Muscles

Vastus intermedius

Extends the knee; lies deep to rectus femoris.

Referred pain map

Vastus intermedius — trigger point deep in the mid anterior thigh (accessed through rectus femoris) with a broad referred pain field filling the anterior mid-thigh and spreading toward the knee — a classic 'thigh weakness with stairs' pattern where the knee suddenly gives way, often missed on routine palpation because the muscle lies under rectus femoris.

Overview

Extends the knee; lies deep to rectus femoris. Trigger points here are common in everyday and athletic populations and frequently contribute to the referred pain patterns described below.

Trigger point locations

Deep anterior thigh.

Referred pain pattern

Anterior thigh ache during stairs.

Palpation & testing

Palpate the muscle belly along its accessible course. Reproduction of the patient's familiar pain on palpation supports involvement.

Common causes

Cycling, running, prolonged extension load.

Self-care & clinical treatment

Quad mobility, eccentric loading. Clinically: needling through the rectus.

Symptoms commonly linked

Anterior knee pain
Patellar tracking pain

References

• Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction