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The term hamstring refers to any of the tendons at the rear hollow of the human knee. They start at the bone in the buttocks and attach below the knee. Hamstring injuries are very common in people who have an imbalance in their upper leg muscle strength. When the front thigh muscles, the quadriceps, are stronger than the hamstring tendons and muscles in the back of the thigh, there is risk for a hamstring injury. This makes them hard to rehabilitate after injury. Hamstring injuries include strains and avulsions, in which portions of the muscle are torn away.
A hamstring injury is a stretch, tear, or complete rupture of one or more of the tendons in the back of the thigh. These injuries can be caused by a violent contraction of the hamstring muscles, when you suddenly increase your speed while running, for example. Over-stretching and failure to warm up sufficiently can cause a strain. Hamstring strains tend to recur. Scar tissue forms when they heal, making the entire tendon less flexible and more at risk for future injury. THERE ARE THREE DEGREES OF STRAINS: - A slight pull results in a sore muscle the next day. Walking or slow jogging is not inhibited and recovery time is 1 to 2 weeks.
- A hard pull occurs while exercising, as in sprinting. The exercise must be stopped right away. The muscle is tender and aches, and bruises may develop 3 to 6 days later. Bending the knee, walking, and jogging are difficult and recovery takes 3 to 4 weeks.
- The most serious hamstring strain produces such severe pain that the person may collapse. Walking is impossible. Severe bruising occurs in three to four days. Crutches may be needed for a week or two and recovery can take as much as 10 weeks.
At the time a strain occurs, treat it with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, a regimen known as RICE. Ice it for 10 to 30 minutes intermittently for 48 to 72 hours. Wear a neoprene thigh sleeve when returning to activity. Take ibuprofen or aspirin for relief of pain and inflammation. Seek medical care for severe strains. Rehabilitation for all strains should include stretching and strengthening exercises. In growing children, when a violent contraction of the hamstring takes place, the muscle tendon will not tear. Instead, it pulls off a portion of the bone attachment to the buttocks. This is called an avulsion injury. It is most likely to occur when the child is jumping or sprinting, as in soccer or football. The severe pain and disability require immediate medical care. Article #7534 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
