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Recovery & Repair of a Ruptured Hamstring

A hamstring rupture is a painful injury usually occurring due to a hamstring contraction while the knee is fully extended, a range of motion that rarely happens in everyday activity. The tear can be anything from mild to major depending on how extraneous the activity was that caused it.

  1. Nonsurgical

    • It is important to have any suspect hamstring injury checked out by a doctor. You doctor will group your injury into one of three categories: grade one for a mild injury, grade two for moderate and grade three for severe. If your injury is grade one you can treat the injury at home using the RICE technique: rest, ice, compression and elevation.

      Rest is the first step to recovery. Light injury or slight tears may take one week of rest but more severe injuries will take more. It is important to ice the injury to control any swelling. Ice should be held on the hamstring for 20 to 30 minutes at least four times a day. Compression is used to stop any bleeding that may occur internally and elevation helps reduce swelling.

    Surgery

    • If the injury is severe your doctor may recommend surgery. This is a rare tactic but will be suggested if the injury requires it. There are two varieties of surgery: avulsion repair and muscle repair.

      Avulsion repair is a surgical procedure where the tendon is sewn back together. An incision is made over the area where the tendon usually sits. Forceps are used to grab the torn tendon and pull it back into place. The surgeon will then cut away any scar tissue that has begun to form. The tendon is then reattached. Muscle repair uses the same method but instead of the tendon being repaired, torn muscles are sewn back together.

    Rehab

    • A period of rehabilitation follows the surgery. During this period the patient will adhere to the RICE method for at least the first week. Ultrasounds may be performed on the injured area to help improve blood flow. Once the hamstring begins to heal properly exercise will be expected for the patient to regain proper mobility and range of motion. Swimming and time on a stationary bike keep the impact low while the hamstring heals. Walking and jogging will follow once the healing has progressed. Stretching will need to be undertaken also to keep the hamstring from becoming stiff.

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