The hamstring is a group of large, powerful muscles at the back of the thigh which extends the hip joint and flexes the knee.
A hamstring injury is caused by a tear in one of the hamstring muscles. It is usually the result of an overuse of the muscles or trying to move them too fast. If an impact has been taken on the back of the leg however, it is treated as a contusion, rather than a hamstring strain.
Strains are common in all sports, especially when sprinting is involved. They are very common, and can range from complete rupture of the muscle to small micro tears that athletes do not notice at the time. Symptoms include:
Bruising- the bruise begins at the back of the thigh and eventually down below the knee and onto the feet.
Swelling- a compressive bandage will usually help control this.
Muscle Spasms
Difficulty contracting- flexing the knee is often painful after a hamstring has been pulled and can even prevent walking normally.
Treatment depends entirely on severity. Activity should always be stopped immediately and an ice pack and bandage applied to control the swelling. Patients could also gently stretch the muscles or massage the afflicted area. Crutches may also be necessary. If the pain is significant, or the other symptoms do not pass, it is important to seek medical assistance.
