Hamstring strains occur when the muscles in the back of the thigh are overstretched or torn. They are common in athletes and can be classified into three grades. Treatment includes icing and compressing the affected area, followed by gradual rehabilitation to prevent recurrence. Prevention involves strength training and stretching.
A pulled hamstring occurs when one or more of the three muscles in the back of the thigh are overstretched or develop tears in their muscle fibers or tissue. Hamstrings, also called hamstring strains, can vary in severity and are generally classified into three grades depending on the amount of damage to the area. Grade one strains have small tears within the muscle group resulting from overstretching. Grades two and three are sharper and involve significant to severe damage up to the point of total failure.
The hamstrings are made up of the semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and biceps femoris, collectively called the “hamstring.” They extend from the lower buttocks to the back of the knee. The main functions of the hamstring are to bend the knee and move the thigh backwards.
The hamstrings are used heavily in running and jumping, so a hamstring injury is a common occurrence among athletes. Sudden explosive movements are the most common cause of muscle tears resulting in hamstring strain or muscle strain. Symptoms of hamstring injury include swelling, bruising, pain, and spasms. Often, a snap can be felt in the muscle at the time the injury occurs.
Additional causes that increase the risk of a pulled hamstring include lack of hamstring flexibility or strength, excess body weight, and loss of muscle control from strenuous exercise or fatigue. Hamstring injuries most often occur when the muscle is stretched. It is less common for a hamstring injury to occur when the muscle contracts or from a blow.
Treatment for a pulled hamstring usually includes icing the affected area and compressing the thigh by wrapping it in sports tape, bandages, or compression sports clothing. As soon as the muscle pain subsides to a manageable level, the athlete should begin lengthening the muscles and moving them through painless range of motion to reduce scar tissue buildup and reduce swelling. Rehabilitating the muscle does not mean returning to activity too soon; the muscle must be strengthened gradually to reduce the risk of recurrence or permanent damage.
While it’s impossible to completely prevent a hamstring injury, participants in competitive sports that require sudden movements, such as track and field, soccer, or tennis, need to have well-trained legs to prevent muscle strain. This involves strength training both the hamstrings and the front of the thigh, or quadriceps, for muscle balance, which helps reduce the risk of a hamstring strain. Also, stretching and warming up before physical activities should be done to increase flexibility and reduce the chance of injury.
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