How Do You Know If You Have Pulled a Hamstring?
 

Hamstring muscle injuries (known as "hamstring strains") are very common in athletes who participate in any sports that require sprinting, such as football, basketball, and track.

Signs You May Have a Pulled a Hamstring

The hamstring is made up of three different muscles. These muscles include

• Semitendinosus
• Semimembranosus 
• Biceps Femoris

These particular muscles run down the back of your thigh. When you pull a hamstring you will feel pain in the back of your thigh when you flex the muscle or even if you extend your leg. You may also feel tenderness, swelling, or bruising in the affected area as well as weakness in your leg that can lasts for weeks after the injury.

Tight muscles are the most vulnerable to strain. It is very important to follow a year-round daily stretching routine, especially if you are involved in intense sports. It is also very important to keep your muscles strong. If your muscles are weak they are going to be harder to cope with the intense exercising and will eventually be more likely to injury.

Types of Hamstring Strains

If you have pulled a hamstring before, you are familiar with the three different grades of a severely pulled hamstring: Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3.

Grade 1: will feel like there is tightness in the posterior thigh, minimal swelling, and mild pain. With this grade you are able to walk with just a bit of slight discomfort. The overall pain heals rather quickly, but if you do play sports you will be out for at least 3 weeks’ post-injury.

Grade 2: In this grade, you may notice a bit of swelling, increased pain, and bruising. In this stage if you flex the knee against resistance you will feel pain. This stage takes 4-6 weeks for recovery.

Grade 3: This level is severely painful to walk and may require crutches. There is immediate noticeable swelling in the area and may require for you to have an MRI scan to see the amount of damage that was sustained.

Our office is well equipped to help you recover from your pulled hamstring muscles. If you notice pain in your hamstring area give us a call to see how we can help you! You can reach us at (904) 372-0623.