How to Properly Heal a Hamstring Injury

The "hamstring" refers to one of the three posterior thigh muscles. Chances are if you've hurt it, you'll know immediately. In exceptionally bad cases, you may be left unable to walk because of the injury. In less severe cases, you will feel a moderate amount of pain, a pinching sensation or have difficulty walking or participating in other physical activity. Most people experience hamstring injuries due to a lack of stretching prior to running. If you do find yourself suffering from a minor hamstring injury, a few basic steps will allow it to heal properly.

Things You'll Need

• Ice pack
• Compression bandage
• Crutches

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Instructions

• 1

  Rest your hamstring injury completely; do not exercise or overly exert yourself for a minimum of 48 hours. Rest is the first step to successful recovery.

• 2

  Apply ice to the pained area for about 10 to 15 minutes. It doesn't matter that you don't know which of the three posterior thigh muscles you've pulled, simply ice the entire hamstring area to reduce the swelling.

• 3

  Apply a compression bandage, such as an Ace bandage. If wrapped properly (not too tightly), this too will reduce swelling in your leg.

• 4

  Elevate your leg by propping it up on some pillows. Your foot should be above your chest area. Elevation stimulates circulation in your leg, which will cause the hamstring muscles to heal.

• 5

  If after a couple of days your hamstring still hurts, use crutches to keep pressure off the injured muscles.