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Treatment for an Injured Hamstring

A hamstring injury may be the result of a pull, strain, tear or other injury. Hamstrings are tendons which attach the muscles that are at the thigh to the bone.

  1. Symptoms

    • A hamstring injury is often marked by a sharp pain, swelling and bruising. Many people with hamstring injuries have tightness, spasms and tenderness.

    Diagnosis

    • A doctor will take a medical history and discuss your symptoms, and will probably begin with X-rays to determine the extent of the injury. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can be helpful in diagnosing muscle injuries and damage to the tissue.

    Rest

    • Treatment for an injured hamstring should begin immediately following the injury. The immediate treatment should include rest, elevating the injured leg and ice. Try to immobilize the leg so that the muscles have time to relax and rest. A doctor may also suggest some light stretching and strengthening exercises as long as it does not cause pain.

    Medication

    • A physician will most likely begin by recommending that you take products that contain naproxen, ibruprofen or aspirin. If the pain is severe, your physician may prescribe other medication and suggest that you use crutches.

    Surgery

    • Most hamstring injuries are able to heal without surgery, unless there is an avulsion that requires the tendon to be reattached to the pelvis or a surgery to repair a complete tear of the muscle.

    Prevention

    • It is possible to prevent some hamstring injuries by warming up properly to reduce strain. If you are not in shape but are trying to exercise again, it is important to start out slowly to reduce strain. If you have had a previous hamstring injury, it is more likely to reoccur.

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