Make an Appointment
Talk to DoctorOverview
The three muscles that run along the back of the thigh, collectively known as the hamstrings. It joins the largest thigh muscle to your bone. Your hamstring’s primary function is to enable your leg to flex (bend) and extend (stretch). The hamstring can be pulled or strained, resulting in a hamstring injury
People who play sports that require sudden stops and starts while sprinting frequently suffer from hamstring strains. Tennis, basketball, football, and soccer are among examples. Dancers and runners are also susceptible to hamstring strains.
To reduce the pain and swelling from a hamstring injury, self-care techniques like rest, ice, and pain medication are frequently sufficient. Rarely is a hamstring muscle or tendon repaired surgically.
Symptoms
Typically, a hamstring injury results in a sudden, intense pain at the back of the leg. A “popping” or tearing sensation could also occur.
Within a few hours, swelling and discomfort commonly appear. Along the back of the leg, there could be bruising or a change in the color of the skin. Some people can’t bear weight on their injured limb or have muscle weakness.
You can treat a mild hamstring strain at home. However, if you are unable to walk more than four steps without experiencing excruciating pain or are unable to bear weight on the injured leg, consult a doctor.
Causes
The hamstring muscles are a trio of muscles that extend from the hip to a point just below the knee on the back of the leg. These muscles enable the knee to bend and be able to extend the leg.
Injury might result from overstretching or overloading any one of these muscles.
Risk factors
Risk factors for hamstring injuries include:
- Age. Aging brings an increased risk of damage.
- History of hamstring injury. A hamstring injury increases the likelihood of developing another in a person. This is particularly true for those who attempt to resume their previous activities before their muscles have had a chance to heal.
- Muscle weakness. Muscles that are weak or fatigued are more prone to injury. Poorly flexible muscles may not be able to withstand the force of activity needed for some tasks.
- Muscle imbalance. Some experts contend that a muscular imbalance may cause a hamstring injury, albeit not all of them concur. Injury to the hamstring muscles may be more likely if the quadricep muscles on the front of the leg are stronger and more developed than the hamstring muscles.
- Sports. Running or sprinting-based sports may increase the risk of hamstring injuries.
Diagnosis
The back of the thigh is examined for pain and swelling during the physical examination. Good information about the damage can be gleaned from where and how bad the pain is.
Determine which muscle is affected and whether there is ligament or tendon damage by putting the injured leg in various postures.
Imaging tests
The muscle can rip or even separate from the pelvis or shinbone in severe hamstring injuries. This can result in an avulsion fracture, in which a small portion of bone is torn away from the main bone. Avulsion fractures can be checked for using X-rays, while muscle and tendon rips can be seen using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and ultrasound.
Treatment
Pain and swelling reduction is the primary aim of treatment. A doctor might advise the following:
- Stop engaging in demanding activities to give the injury time to heal.
- Use ice packs frequently throughout the day to soothe pain and lessen swelling.
- To reduce swelling, wrap the damaged region in a compression bandage or put on a compression shorts.
- To reduce swelling, if at all feasible, rest with the leg elevated above the level of the heart.
- Take over-the-counter painkillers if you can. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are two examples.
Physical therapy
You can learn how to perform easy hamstring stretching and strengthening exercises from a physical therapist or your healthcare practitioner. Your healthcare professional can demonstrate how to perform exercises to increase your strength after the pain and swelling subside.
Surgery
The majority of partial muscle tears in the hamstrings heal over time and with physical therapy. The muscle can be reattached by orthopedic surgeons if it has come loose from the pelvis or shinbone. Even severe muscle tears can be fixed.
