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Hamstring injury
A hamstring injury is a strain to the tendons or tear to the muscles at the back of the thigh.
About hamstring injuries
Injuries to the hamstring - a group of powerful muscles connecting the lower pelvis to the back of the shin bone - are common in sports involving sudden explosive acceleration such as football or running. Injury can also result from impact to the muscle, such as a kick or fall on the back of the thigh.
Need to know
A hamstring injury is always sudden and painful but has a wide range of severity. Tears to the muscle result in bleeding and subsequent bruising that spreads from the back of the thigh down below the knee and into the foot. The thigh will swell affecting a wider area of muscle pain and tightness. Muscle spasm is common and may be severe. Flexing the knee is often painful and with a severe hamstring strain the muscle tear may need surgery to repair it.
Strains and tears to the hamstrings usually result when the muscle contracts powerfully against resistance. Your consultant will assess you in detail. This will ask you how the injury happened and give you a physical examination. Special tests may also be requested such as an MRI scan or ultrasound.
Whatever the severity of the injury, immediate rest is vital to avoid further damage. The application of ice, compressive bandages and elevation of your leg will provide short term relief. Crutches may be necessary if walking is painful. The following treatments may be recommend by your consultant: - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) - Blood injections - Gentle exercise and regular stretching - Physiotherapy
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.