Hamstring injuries are common, especially among athletes and individuals who engage in physical activities that involve running, jumping or sudden changes in direction.
The word “hamstrings” comes from how a butcher would hang a slaughtered pig by these muscles.
NYC orthopedic surgeon Jonathan L. Glashow, MD, shares more to help patients understand the causes, symptoms and treatment of hamstring injuries and how to prevent them.
Causes
“As a percentage of lower-extremity injuries, hamstring injuries peak at 33% in persons aged 16-25 years, and they most often occur in sports in which the hamstrings can be stretched eccentrically at high speed.”
This occurs most often during activities that involve explosive movements, such as sprinting or jumping. It can also result from inadequate warm-up, muscle imbalances or overuse. Poor flexibility and strength imbalances between the quadriceps and hamstrings can also contribute to the risk of injury.
Symptoms
Depending on the extent of the injury, hamstring injuries can cause mild discomfort to severe pain. Common symptoms include a sudden sharp pain in the back of the thigh, swelling, bruising and difficulty walking or bending the knee.
Hamstring injuries are classified according to how severe the injury is to the involved muscles:
- Grade 1 is a mild strain, with few muscle fibers being torn.
- Grade 2 is a moderate strain, with a definite loss in strength.
- Grade 3 is a complete tear of the hamstrings.
Dr. Glashow and his team perform a physical evaluation and use X-ray and MRI imaging to inspect the soft tissues and muscles of the area closely to arrive at a precise diagnosis.
Treatment
The RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method is often recommended for the initial treatment of hamstring injuries. It’s important to rest the injured leg, apply ice to reduce swelling, use compression bandages and elevate the leg to reduce pain and swelling. Dr. Glashow and his team may also recommend physical therapy, stretching exercises, knee splints and immobilization and a gradual return to activity.
Surgery is typically recommended for tendon avulsion injuries, which occur when the tendon completely separates from the bone. Proximal tendon avulsions, where the tear is closer to the pelvis, are more frequent than distal tendon avulsions, which occur closer to the shinbone. On the other hand, surgery is not often necessary for tears that occur within the muscle belly.
Prevention
To prevent hamstring injuries, it’s important to incorporate proper warm-up and stretching routines into your exercise regimen. Strengthening the muscles surrounding the hamstrings and maintaining good overall flexibility can also help reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, avoiding sudden increases in training intensity and volume can help prevent overuse injuries.
NYC Hamstring Injuries Specialist
Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment of hamstring injuries is crucial for both prevention and proper management. To reduce the risk of hamstring injuries and promote overall musculoskeletal health, take the appropriate precautions to prepare for extensive activity and seek timely medical attention from Jonathan L. Glashow, MD, in the event of an injury. Contact us today to learn more.
