What Are the Treatments for a Pulled Hamstring?

Hamstrings are the large muscles on the back upper portion of the leg. Hamstring muscles are made up of the biceps femoris, semimembranosus and the semitendinosus. These muscles bend the knee and straighten the hip during movements. They are especially important in explosive movements like running, climbing and jumping. Treat a pulled hamstring according to the severity. Never hesitate to see a medical professional about an injury.

Risk Factors

• There are multiple risk factors for pulling a hamstring muscle, including older age, excessive body weight, previous hamstring injury, overexertion, dehydration and tight muscles. Stop activity if you feel any pain in your hamstrings.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of a pulled hamstring muscle will vary depending on severity. A Grade 1 pull will have noticeable tightness with minor swelling. The hamstring muscles will ache, but walking will be possible. Grade 2 includes more pain and an inability to flex/extend the knee. There is more swelling, plus bruising. A Grade 3 hamstring pull is the most severe. Torn muscles will swell immediately, and you will have considerable trouble walking.

Home Remedies

• Immediately treat a pulled hamstring. Utilize R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). Do not use heat on a pulled hamstring during the acute phase of treatment. Anti-inflammatory medication will reduce pain and swelling. Use crutches or other walking assistance as needed.

Professional Treatment

• See a sports injury professional or licensed medical provider who will help develop a treatment plan, including medications and rehabilitation services. A sports injury doctor also can perform a massage on the pulled hamstring to alleviate pain. An MRI or ultrasound can reveal the extent of the damage. If it's severe, the doctor might schedule surgery to repair the muscle.

Prevention/Solution

• Prevent another pulled hamstring in the future. Warm up before physically activity. Stretch your hamstring muscles slowly and thoroughly until you feel gentle tension. Never overstretch. Avoid physical activity in cold weather; this will risk another pulled hamstring. Apply heat to the hamstrings before warm-ups and activity. Strengthen your muscles after recovering from the injury.