Hamstring Pull, Strain, or Tear

What is a Hamstring Pull, Strain, or Tear?

The hamstring consists of three muscles that run down the back of the leg from the pelvis to the lower leg bones — the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus. Hamstring injuries can range from minor strains to a total rupture of the muscle.

Hamstring pulls are caused by excessive stretching of these muscles resulting in a sudden, sharp pain in the back of the thigh. Following such an injury, the knee may not be able to extend beyond 30-40 degrees without pain.

Treatment of a Hamstring Pull, Strain, or Tear

Hamstring pulls are typically treated by the R.I.C.E. regimen. Anti-inflammatories can be used to reduce pain and inflammation. Once swelling and pain subsides, a stretching program can be initiated. The injured muscle should ultimately be rehabilitated through a strengthening program to prevent re-injury.

Pulled hamstrings can best be avoided via proper stretching/warm ups, as well as post-workout stretching. In the case of a severe injury, seek the opinion of a trained medical professional.

Alphabetical Index of Injuries:

» Achilles Tendon Rupture
» Achilles Tendonitis
» Calf Pull, Strain, or Tear
» Concussion
» Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)
» Dislocated Shoulder
» Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
» Groin Pull, Strain, or Tear
» Hamstring Pull, Strain, or Tear
» Heel Spurs (Bone Spurs)
» High Ankle Sprain (Syndesmotic Ankle Sprain)
» Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
» Little League Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
» Plantar Fasciitis
» Runner’s Knee (Chondromalacia Patellae)
» Separated Shoulder
» Sever’s Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis)
» Shin Splints
» Sprained AC Joint
» Sprained Ankle
» Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
» Torn Rotator Cuff
» Turf Toe (Metatarsalphalangeal Joint Sprain)