Injury advice > Thigh Injuries > Hamstring strain

Hamstring strain

What is a pulled hamstring or hamstring injury?

This is often caused by overloading the muscles or moving the muscles too quickly. The injury will be in one of the 3 hamstring muscles. A blow to the back of the leg needs to be treated as a contusion and NOT a strain. This injury is very common in sprinting sports.

An injury of the Hamstring is very common. There is a large range of hamstring injuries from micro tears (which the athlete may not notice) through to a complete rupture.

What are the symptoms of a pulled Hamstring?

  • There will be a sharp pain normally felt at the back of the leg.
  • The affected muscles may spasm.
  • There may be swelling and bruising
  • A bad rupture may cause a gap to be felt in the muscle.

The more severe the strain the higher the grade (1, 2 or 3). Grade 1 could possibly be small micro tears in the muscle. Grade 2 might consist of a partial tear in the muscle and grade 3 is a severe or complete rupture of the muscle.

How to notice a Grade 1 injury:

  • There may be tightness in the thigh.
  • May have difficulty in walking.
  • There will probably not be much swelling.
  • Little or no pain when bending the knee against resistance.

How to notice a Grade 2 injury:

  • Likely that there will be difficulty in walking.
  • Exercise may cause moments of sudden pain.
  • There may well be swelling.
  • Pushing the injury is painful.
  • Pain when bending the knee against resistance.
  • Difficulty straightening the knee.

How to notice a Grade 3 injury:

  • Unable to walk properly without the aid of crutches.
  • In severe pain.
  • Bad swelling appear immediately.
  • A static contraction will be painful and might produce a bulge in the muscle.
  • Expect to be out of competition for 3 to twelve weeks or more.

How to prevent this injury:

  • Regular deep tissue sports massage can help prevent muscle strains by identifying tight knots and weak points in the muscle.
  • Conditioning and strengthening the muscles not only the hamstring muscles but the lower back as well.
  • Ensure the lower back is working properly and has good mobility as pain and tension can be referred into the hamstring muscles, weakening them and making them prone to tearing.

Useful Products:

  • Cold Therapy - apply cold therapy to help relieve pain and swelling.
  • Thigh Supports - use a thigh support or compression bandage to support soft tissue and minimize intra muscular bleeding.

Please see the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat Hamstring Strains