e9-e16. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1598047Al Kheraiji A, Al Hakbani A.Combined injury of femoral artery and femoral nerve after blunt trauma to the proximal femur: a case report.Int J Surg Case Rep. 2020;77:695-697. doi:10.1016/j.ijscr.2020.11.036American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Quadriceps tendon tear.Schwaiger K, Panzenbeck P, Purschke M, et al.Surgical decompression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) for meralgia paresthetica treatment.Medicine (Baltimore).2018 Aug;97(33):e11914. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000011914Alba-Martin P, Gallego-Izquierdo T, Plaza-Manzano G, Romero-Franco N, Nunez-Nagy S, Pecos-Martin D.Effectiveness of therapeutic physical exercise in the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review.J Phys Ther Sci.2015 Jul;27(7):2387–2390. doi:10.1589/jpts.27.2387
Lettner J, Graventein L, Hakam HT, Ramadanov N, Becker R, Prill R.Assessment of muscle stiffness using the MyotonPro: effects of fatigue on vastus lateralis and medialis muscles.J Pers Med. 2024 Mar 12;14(3):301. doi:10.3390/jpm14030301
Castanov V, Hassan SA, Shakeri S, Vienneau M, Zabjek K, Richardson D, et al.Muscle architecture of vastus medialis obliquus and longus and its functional implications: a three-dimensional investigation.Clin Anat. 2019 May;32(4):515-523. doi:10.1002/ca.23344
Kaya D, Guney-Deniz H, Sayaca C, Calik M, Doral MN.Effects on lower extremity neuromuscular control exercises on knee proprioception, muscle strength, and functional level in patients with ACL reconstruction.Biomed Res Int.2019 Nov 15;2019:1694695. doi:10.1155/2019/1694695
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Flores GW, de Oliveira DF, Ramos APS, Sanada LS, Migliorini F, Maffulli N, et al.Conservative management following patellar dislocation: a level I systematic review.J Orthop Surg Res. 2023 May 30;18(1):393. doi:10.1186/s13018-023-03867-6
Lee P, Nixion A, Chandratreya A, Murray J.Synovial plica syndrome of the knee: A commonly overlooked cause of anterior knee pain.Surg J. 2017;03(01):e9-e16. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1598047
Al Kheraiji A, Al Hakbani A.Combined injury of femoral artery and femoral nerve after blunt trauma to the proximal femur: a case report.Int J Surg Case Rep. 2020;77:695-697. doi:10.1016/j.ijscr.2020.11.036
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Quadriceps tendon tear.
Schwaiger K, Panzenbeck P, Purschke M, et al.Surgical decompression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) for meralgia paresthetica treatment.Medicine (Baltimore).2018 Aug;97(33):e11914. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000011914
Alba-Martin P, Gallego-Izquierdo T, Plaza-Manzano G, Romero-Franco N, Nunez-Nagy S, Pecos-Martin D.Effectiveness of therapeutic physical exercise in the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review.J Phys Ther Sci.2015 Jul;27(7):2387–2390. doi:10.1589/jpts.27.2387
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