Hamstring strain

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Hamstring Strain

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What is a hamstring strain?

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The hamstrings are the three muscles which form the back of the thigh. They attach
to the pelvis at the top and to the Tibia (shin bone) or Femur (smaller, outer shin
bone) below the knee. They have two jobs: To extend the hip (take the leg back); and
to flex (bend) the knee.

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A hamstring strain is a tear in one of these muscles. This injury is sometimes also
called a pulled hamstring. The three muscles which make up the hamstring group are
Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus and Biceps femoris.
Hamstring strains occur most regularly at speed and so are common in sprinters and
in sports which require bursts of speed and acceleration, such as football and rugby.
The following increase the risk of a hamstring strain:
Age: Older people tend to be less flexible and recover from injury takes
longer.
Old Injuries: Once you have injured the hamstring once it is more likely to
occur again. This can be avoided with thorough rehabilitation.
Flexibility: Studies have shown that people who are more flexible are at less
risk of muscle strains.
Strength: Weaker hamstrings are more likely to tear.
Fatigue: When a player is fatigued he/she is more susceptible to injury

Symptoms
Pain in the hamstring, usually when sprinting or changing direction quickly.
Pain causes you to stop straight away.
Even walking may be difficult and painful.
There may be swelling and bruising depending on the severity
The back of the thigh will feel tight

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Hamstring strains, like all muscle strains are rated, depending on severity, as either
grade 1, 2 or 3.

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Grade 1

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A minor tear where only a few muscle fibres are torn.

Pain at the time and discomfort following.
No bruising and minimal or no swelling.
Tightness in the back of the thigh
Grade 2

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A moderate tear
Pain at the time and constant twinges following
Pain on walking - causing a limp
Flexing the knee against resistance causes pain
Swelling and some bruising present
Grade 3
Most or all of the fibres are torn
Severe pain, swelling and bruising
Inability to walk unaided

Treatment
Treatment of a hamstring injury should start straight away to help limit the damage
and reduce pain:
Use R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate) technique
It is important to rest the hamstring as much as possible for the first few days.
However, gentle stretching and mobilising exercises can begin as soon as
they are pain-free.
See a sports injury specialist who may:
Use sports massage techniques to speed up recovery.
Use ultrasound and electrical stimulation.
Give you rehabilitation exercises such as stretches and resistance work.

Further Information
Hamstring strain - for further information on treatment including
rehabilitation, taping, sports massage, stretching and more visit
sportsinjuryclinic.net

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