COMMON SPORTS MEDICINE CONDITIONS

Hamstring Injuries

Location

Injuries to the hamstring - actually a group of powerful muscles connecting the lower pelvis to the back of the shin bone - are common in sports involving sudden acceleration such as soccer, basketball, track and field. Injury can also result from impact to the muscle, such as a kick or fall on the back of the thigh. A hamstring contusion differs from a pulled hamstring, which is a tear in the muscle fibres, which can range in size and severity.

Symptoms

Hamstring injury is invariably sudden and painful but has a wide range of severity. Small 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.

Diagnosis

Strains and tears to the hamstring muscle usually result when an external and opposing force is applied when the muscle is trying to contract. Physical examination and discussing how the injury happened will help clarify the likely level of damage suffered.

Treatment

Whatever the severity of the injury, immediate rest is vital to avoid further damage. The application of ice, compressive bandage and elevation of the leg will provide short term relief and crutches may be necessary if walking is painful. Physical examination and any necessary diagnostic imaging (ultrasound or MRI) will then help confirm how much muscle damage has occurred and what medication, physical therapy or, in severe cases, what surgical procedure may be needed.