Medication
What Causes a Pulled Hamstring (Hamstring Injury)?
- Inadequate warming up and poor stretching
- Muscle weakness or an imbalance in the muscle strength within the hamstring muscles
- Muscle weakness or an imbalance between the hamstrings and quadriceps
- Poor footwear
- Recurrent injury when the muscle hasn't completely healed from the previous damage
Procedures
Treating a pulled hamstring muscle involves reducing inflammation and resting it until it heals. Apply an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel to your hamstring and hold it there for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this every hour for the first day, then once every 2 or 3 hours for the next couples of days to reduce inflammation.
Therapy
What You Definitely Need to Successfully Treat & Heal Your Hamstring Strain at Home:
- A Cold Compress or Ice Pack to reduce inflammation of the soft tissue injury (as soon as possible).
- A Leg TShellz Wrap to enhance soft tissue flexibility and increase blood-flow to the area (A Circulatory Boost Medical Device).
- MendMeShop Arnica Pain Cream for temporary relief of pain due to sore muscles and joints.
Self-care
- Rest. Take a break from the activity that caused the strain. ...
- Ice it. Use cold packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. ...
- Compress. To prevent additional swelling and blood loss, wear an elastic compression bandage.
- Elevate. To reduce swelling, recline and put your leg up higher than your heart while resting.
Nutrition
See more
How do you pop a hamstring?
How to treat a pulled or torn hamstring muscle?
How hamstring muscle pain is treated?
What is the treatment for pulled hamstring?
How long does a popped hamstring take to heal?
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.
How do you know if you popped 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.
What does it mean when you feel a pop in your hamstring?
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 and many people can hear and feel an audible "pop" when the muscle is damaged.
Can you walk on a torn hamstring?
Grade 3; this is a complete tear of one or more of the hamstring muscles. You'll feel pain and not be able to straighten your leg all the way, and you'll notice swelling right away. Walking will be very difficult and may require crutches.
Will a torn hamstring heal on its own?
Though these injuries can be very painful, they will usually heal on their own. However, for an injured hamstring to return to full function, it needs special attention and a specially designed rehabilitation program. When the hamstring is injured, the fibers of the muscles or tendon are actually torn.
What's the difference between a torn hamstring and a pulled hamstring?
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. Others are more severe and may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
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.
Do hamstring tears require surgery?
Surgery is performed for hamstring injuries when the tendon has been pulled completely away from the bone. It is more common for the tendon to tear away from the pelvis than it is from the shinbone. Surgery is RARELY required. When the tendon is torn off the bone, it is referred to as a “tendon avulsion injury”.
How do you 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.
What should you not do with a pulled hamstring?
4 Mistakes People Make When Rehabilitating Hamstring StrainsLoading the Hamstring Too Early. The first mistake I often see is simple. ... Not Performing Eccentric Exercises. ... Not Performing Dynamic Hamstring Exercises. ... Returning to Sports Too Early.
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 warm up hamstrings?
Before activities, heating the injured muscle can help loosen the tissue. Applying a heat pack to the hamstring prior to stretching or exercising may help to warm up the injured muscle. As a general rule, remember to heat before, and ice after. 7
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.
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 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 pulled hamstring?
Treating a pulled hamstring muscle involves reducing inflammation and resting it until it heals. Apply an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel to your hamstring and hold it there for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this every hour for the first day , then once every 2 or 3 hours for the next couples of days to reduce inflammation. Keep your leg elevated above your heart and rest as much as possible. You should also wrap an elastic compression bandage or athletic tape around your thigh to help with inflammation. After a few days, stop using ice and switch to a heating pad or hot water bottle to improve your blood circulation and help your tissue heal. If you experience severe pain or difficulty walking, visit your doctor to get it checked out. For more tips, including how to ease yourself back into exercise after pulling your hamstring, read on.
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.
How to reduce swelling in leg after a sprain?
Elevate your leg. To reduce swelling, sit or lie down and prop your leg up on a tall object, so the site of the injury is higher than your heart. Do this as much as possible for the first 24 hours after the injury.
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.
How to get rid of a swollen groin?
Compress your leg. Wrap an elastic compression bandage or athletic tape around your thigh, starting above the knee and ending about 3 inches (7.5 cm) below the groin. When circling around your leg, make sure each new circle overlaps with about 50% of the last. The end result should be snug, but not uncomfortably tight or cutting off circulation.
How to get your muscles back to full strength?
Perform muscle strengthening exercises . If you can stretch without pain, begin additional exercises to get your muscles back to full strength. Ideally, you should consult a doctor to learn which exercises will focus on your injured muscle with minimal risk of damage. If you do not have access to a doctor, try the following once every one to two days, but stop immediately if you experience pain:
How to relax hamstrings?
Often the doctor will lay the patient prone (flat on their stomach) and bend the knee to 90 degrees. This relaxes the hamstring muscles and may minimize muscle spasm. The hamstring muscles can then be felt and a potential defect appreciated.
How to diagnose a pulled hamstring?
A pulled hamstring is diagnosed by history and physical examination. The circumstances of the injury will give a clue as to the type of injury, while the physical examination will be used to grade the amount of damage to the muscle or tendon.
What Causes a Pulled Hamstring (Hamstring Injury)?
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 and many people can hear and feel an audible "pop" when the muscle is damaged.
What Are the Hamstrings?
Strains are initially treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (known as RICE). A pulled hamstring is also treated this way.
What causes a hamstring injury?
There are a variety of potential risk factors for hamstring injuries. Inadequate warming up and poor stretching.
Where does a hamstring pull occur?
The hamstring pull may occur anywhere along the muscle tendon anatomy , however it most commonly occurs in the middle of the hamstring muscle. As people age, the tendon can be injured where it inserts into the ischial tuberosity in the pelvis and cause groin or hip symptoms.
What happens when you pull a hamstring?
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 and many people can hear and feel an audible "pop" when the muscle is damaged.
How long does it take for a hamstring tear to heal?
Takeaway. Most hamstring tears are caused by athletic injuries. Typically, partial tears he al in 4 to 8 weeks, while complete tears take about 3 months. You should start to feel better with regular physical therapy and lots of rest.
How to tell if hamstring is torn?
The symptoms of a torn hamstring depend on the severity of your injury. You might feel: 1 sudden, sharp pain 2 a “popping” sensation at the time of injury 3 tenderness 4 swelling within the first few hours 5 bruising within the first few days 6 partial or complete weakness in your leg 7 inability to place weight on your leg
What happens when you overstretch your hamstrings?
It happens when the hamstrings are overstretched or overloaded with too much weight. Depending on the injury, the hamstring can tear partially or completely. The injury can affect one or more of the muscles in your hamstring muscle group. These muscles include the:
What is a grade 1 hamstring injury?
Depending on their severity, hamstring injuries are categorized into one of three grades. Grade 1 is mild hamstring strain, which is also called a pulled hamstring. It happens when the hamstring muscles overstretch but don’t tear. If the hamstring stretches to the point where it rips, the injury is considered a tear.
What test shows a tear in muscle tissue?
MRI. If the doctor thinks you have a severe injury, you might get an MRI. This imaging test will show the tear in your muscle tissue.
Why do older people tear their hamstrings?
In addition to athletes, older people are prone to hamstring tears. That’s because flexibility often declines with age. Adolescent athletes, who are still growing, are also at risk. Since bone and muscle grow at different rates, the growing bone can tighten the hamstring muscles, making them more susceptible to injury.
What is the first line of treatment for sports injuries?
The RICE method is the first line of treatment for most sports injuries. For grade 2 tears, it’s the main form of treatment.
Where is the hamstring located?
The hamstring refers to tendons at the back of the thigh that attach the large muscles to the bone; the ’hamstring’ also refers to the muscles in the back of our thighs.
What is the grade of hamstring injury?
What level of treatment is required and the likely length of time it will take you to fully recover will depend on the severity of your injury. The severity of a hamstring injury may be referred to by ‘grade’ [NHS, 2021]: Grade 1 hamstring injury – a mild muscular strain.
How to contact Health at Hand pharmacist?
You can contact us directly on 0800 003 004 ; pharmacists are available 8am-8pm Monday to Friday, 8am-4pm on Saturdays and 8am-12pm on Sundays. If you call outside of these hours one of our nurses will be happy to arrange a call back for you at a convenient time. Alternatively you can submit your query online using our Ask the expert service.
How to get specialist support for Axa Heath?
If your injury does not seem to be improving with the home treatment methods, and you are a member with AXA Heath, you can get specialist support for any problem affecting the muscles, bones or joints, without the need for a GP referral, through our Working Body service. They’ll arrange for you to talk to a physiotherapist who can assess your symptoms, talk to you about what they could mean, and help you plan what to do next. Check your cover online or speak to your claims team for details on how to access this service. The policy team can be contacted on 0800454080; their opening times are 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturdays.
What painkiller should I take after a sprain?
Paracetamol would be the painkiller of choice in the first 48 hours post injury, but after this, anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can also be used if you are able to take these medications [NHS Inform, 2021]. If over the counter painkillers are not sufficient in managing your pain then you can speak with your GP about stronger, prescription pain killers.
How long should you rest your limb after a sprain?
R – Rest – Rest the affected limb, especially for the first 48 hours post injury.
Can you injure your hamstring?
We can injure out hamstring in a number of ways. Most of these injuries will be self-limiting and will improve over time with home treatment, however occasionally we can sustain a more serious injury.
What is the treatment for hamstring injuries?
Essentially, all other grade I-III tears are best treated without surgery.
What are home remedies for hamstring injury?
The goal of treatment is to restore muscle function and prevent scar formation. Initially, treatment consists of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Rest refers to avoidance of offending activities and oftentimes includes immobilization. In severe cases, crutches or splinting may be necessary. Ice, compression, and elevation all help in controlling pain and swelling. A short course of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, such as aspirin, ibuprofen ( Advil, Children's Advil/ Motrin, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, PediaCare Fever, and others), or naproxen ( Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn ), may be helpful (avoid aspirin use in children).
What are risk factors for hamstring injury?
Any activity that is associated with sudden acceleration when initiating or during running can lead to a hamstring injury. Common athletic activities where hamstring injuries occur include track and field events with running and sprinting, football, baseball, soccer, and tennis.
What are symptoms and signs of injury to the hamstring muscles?
Hamstring injuries usually occur with sudden lunging, running, or jumping, resulting in muscle injury. The sudden jerking pulls on the tissues of the hamstring muscle. In fact, it is commonly referred to as a "pulled hamstring." Oftentimes, a "pop" is heard or felt by the injured athlete. A variable amount of pain is experienced immediately. The athlete is usually unable to continue and oftentimes cannot even stand.
What are the hamstrings?
The hamstrings are the tendons that attach the large muscles at the back of the thigh to bone. The hamstring muscles are the large muscles that pull on these tendons. It has become common in layman's terminology (and by some medical personnel) to refer to the long muscles at the back of the thigh as the "hamstrings" or "hamstring muscles." Academic anatomists refer to them as the posterior thigh muscles, and more specifically as the semimembranosus, the semitendinosus, and the biceps femoris muscles. These muscles span the thigh, crossing both the hip and the knee. They originate or begin at just below the buttocks, arising from the bone on which we sit (the ischium). They connect by means of their tendons onto the upper parts of the lower leg bones (the tibia and the fibula).
How do health care professionals diagnose hamstring injuries?
Injury to the hamstring muscle is diagnosed by the rapid onset of intense pain in the back of the mid-thigh during running or similar activity. Athletes will often instantly grab in pain at the back of the thigh, being unable to walk without limping. There is often focal tenderness where there is pain that is aggravated by stretching the affected thigh. In most patients, imaging is not necessary. However, if imaging is done to more completely view the muscle, tendon, or bone involvement with the injury, MRI gives the best views, although CT and ultrasound studies have also been used.
What is a hamstring injury?
Hamstrings are tendons of the muscles of the back of the thigh. Hamstring muscles bend the knee and straighten the hip. Hamstring muscle injury is a common athletic injury. Most hamstring muscle and tendon injuries heal without surgery.
How to treat a hamstring injury?
Consider bandaging your thigh with an elastic wrap to limit swelling and movement. Elevation. Try to keep your leg propped up on a pillow to limit swelling. OTC pain medications may help ease your discomfort with a hamstring injury.
How to relieve hamstring pain?
Another option for pain relief involves using a foam roller to apply what’s called myofascial release to your hamstrings. Place the roller just above the back of your knee and roll upward in the direction of blood flow to massage the muscles. Professional sports massage may also help with your pain.
How to prevent muscle imbalance?
Following are some general tips for prevention: 1 Warm up before working out or playing sports, and cool down afterward. 2 Exercise regularly to maintain your cardiovascular and muscular fitness. Doing so will help you prevent injuries related to fatigue. 3 Spend time stretching and strengthening muscles in your weekly exercise routine. Doing so will help prevent muscular imbalances that may cause injury. 4 Take days off or have easy days between particularly hard physical sessions to give your body adequate rest. 5 Try adding speed work to your routine to prepare hamstring muscles for the types of forces that may lead to injury.
What muscles contract when you sprint?
When you sprint, for example, your hamstring muscles must contract repeatedly as your leg lengthens with your stride. All this lengthening and loading of the muscles creates a perfect environment for injury. You may feel anything from sudden pain, to a popping or snapping feeling in your leg. Your hamstring may feel tender and you might even see bruising at the site of your injury.
What pain relievers can I take for hamstring pain?
OTC pain medications may help ease your discomfort with a hamstring injury. Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Motrin, Aleve), or another OTC pain medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol), may be good for short-term relief. Topical NSAID creams or gels can also help ease pain.
Why does my hamstring hurt?
The main cause of injury to the hamstring is muscle overload. Strains and tears happen when the muscle is lengthening as it contracts or shortens. They may also happen if the muscle is stretched too far or is taxed too suddenly.
How long does it take for a hamstring injury to heal?
Many hamstring injuries respond well to home treatment and heal within a few days. If your pain isn’t going away or your symptoms are getting worse, it’s a good idea to call your doctor to set up an appointment. In severe cases, your hamstring injury may require surgery and several months of rest and physical therapy.
