Hamstring Muscles

Muscles of the upper leg (Quads – front of the upper leg, Hamstrings – back of the upper leg, and Groin – inside of the upper leg) are susceptible to injury through both overuse and sudden movement. Each of these muscles are used daily in walking, going from a sitting to standing position, and any athletic endeavor that includes use of the legs. Even after a strained muscle has stopped causing you pain, it may not be structurally healed optimally. If you continue to ignore and press through these symptoms, expect to feel little twinges here and there until the primary muscle involved is addressed properly.

Self-check: Signs of incomplete healing include: weakness with continued use, isolated soreness in that muscle after a strenuous activity, chronic re-injury to the same muscle or leg.

What are the Symptoms of Hamstring Muscle Pain?

Hamstring Strains are typically very pinpoint and localized. Most people with these injuries will be able to touch and feel where they have strained their hamstring. It will be hotter to the touch than the other areas, swollen and very sore. Touching your toes with straight legs, walking, kicking, running, jumping, going up stairs, direct pressure and sitting are provocative things that will cause pain in this situation.

What Causes Hamstring Muscle Pain?

Hamstring Strains are usually a sudden injury due to lengthening the hamstring group due to a strong force. This is commonly caused while running, jumping, kicking and a high area of injury when cramping occurs. However, any violent force that causes the hamstring to lengthen quickly can lead to straining the muscle.

How do you treat Hamstring Muscle Pain?

Addressing the site of injury using A.R.T. is the initial and easy part of treatment. Usually a very significant amount of relief will be experienced quickly. Depending on the severity of the strain it typically resolves in 2-6 treatments. Rehabilitating the hamstring group to withstand the forces we put on it daily is sometimes needed as well. Identifying the right course of stretching and exercise after exam is key to resolving the injury.

Did you know?

Hamstring injuries are often a misdiagnosis. Many times we find a sciatic nerve entrapment that is the real cause of tight hamstrings and hamstring pain.