Complications of a Torn Hamstring

You have probably seen the impact of a torn hamstring muscle if you have watched an Olympic sport such as sprinting or watched as a football player went down in the middle of the field even though nobody else was close. A torn hamstring is a sudden injury that is quite painful and debilitating. Quick treatment is necessary to prevent complications.

Complete Tear

• When the hamstring muscle is completely torn across the muscle, the athlete will go down to the ground in severe pain. In addition to being unable to move, there is internal bleeding at the spot of the injury. In some cases, that internal bleeding will prevent the muscle from beginning the healing process. Instead of healing, scar tissue will form. In cases like this, surgery may be necessary to reattach the hamstring muscle to the knee tendon to prevent a permanent injury.

Muscle Rupture

• A muscle rupture can occur when there is a sudden change of direction. This type of injury can occur in soccer, football and baseball. When the muscle is torn lengthwise, blood will flow into the muscle compartment, and it will make movement impossible. This type of tear is called a distraction rupture, and it occurs because the muscle does not have the strength to do what has been asked of it.

Tendon Avulsion

• In some cases, the hamstring will tear and so will the tendon that attaches to the pelvis. This is far more common than when the hamstring tendon attached to the shin bone tears away. Surgery may be required with this injury as well. First the hamstring muscle must be pulled back into place and scar tissue must be removed. Then the tendon must be reattached to the pelvis with staples or very strong sutures.