Hamstring injury

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.