Fitness & Exercise

Hamstring Strain

Unfortunately, hamstring strains are both common and painful. They strike athletes of all sorts -- including runners, skaters, and football, soccer, and basketball players.

But what is a hamstring? It isn't actually a single ''string.'' It's a group of three muscles that run along the back of your thigh. They allow you to bend your leg at the knee.

During a hamstring strain, one or more of these muscles gets stretched too far. The muscles might even start to tear. You're likely to get a hamstring strain during exercise that involves a lot of running and jumping or sudden stopping and starting.

Getting a hamstring strain is also more likely if:

• You don't warm up and stretch before exercising
• The muscles in the front of your thigh (the quadriceps) are a lot stronger than your hamstrings
• You're a teenager going through a growth spurt

What Does a Hamstring Strain Feel Like?

Mild hamstring strains may not hurt too much. But severe ones can be agonizing, making it impossible to walk or even stand.

Other possible symptoms of a hamstring strain are:

• Sudden and severe pain during exercise, along with a snapping or popping feeling
• Pain in the back of the thigh and lower buttock when walking, straightening the leg, or bending over
• Tenderness
• Bruising

To diagnose a hamstring strain, a doctor will give a thorough physical exam. He or she will ask specific questions about how the leg was injured.

What's the Treatment for a Hamstring Strain?

Luckily, minor to moderate hamstring strains usually heal on their own. You just need to give them some time. To speed the healing, you can:

• Rest the leg. Avoid putting weight on the leg as best you can. If the pain is severe, you may need crutches until it goes away. Ask your doctor or physical therapist if they're needed.
• Ice your leg to reduce pain and swelling. Do it for 20-30 minutes every three to four hours for two to three days, or until the pain is gone.
• Compress your leg. Use an elastic bandage around the leg to keep down swelling.
• Elevate your leg on a pillow when you're sitting or lying down.
• Take anti-inflammatory painkillers. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) will help with pain and swelling. However, these drugs may have side effects, such as an increased risk of bleeding and ulcers. They should be used only short term, unless your doctor specifically says otherwise.
• Practice stretching and strengthening exercises if your doctor recommends them. Strengthening your hamstrings is the best protection against hamstring strain.

In severe cases where the muscle is torn, you may need surgery. The surgeon will repair the muscles and reattach them.