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Hamstring Strain

What is a hamstring strain?

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

A hamstring strain is a tear in one of these muscles. This injury is sometimes alsocalled a pulled hamstring. The three muscles which make up the hamstring group areSemitendinosus, Semimembranosus and Biceps femoris.

Hamstring strains occur most regularly at speed and so are common in sprinters andin 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 takeslonger.Old Injuries: Once you have injured the hamstring once it is more likely tooccur again. This can be avoided with thorough rehabilitation.Flexibility: Studies have shown that people who are more flexible are at lessrisk 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 severityThe back of the thigh will feel tight

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

Grade 1

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 tearPain at the time and constant twinges followingPain on walking - causing a limpFlexing the knee against resistance causes painSwelling and some bruising present

Grade 3

Most or all of the fibres are tornSevere pain, swelling and bruisingInability to walk unaided

Treatment

Treatment of a hamstring injury should start straight away to help limit the damageand reduce pain:

Use R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate) techniqueIt 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 asthey 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 includingrehabilitation, taping, sports massage, stretching and more visitsportsinjuryclinic.net

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