Hamstrings Strain
Overview
Causes
The damage may happen slowly over time or from an injury. Causes may be:
- Stretching the muscle too fast or too far
- Putting sudden stress on the muscles when they are not ready for the stress
Risk Factors
This problem is more common in male athletes. It is also more common in athletes whose sports involve high bursts of speed, such as running, hurdling, jumping, and kicking.
Other things that may raise the risk are:
- Prior hamstring injury
- Not warming up muscles before using them
- Muscles that are too tight or weak
- Fatigue
- An imbalance between the hamstring and quadricep muscles
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
Problems may be:
- Pain in the back of the thigh
- Swelling and bruising in the back of the thigh
- Hamstring tightness or weakness
- Problems moving the leg
- A popping feeling at the time of the injury
Treatments
Treatment
A small strain may heal in a few days. Severe strains may take a few months. Treatment may include:
- Supportive care, such as rest, ice, compression, and elevating the leg
- Crutches to keep weight off of the leg
- Medicine to ease pain and swelling
- Exercises to help with strength, flexibility, and range of motion
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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