Hamstring Strains

(conquestchronicles.com)

Hamstring Strains are usually due to an overload of the muscle or trying to move the muscle too suddenly. They are easily preventable but can be quite serious, sometimes requiring surgery. There are 3 "grades" of injury that all have varying levels of symptoms and treatment.

GRADE 1 Symptoms: tightness in the thigh but still able to walk properly, not much swelling, bending of the knee against resistance does not cause significant pain

An Athlete Can: use compression bandage and heat
A Sports Injury Specialist Can: use sports massage techniques, ultrasound or electrical stimulation, and prescribe a rehab program

GRADE 2 Symptoms: cannot walk properly, twinges of pain during activity, may swell, pressure causes pain, might not be able to fully straighten knee

An Athlete Can: apply ice, compression, elevate, use crutches for 3-5 days
A Sports Injury Specialist Can: use sports massage techniques, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and prescribe a rehab program with stretching and strengthening

GRADE 3 Symptoms: unable to walk without crutches, sever pain, bad swelling will appear immediately, static contraction will be painful and might produce a bulge in the muscle, and you will be out of competition for 3-12 weeks

An Athlete Can: seek medical attention immediately, RICE
A Sports Injury Specialist Can: use sports massage, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, prescribe and monitor a rehab program, and operate if necessary

Anatomy: Hamstrings; semitendonosis, semimembrinosis, biceps femoris

Prevention: a consistent stretching and strengthening program will help, good flexibility also reduces the risk of strains, as well as warming up properly.


Surgery: the goal of the operation is to reattach the hamstring origin to the ischium
~ neurolysis of the sciatic nerve is necessary
~ There is an extremely high success rate, over 95%