what is the best treatment for a pulled hamstring?

How long does it take to recover from a hamstring injury?

Recovery from a hamstring tear or strain Mild to moderate (grade 1 or 2) tears or strains can heal within three to eight weeks with diligent home therapy. For a grade 3 hamstring tear or strain, recovery may be as long as three months.

Is it OK to walk with a pulled hamstring?

To avoid this, you should start doing gentle hamstring stretches after a few days, when the pain has started to subside. This should be followed by a programme of gentle exercise, such as walking and cycling, and hamstring strengthening exercises.

Is heat good for a pulled hamstring?

Is heat or ice better for a hamstring pull or tear? In the initial stages of the injury, ice helps minimize the inflammatory response and reduce swelling. Once the acute injury phase is over, heat is recommended to loosen the muscle and ease pain and stiffness.Mar 17, 2022

How do you know if you have pulled your hamstring?

A hamstring injury typically causes a sudden, sharp pain in the back of your thigh. You might also feel a "popping" or tearing sensation. Swelling and tenderness usually develop within a few hours.Nov 17, 2020

How should I sleep with a pulled hamstring?

The best sleeping position for hamstring pain, which affect the back of the thigh, is to sleep with the knee extended, not bent. As chiropractor Ron Rogers states 'sleeping with the injured part in a position that elongates the healing muscle will minimize the tendency for scar tissue to rob the muscle of flexibility.Jul 24, 2016

What's the difference between a torn hamstring and a pulled hamstring?

A hamstring strain can be a pull, a partial tear, or a complete tear. Muscle strains are graded according to their severity. A grade 1 strain is mild and usually heals readily; a grade 3 strain is a complete tear of the muscle that may take months to heal.

What should you not do with a pulled hamstring?

Dont'sDo not force exercise on an injured hamstring. Professional athletes are out for 4-8 weeks with hamstring injuries so running or any intense exercise on the injury is a big mistake.However, don't sit around too much unless it is considered a grade 3. Movement helps to encourage blood flow into the area.Aug 9, 2015

Should you massage a hamstring tear?

Once a hamstring has been strained, massage can help loosen scar tissue and tight muscles, stimulate blood flow, and aid in gently stretching the injured muscles. Though massage can be an invaluable tool in healing, it should not be performed during the most acute stage of the injury when rest is the best approach.

Should you ice pulled hamstring?

Ice. Use a bag of ice or a cold compress to help reduce swelling for the first 48 hours after the injury. This should begin as soon as possible after the injury and then every 3 to 4 hours for 20 to 30 minutes at a time until the swelling is gone. Wrap the ice or ice pack in a towel.

How to treat a torn hamstring?

Treatment of a torn hamstring is usually determined by the severity of the injury. Resting a pulled hamstring is the key to successful treatment. As a general guide, if you have a hamstring strain, you can do activities that do not aggravate your recent injury.

How to treat hamstring pain?

Allowing time for the muscle to rest is the first step in the treatment of most hamstring injuries. Rest allows the swelling to subside and inflammation to settle down. In order to sufficiently rest the muscle, sometimes crutches are needed to relieve the stress of the muscle. 2 

What is hamstring strain?

A hamstring strain occurs when the muscle fibers of the hamstring muscle in the back of the thigh are stretched too far. This can cause tearing of the muscle fibers. Once the injury has been diagnosed, treatment should begin.

How to heal hamstrings?

Rest. Allowing time for the muscle to rest is the first step in the treatment of most hamstring injuries. Rest allows the swelling to subside and inflammation to settle down. In order to sufficiently rest the muscle, sometimes crutches are needed to relieve the stress of the muscle. 2 .

How can physical therapy help athletes?

Physical therapy can help guide an athlete with appropriate treatment. Many people find relief with modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and therapeutic massage. 4  Most athletes should begin therapeutic exercise as soon as possible.

Who is Jonathan Cluett?

Jonathan Cluett, MD, is board-certified in orthopedic surgery. He served as assistant team physician to Chivas USA (Major League Soccer) and the United States men's and women's national soccer teams.

Is it necessary to have surgery on a hamstring?

Surgical treatment is rarely necessary for the treatment of a hamstring injury. When the injury occurs within the central part of the muscle, it is almost always best to treat these injuries non-surgically. In some situations when the muscle attachment to the bone is pulled off, surgery may be necessary to reattach the muscle to its proper location. 2 

What is a hamstring tear?

A hamstring strain refers to an injury in which the muscle or tendon is stretched or torn. Less severe strains are often referred to as a "pulled hamstring.". A hamstring tear, also known as a rupture, infers a more serious injury. Some hamstring injuries are mild and improve with rest and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers.

Where do hamstring injuries occur?

Most tend to occur either in the middle of the back of the thigh or just beneath the gluteus muscle near the point where the tendon connects to the bone.

How do you know if you have a hamstring injury?

In some cases, you may hear an audible "pop" or feel your leg giving out from under you. A chronic hamstring injury can occur if an untreated tear or strain worsens over time.

How to treat a swollen leg?

I: Ice using a cold compress to reduce pain and inflammation. C: Compression with a compression bandage to reduce swelling, prevent tissue bleeding, and avoid further expansion of the tear.

What is the role of hamstrings in the body?

While their primary role is to bend the knee, hamstrings also contribute to the rotation of the lower leg. A hamstring strain refers to an injury in which the muscle or tendon is stretched or torn.

How to strengthen gluteus and hamstrings?

Add retro-running (running backward) to your workout which helps balance the gluteus and hamstring muscles while strengthening those around the knee. Approach squats and other exercises that engage the gluteus and hip flexor muscles with caution, starting slowly and gradually increasing in depth.

What causes hamstring injuries?

Hamstring Injury Causes. Most hamstring injuries are caused when the muscles are overloaded. These include the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus. Muscle overload occurs when a muscle is either stretched beyond its limits or challenged with a sudden, excessive weight load.

How to get rid of a pulled hamstring?

Stretches and Exercises. After the pain and swelling of a pulled hamstring has subsided then it’s time to start stretching and exercising. Begin slowly with hamstring stretches to regain your range of motion. Strengthening exercises will help you regain muscle strength in your leg which will prevent reinjury. ...

What happens when you stretch your hamstrings?

It happens when one of the three hamstring muscles in the back of the thigh is stretched beyond its normal capacity and can leave lasting effects. While surgery is sometimes necessary, many of the home treatments listed below can be effective for most cases.

How to treat a muscle injury?

Ice and Heat. Muscle injuries respond well to ice and heat. Immediately after your injury, use an ice pack on the back of your thigh for 20-minute intervals. The cold will numb the pain and reduce swelling.

Where is Patricia Weasler?

She is certified in critical care nursing and has been practicing for over 10 years. Patty lives in Milwaukee, WI with her husband and three children. She enjoys spending her time with family and educating people about their health.

What is the best medication for swelling?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) reduce pain and swelling. These medications can be found over-the-counter and are generally considered safe for most people.

Can you have a pulled hamstring surgery?

Surgery for a pulled hamstring is reserved for the most severe cases. Tendon avulsion is one case where surgery is needed. It’s when the tendon has come completely off the bone . A complete tear in the muscle also requires surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the specifics of the surgery and expected recovery time.

What is a physical therapist?

During your first appointment, your therapist will evaluate your injury and come up with a treatment plan. Their goal will be to help you restore full function of your leg by regaining muscle strength, improving your range of motion, and getting rid of pain and swelling. They will guide you through specific exercises and stretches in the office and have a plan for you to do some at home.

How to treat a pulled hamstring?

RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends RICE therapy as an effective pulled hamstring treatment: 1 Rest. Take a break from the activity that caused the strain. Your doctor may recommend you to use crutches to avoid putting weight on your leg. 2 Ice it. Use cold packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. 3 Compress. To prevent additional swelling and blood loss, wear an elastic compression bandage. 4 Elevate. To reduce swelling, recline and put your leg up higher than your heart while resting.

How long does it take for a pulled hamstring to heal?

Recovery time will depend on the severity of the injury. A Grade 1 case can heal in as fast as a few days while Grade 3 pulled hamstrings may take longer to heal ...

What is the hamstring injury?

The hamstrings are made of three muscles ( semitendinosus, semimembranosus and biceps femoris) just at the back of the thigh.

How to stretch hip flexors?

Do a simple hip flexor stretch by creating a forward lunge position and then drop your back knee to the floor. Raise arms over your head and look up. Press your hips forward and downward, feeling the stretch through your hip, groin and thigh. Hold this for about 30 seconds then do a gentle release.

How to stretch your lower back?

Lean forward, bending at the hips, until you feel a mild stretch in the back of your thigh. Make sure you don’t roll your shoulders or bend at the waist when doing this or you will stretch your lower back instead of your leg. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times.

How to treat a pulled hamstring?

Apply an ice pack once an hour. Use a cold pack, or wrap ice in a wet towel, and place it on the injury site. Leave this on for 10 to 15 minutes, then take it off. Repeat this once an hour during the day you pulled your hamstring. Continue icing once every two or three hours for the next couple days after that.

What to do if your hamstring is torn?

If any of the following symptoms match your condition, your hamstring muscle may be completely torn, or pulled off the bone:

How to heal a sprained leg?

These feel less painful than muscle injuries, but take longer to heal and still require rest. Walk as little as possible for the first few days, and avoid all running and leg exercises. If walking involves any pain at all, shorten your stride to a non-painful distance.

How to get your thigh muscles to work?

Lie on your back and bring your knee up to a slight angle. Contract your thigh muscle with about 50% of its maximum force, hold for thirty seconds, then relax and repeat several times. If still pain-free, repeat with your knee at a narrower angle, bringing your foot back up toward your hip.

What is the best painkiller for swelling?

In order to manage pain and potentially reduce swelling, take an NSAID painkiller such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen. These should only be used for short-term pain management in order to minimize side effects, unless you have a recommendation from a doctor.

Can a hamstring strain be treated?

Even a minor strain on your hamstring should be treated immediately to reduce swelling and encourage the healing process as soon as possible. It can be tough for an athlete to accept the need to rest and return to exercises gradually, but pushing oneself too hard greatly increases the chance of re-injury.

How to stretch your hips?

Do this several times per day. Place your foot on a low table or a chair, and stretch forward from the hip into a comfortable, relaxed position with a gentle stretch at the back of your leg. Lie on your back and lift your leg vertically, or as high as is comfortable.

How to repair hamstring tendon?

Another important way to repair the upper hamstring tendon is with heavy-load eccentric exercises. The exercises shown in figure 4 isolate the upper portion of the biceps femoris muscle. My favorite is the one illustrated in figure 4C. By tilting slightly to the right, you can really feel the left biceps femoris tense.

What is the stride length of a sprinter?

With stride lengths exceeding 14 feet, sprinters are especially vulnerable to re-injury. Almost always, the hamstring strain occurs just before the lead foot hits the ground, when hamstring tension peaks to resist forward motion of the swinging leg.

Can hamstring strains be chronic?

Of all the running-related muscle injuries, hamstring strains are the most likely to become chronic. More than two-thirds of runners that strain their hamstrings will suffer re-injury within one year. With stride lengths exceeding 14 feet, sprinters are especially vulnerable to re-injury. Almost always, the hamstring strain occurs just before ...

How to treat a pulled hamstring?

A pulled hamstring is also treated this way. Alternating ice and heat may also be recommended. Since the hamstring is stretched with each step as the knee extends or straightens, walking may be difficult.

What does it mean when your hamstring is pulled?

A pulled hamstring is a strain of one or more of the hamstring muscles. Muscle fibers of the hamstring can become strained or torn during running, kicking, or even walking down steps. When a hamstring muscle is pulled, the muscle fibers are abruptly stretched. Depending on the severity of the strain injury, the muscle can actually tear ...

What muscles are involved in pulling a hamstring?

The three are the semitendinosus, the semimembranosus, and the biceps femoris muscles that begin as a tendon that inserts in the ischium, one of the pelvic bones, ...

Which muscle is responsible for extending the knee?

The hamstring muscle is balanced by the quadriceps muscles on the front of the thigh that causes the knee to extend. Together the hamstrings and the quadriceps help control the power and stability of the knee joint, allowing activities like walking, running, jumping, and squatting.

How long does it take to recover from a hamstring strain?

It may take a few weeks to recover from a hamstring strain, but if symptoms persist, physical therapy may be recommended.

What causes a hamstring injury?

There are a variety of potential risk factors for hamstring injuries. Inadequate warming up and poor stretching.

Why is walking difficult?

Walking may be difficult because extending the knee stretches the injured muscle, and a limp is often present. Swelling and tenderness can be appreciated in the area of injury. Symptoms of a grade 3 strain are a progression of a grade 2 strain with symptoms of pain and swelling being more pronounced.

What to do when hamstring strain occurs?

The first thing you want to do when a suspected hamstring strain occurs is to be sure it’s actually a strain. Many times we assume the best rather than rule out the worst, which can lead to longer recovery and sometimes less than ideal long term performance.

How long does it take for a tear to heal?

A minor strain will typically heal within 2-3 weeks when properly treated, so an injury that lingers longer should be a red flag.

What is a third degree tear?

If you experience sudden or sharp pain, a popping sensation or complete loss of sensation, doctors recommend getting an evaluation by a medical professional because you may have what’s known as a third degree tear, which is a severe tear. While a complete tear and a simple strain may exhibit many of the same symptoms such as swelling or tenderness, ...

Can a strain be painful?

Strains can be as frustrating as they are painful, but it isn’t typically anything to panic over. Muscle strains, especially of the hamstring variety, are among the most common injuries for athletes in any sport, and there are many home remedies you can take to overcome it.

What is a 3rd degree strain?

3rd Degree Strain. The most serious strain is a 3rd degree, and is a severe tear or rupture of the muscle or tendon. A hamstring strain in this severity requires a medical professional to treat it, and has the potential to require surgery or a cast to immobilize the injury. It’s not uncommon to see indentation or deformity in ...

Why do people get massages?

Many of us get a massage for the stress relief, relaxation, and general physical benefits it provides. However, massages can be beneficial for more than just knots. Massage has been shown to increase blood and lymph flow to extremities, which can support, and even speed up, the healing process.

What is compression in sports?

Compression is the act of wearing tight-fitting sleeves or other garments typically made of mostly spandex material. You likely see professional athletes often wearing them during games, but these can also be very beneficial to healing.