Hamstring injuries can happen to nearly anyone, but those who carry a higher risk engage in such activities as dancing, running, football, soccer, basketball, rugby, jumping, and volleyball.
A hamstring injury occurs after pulling your Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus,
or biceps femoris hamstring muscles.
These group of muscles runs along the back
of your thighs allowing the bending of your knees or legs. Hamstring injuries
can either be minor, moderate or severe. These injuries are generally categorized
into grade 1(minor strain), grade 2(partial ruptures) and grade 3(complete
tear).
Causes
of hamstring injuries
Hamstring sprains/strains can be caused by numerous factors.
They include the following;
· Abrupt
decelerations, accelerations or movements.
· Overstretching
or poor stretching
· Muscle
Overload
· Inadequate
warming up
· Walking
· Running
· Muscles
imbalance
· Weak
muscles
· Inappropriate
footwear
· Recurrent
muscle injuries
· Poor
flexibility
· Lack of
fitness
· Over-bending
your leg
Symptoms
of hamstring injury
Most sportspeople who suffer from hamstring injuries show
common symptoms including;
· Swellings
and tenderness
· Movement
complications
· Discoloration/bruising
· Sharp
pain
· Deformity
· Sitting
discomfort
· Sensitivity
Diagnosis
of Hamstring injury
Hamstring injuries can be extremely painful and
nerve-wracking for any athlete. Consider consulting your sports medicine doctor if you
are showing signs of a hamstring injury. How are hamstring injuries detected? Your doctor can use various medical techniques to determine whether you
have a hamstring strain/sprint or not. These techniques include;
1.
Physical
examinations
An experienced professional sports medicine expert can
diagnose a hamstring injury through an extensive physical examination. Your
doctor will ask your several questions, check your thighs for weakness,
tenderness/swellings, bruises or discoloration before making his/her
recommendations.
2.
Imaging
tests
Your doctor can opt to use an x-ray machine to diagnose
whether you have a hamstring injury or not. Alternatively, he/she can
effectively use a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technique to determine the
damage extent on your hamstring muscles. Regardless of the diagnosis methods
used, your doctor should suggest an appropriate hamstring injury treatment
method to ease your pain and get you on the mend successfully.
Treatment
Hamstring injuries can be treated using various methods.
Your orthopedic surgeon, family medicine physician or sports medicine doctor
can treat your hamstring injury using the following techniques;
1.
Orthopedic
surgery
Your orthopedic surgeon may opt to treat your hamstring
injury through orthopedic surgery depending on how severe your condition is. An
ideal orthopedic surgery should be implemented using the right procedures and
rehabilitation programs in order to help you get back to what you enjoy doing
within a short period of time.
2.
Therapy
Hamstring injuries can be treated through therapy. This
technique is commonly used by massage or physical therapists. This hamstring
injury treatment method is very effective. A successful therapy program should
be aimed at improving your flexibility, muscle strengthening, and healing to
facilitate a quick and safe return to your respective sports activity.
3.
Rest
and ice
It is common for health experts to recommend athletes to
take a break from all sports activities depending on his/her assessment or
evaluation on your hamstring injury. Alternatively, your GP may just recommend
you to apply ice to your hamstring muscles injury for a certain period of
time as treatment.
4.
Anti-inflammatory
medication
Hamstring injuries may be treated effectively using various
anti-inflammatory and painkilling medications such as; paracetamol, ibuprofen
tablets, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory gels or creams depending on your
GP’s recommendations.
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Remember to live life to its Fullest
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Disclaimer: This information is provided as an educational service only, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Anyone seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.
