Hamstring Injury: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Complications

The three muscles that run along the back of the thigh, collectively known as the hamstrings, are strained or pulled when one suffers a hamstring injury.

People who participate in sports involving running with quick pauses and starts frequently suffer from hamstring injuries. Football, basketball, tennis, and soccer are among examples. Runners and dancers alike are susceptible to hamstring strains.

The discomfort and swelling from a hamstring injury can frequently be reduced with self-care techniques like rest, ice, and pain medication. A hamstring tendon or muscle is only rarely surgically repaired.

Causes Of Hamstring Injury

Along the back of the thigh, the three muscles that make up the hamstrings run from the hip to just below the knee. These muscles allow the knee to bend and the leg to extend backward. If any of these muscles are overextended or overused, they may suffer an injury.

Symptoms Of Hamstring Injury

Before the hamstring muscles have fully recovered, returning to strenuous exercises runs the risk of re-injury.

A hamstring injury frequently results in an instantaneous, severe pain in the back of the thigh. There could also be a "popping" or tearing sensation.

Usually, within a few hours, swelling and tenderness appear. Bruising or a change in skin tone could be present around the back of the leg. Some people struggle to bear weight on their injured leg because of muscle weakness.

Risk Factors Of Hamstring Injury

A few risk factors for hamstring injuries are:

• Sports. A hamstring injury may be more frequent in sports that include sprinting or running. Likewise, other pursuits that call for great flexion, like dance, might.
• A previous hamstring injury. One hamstring injury makes someone more susceptible to developing another. People who attempt to resume the same activities before their muscles have had a chance to recuperate are especially at risk for this.
• Muscles that are worn out, feeble, and have poor range of motion. Muscles that are worn out or weak are more vulnerable to injury. Poorly flexible muscles might not be able to handle the force that some activities demand.
• Muscle imbalance- Not all experts agree, however, some believe that a muscle imbalance may contribute to hamstring injuries. If the quadricep muscles on the front of the leg are larger, stronger, and more developed than the hamstring muscles, hamstring injury may be more common.
• Age. Age brings an increased risk of damage.

Diagnosis Of Hamstring Injury

A medical professional examines the back of the thigh to look for swelling and soreness during the physical examination. The location and severity of the pain can provide useful information about the harm.

The damaged leg can be placed in various postures to help a medical professional determine which muscle is affected and whether any ligaments or tendons are injured.

Image-based tests

When hamstring injuries are severe, the muscle may potentially break free from the pelvis or shinbone. When this occurs, a little fragment of bone referred to as an avulsion fracture can be pushed away from the main bone. While ultrasonography and MRIs can detect tears in the muscles and tendons, X-rays can check for avulsion fractures.

Also read : Dislocated Shoulder: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Complications

Treatment Of Hamstring Injury

The first objective of treatment is to lessen discomfort and edema. A medical expert might suggest the following:

• To give the injuries time to heal, refrain from engaging in demanding activities.
• To ease discomfort and minimize swelling, use ice packs multiple times daily.
• To reduce swelling, wrap the damaged region with compression or put on compression shorts.
• To reduce swelling, try to rest with the leg elevated above the level of the heart.
• Take pain medication that is available over the counter. Examples include acetaminophen (Tylenol, etc.) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, etc.).

Exercise therapy

You can learn how to perform easy hamstring stretching and strengthening exercises from your doctor or a physical therapist. Your doctor can demonstrate how to perform exercises to increase your strength once the discomfort and swelling have subsided.

Surgery

The majority of partially torn muscle in the hamstring injuries get well with time and physical therapy. Orthopedic surgeons can reconnect the muscle if it has come loose from the pelvis or shinbone. Severe muscular tears can also be healed.

Also Read : Kyphosis: Causes, Symptoms, Types, Diagnosis, Treatment and Complications

Prevention Of Hamstring Injury

A hamstring injury can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight and performing regular stretching and strengthening activities. To play your sport, try to be in form. Play your sport for fun, not to lose weight.

Keeping fit can help you avoid injuries if you have a physically demanding work. Find out what workouts to do on a regular basis from your healthcare provider.

Complications Of Hamstring Injury

Before the hamstring muscles have fully recovered, returning to strenuous exercises runs the risk of re-injury.

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