Hamstring injury involves damage or strain to the muscles and tendons located at the back of the thigh. These muscles play a crucial role in bending the knee and extending the hip. When injured, symptoms may include sudden pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area. Mobility can be limited, and activities such as running, jumping, or even walking may become challenging.

Depending on the severity, hamstring injuries can range from mild strains to more severe tears, impacting daily activities and athletic performance. Rehabilitation and rest are typically necessary for recovery, with the extent of rehabilitation varying based on the severity of your injury.

Most Common Hamstring Injuries

Hamstring Strain

A hamstring strain refers to the stretching or tearing of one or more of the muscles at the back of the thigh. It typically occurs during activities that involve running, jumping, or sudden acceleration and deceleration. Symptoms include sharp pain, tenderness, swelling, and sometimes bruising at the back of the thigh. Hamstring strains are graded based on severity, ranging from mild (Grade 1) to severe (Grade 3), depending on the extent of muscle damage.

Treatment usually involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with physical therapy to restore strength and flexibility. Severe strains may require more extensive rehabilitation or surgery.

Hamstring Tears

Hamstring tears, also known as hamstring muscle ruptures, are injuries involving the tearing or stretching of one or more of the three muscles at the back of the thigh: the semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and biceps femoris.

These muscles play a crucial role in activities such as running, jumping, and bending the knee. When subjected to excessive force or sudden overextension, such as during rapid acceleration or kicking, the hamstring muscles can become strained or even torn. This results in the partial or complete disruption of muscle fibers or tendon attachments. Hamstring tears can vary in severity, from minor strains causing discomfort to severe tears resulting in significant pain, swelling, and functional impairment.

Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to ensure optimal recovery and prevent long-term complications, such as chronic pain or muscle weakness.

Hamstring Avulsions

Hamstring avulsions are rare but severe injuries involving the complete detachment of the hamstring tendon from its attachment site on the pelvis or lower leg bone (ischial tuberosity or tibia). These injuries typically occur during forceful movements like sprinting or kicking when the muscles contract forcefully, exceeding their tensile strength.

Symptoms of a hamstring avulsion include sudden, intense pain at the back of the thigh, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight or extending the leg. Unlike strains or tears, avulsions often require surgical intervention to reattach the torn tendon to the bone and restore function. Post-surgical rehabilitation involves a structured program of physical therapy to promote healing, regain strength, and improve flexibility.