Hamstring Strain
The hamstring group is located on the back (posterior) of the upper leg, this group contains three separate muscles: the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus. The hamstring group assists in flexing the knee, and extending the hip.
A hamstring strain is a partial tear of the small fibres of the muscles in the hamstring group. Hamstring strains are most common among sports that require a high degree of power, agility and speed, such as soccer. This injury can be caused by the contraction of the quadriceps muscle group (anterior to hamstring muscle group), causing the hamstring group to overstretch in which places excessive stress upon it and resulting in a strain. Also, sudden explosive movement that exerts excessive force upon it, such as sprinting in soccer when the leg overextends and over-stretches the hamstring, can cause a strain in the hamstring muscle group. |
Classification:
The hamstring strain is an indirect soft tissue injury that is generally not caused through overuse. It is an indirect injury as it can be caused by an indirect impact, such as over-stretching, and excessive sudden explosive movement.
Hamstring strains are graded either I, II, or III depending on severity.
The hamstring strain is an indirect soft tissue injury that is generally not caused through overuse. It is an indirect injury as it can be caused by an indirect impact, such as over-stretching, and excessive sudden explosive movement.
Hamstring strains are graded either I, II, or III depending on severity.
Grade I
- Tightness in back of the thigh
- Still able to walk normally
- Discomfort and unable to run at full speed
- Mild swelling and spasm
Grade II
- Slight limp in walking pattern
- Sudden feelings of pain in hamstring during activity
- Swelling
- Tenderness in back of the thigh
- A lot of pain when bending knee against a resistance
Grade III
- Severe injury involving a tear to half or all of the muscle
- Crutches may be needed
- Severe pain and weakness in the muscle
- Immediate swelling
- Bruising appearing within 24 hours
Symptoms:
- Sudden/severe pain during exercise
- Possible snapping or popping feeling
- Pain in the back of the thigh and lower buttock when bending over, walking or even straightening the leg
- Tenderness in the hamstring
- Possible bruising
- Tightness in back of the thigh
- Still able to walk normally
- Discomfort and unable to run at full speed
- Mild swelling and spasm
Grade II
- Slight limp in walking pattern
- Sudden feelings of pain in hamstring during activity
- Swelling
- Tenderness in back of the thigh
- A lot of pain when bending knee against a resistance
Grade III
- Severe injury involving a tear to half or all of the muscle
- Crutches may be needed
- Severe pain and weakness in the muscle
- Immediate swelling
- Bruising appearing within 24 hours
Symptoms:
- Sudden/severe pain during exercise
- Possible snapping or popping feeling
- Pain in the back of the thigh and lower buttock when bending over, walking or even straightening the leg
- Tenderness in the hamstring
- Possible bruising