Hamstring Strain
What is a hamstring strain?
The hamstrings are a group of three muscles located in the back of the upper leg. Hamstrings are used to perform many movements with your legs and they use and absorb lots of force when engaging in physical activity such as jumping, running, or squatting, which can result in injury. An injury can occur in 3 different grades:
- Grade 1: mild strain with little torn muscle
- Grade 2: Moderate strain with a partial tear on the muscle
- Grade 3: extreme strain where muscle is completely torn
Symptoms
- Bump/knot in muscle that you can see or feel
- Bruising
- Hearing/feeling a popping sensation
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle stiffness
- Pain on the back of your thigh (increases when muscles are in use)
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Trouble moving leg/bearing weight
When to see a doctor
Consider seeing a doctor if you are unable to bear weight on the injured leg or when walking causes significant pain.
Prevention
Perform the following stretches before and after physical activity:
- Wall hamstring stretch
- Seated hamstring stretch
- Standing hamstring stretch (with and without a raised surface)
- Foam roll hamstring stretch
- Lying resisted straight leg raises (using a towel)
Recovery
Immediately following injury, follow a regiment of RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation). Surgery is normally not needed, however may be necessary in grade 3 injuries.