What is a Hamstring Strain?
A hamstring strain is an injury to the muscles located at the back of your thigh. This injury occurs when one or more of the hamstring muscles are overstretched or torn, resulting in pain and loss of function. Hamstring strains are common in athletes, especially those involved in sports requiring sprinting, jumping, or sudden changes in direction.
Recovery Roadmap: Knee Pain
If you are starting your recovery journey, we’d love to be your partner. In the meantime, this essential guide can get you on the road to recovery today!
- Understanding Your Treatment Options
- Recovery times & Milestones
- Essential Exercises for Prehab
- Ensuring Long-term health
What causes a Hamstring Strain?
Hamstring strains are usually caused by overstretching the muscles during high-speed activities like running, jumping, or kicking. Factors like muscle fatigue, tight hamstrings, or improper warm-up can increase the risk of strain. Quick, explosive movements that involve extending the leg while the hamstring is under tension can lead to tears or strains.
What are the symptoms of a Hamstring Strain?
The primary symptoms of a hamstring strain include a sudden sharp pain in the back of the thigh, often accompanied by swelling, bruising, or a visible knot. You may also experience difficulty walking or straightening your leg, and the severity of these symptoms depends on whether the strain is mild, moderate, or severe. In more severe cases, a complete tear may cause a popping sensation at the time of injury.
What is the best treatment for a Hamstring Strain?
The best treatment for a Hamstring Strain is to work with The Movement Doctors to find the root cause of your pain and address it with a personalized plan of treatment. If you can’t come in for an evaluation or you want to get started immediately, we've created an injury recovery guide designed for athletes and active adults to help you make good decisions around your care.
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