How to Treat a Pulled Hamstring Muscle

Pulling, or straining, your hamstring comes as a result of tearing one or more of the three hamstrings muscles. The three muscles are the semitendinosus, semimembranosus and biceps femoris. Collectively, they are known as the hamstring muscle group. If you have pulled any of these muscles, you will feel sharp and sudden pain at the back of the leg during exercise. There may be bruising or swelling and you could feel pain while stretching your legs.

Things You'll Need

• Ice/Ice Pack

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Instructions

• 1

  Treat the injury immediately. The longer that you wait, the longer it will take for the injury to heal.

• 2

  Prop your feet up. Elevating your legs above your heart will promote blood circulation in your legs.

• 3

  Ice your injury. You should keep an ice pack or something cold on your injury for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. You should do this several times as you feel is necessary for the first 24 to 48 hours.

• 4

  Rest your legs. Staying off your feet and avoiding stress on your leg will be beneficial to your recovery.

• 5

  Keep movement within your day. You shouldn't confine yourself to bed through the period of injury. Moving as much as possible will keep your muscles active. If there is pain when you walk, use the assistance of a crutch or have someone help you move around.

• 6

  Continue with the previous steps for up to 72 hours. You may want to consider a lightweight compression bandage if you haven't recovered after the first 12 to 24 hours. If there hasn't been any relief in pain beyond the first three days, you should consider professional help as the injury could be more severe.