A hamstring strain means that you have pulled one or more of the muscles situated on the back of your upper leg, which we refer to as the thigh. This is the kind of strain that occurs when a muscle becomes overstretched and tears. It can be painful and in some cases makes for difficult movement.
Most of us have pulled a muscle from time-to-time, but a pulled hamstring can be terribly uncomfortable. The three muscles that make up the hamstring are responsible for bending the knee. The muscles are as follows: the semitendinosus, the semimembranosus, and the biceps femoris. They run the length of the thighbone, across the back of the knee and attach to the tibia and fibula. A small part of the hamstring also goes across the hip joint. The hamstring muscles are balanced by quadriceps muscles, at the front of the thigh, and help the knee extend. These muscles work together to help control stability and allow for activities such as walking, running, and jumping.
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What are the causes and risk factors of pulled hamstring muscles?
Hamstring strain causes are usually put in one of two categories: primary or secondary. The explanation below further zeros in on what causes hamstring strains.
Primary
Poor timing coordination in the hamstring during the switch between late leg recovery and initial leg approach, such as in the swing phase of sprinting. Lack of strength and stiffness in the hamstring during contact with the ground while running is also primary. Stiffness allows the hamstring muscle to absorb shock and rebound. People with previous hamstring injuries often fall into this category.
Secondary
Overstriding or pelvic control when running, improper warm-up to prepare hamstring muscles for force, inappropriate training loads, such as high-speed work done late in the workout, fatigue, lower back problems, or playing on surfaces that are slippery can cause a secondary hamstring strain.
When we consider causes of hamstring strain, we must look at the risk factors:
- Sports activity: Sports such as sprinting, running, or dancing can require extreme stretching and make a hamstring more susceptible to injury.
- Prior injury: If you have had one hamstring injury, you are more likely to experience another hamstring injury. This is especially true if you attempt to resume activities at levels of intensity that are high before your muscles have had time to heal.
- Poor flexibility: When you have poor flexibility, the muscles may not be able to bear the full force of whatever activities you are engaging in.
- Muscle imbalance: Some suggest that a muscle imbalance could lead to hamstring injury. This may happen if the muscles along the front of the thigh become stronger than the hamstring muscles.
- Age: There is a theory that as we age, our muscles become weaker and more prone to injury.
- Poor core stability: When our core is weak, it can make other muscles – including the hamstring muscles – weaker.
- Fatigue: A general feeling of fatigue can weaken various muscle groups, including the hamstring muscles.
- Excessive anterior pelvic tilt: When the hamstring muscles group is at a longer length simply due to variation in muscle architecture, some studies suggest this might increase risk of strain.
A hamstring injury is really rather common but in most cases, the problem clears up quickly and the injured person is able to return to normal activities. However, not all injuries are alike – there are situations where medical care and a longer recovery period are required. Acute hamstring strains are common in sports. For example, it is not unusual for those who play competitive soccer to get a pulled hamstring. Some studies suggest that up to 16 percent of professional soccer players experience hamstring strain.
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Grades of hamstring strain
Recovery time from a hamstring strain largely depends on what grade of injury is sustained. There are three levels of hamstring strains. Grade 1 hamstring strain means you have a mild muscle strain or pull; grade 2 hamstring strain is a partial tear; while grade 3 is a complete tear.
- Grade 1 hamstring strain: You will feel tightness in the back of the thigh, but shouldn’t have any trouble walking. You will have difficulty running at full speed. Mild swelling and spasms may slow you down a little.
- Grade 2 hamstring strain: Your walking will be affected – for example, you will likely have a limp. Swelling, tenderness, as well as pain when you bend your knee against resistance will occur.
- Grade 3 hamstring strain: There will be a severe injury involving a tear to half or all of the hamstring muscle. You will need crutches to walk and will experience severe pain and weakness in the muscle. Swelling and bruising will be noticeable.
What are the symptoms of hamstring strain?
As hamstring symptoms go, a grade 1 or mild hamstring strain might not feel too bad, but grade 2 and 3 can be very painful. Some symptoms of hamstring strain will require a person to rely on equipment such as crutches and special knee supports. Below is a list of common signs and symptoms of a hamstring strain.
- Hamstring tenderness
- Bruising
- Sudden and severe pain during exercise
- A snapping or popping feeling
- Pain in the back of the thigh and lower buttock when walking, bending over, or straightening the leg
- Swelling
- Difficulty walking or standing
When coping with hamstring strain symptoms, some people use a knee splint while others use crutches if they can’t put any weight on the leg. There are also special bandage wraps called compression bandages that can go around the thigh for extra support.
If symptoms are mild, you will likely feel better in anywhere from two to five days. A more severe injury will take weeks or even a full month to start feeling better. There are cases where a hamstring strain needs to be operated on. In these situations, the patient is referred to a sports medicine or orthopedic specialist.
How to diagnose hamstring strain?
Most hamstring injuries can be diagnosed through a physical exam and medical history. A physical examination is used to grade the injury, but an open discussion with the doctor can usually pinpoint the circumstances under which the strain occurred. Previous injury will be taken into consideration since any former problems with the back, hip, or knee can decrease range of motion and have an impact on muscles that cause the hamstrings to be prone to injury. Beyond a physical examination and medical history, tests can be carried out, including those outlined here.
- X- rays: To determine if there has been a fracture or other injury to the pelvis, femur, or knee. An X-ray can differentiate between a muscular disease, such as a strain and a disease of the bone, like a fracture.
- Ultrasound: This imaging is used because it has the ability to provide ample images of muscles.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI can provide a detailed view of any muscle injury. When the image is not perfectly clear, the doctor will compare it with the information provided by the patient.
How to treat hamstring strain?
Hamstring strain treatment begins with reducing any pain and swelling. This is accomplished in different ways, including taking a break from activities, using a cane or crutches, applying ice packs, or wrapping the injured area in a compression bandage. Some people find that resting the leg in an elevated position above heart level helps reduce the amount of swelling. Depending on the grade of the hamstring strain, some sufferers do opt for taking an over-the-counter pain medication. Advil, Motrin IB, or Tylenol are some examples of medications that are used to reduce pain and inflammation.
If you have strained your hamstring and the pain is agonizing, it is best to consult a doctor for the best and safest treatment options.
While having a pulled hamstring can be uncomfortable, it doesn’t normally put an end to extracurricular activities indefinitely. Once you deal with the initial pain and swelling of a hamstring injury and a doctor gives you the go-ahead, you can participate in physical therapy, designed to improve flexibility and strengthen your hamstring muscles so you can resume whatever activity you like.
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