Rina van der Merwe, Physiotherapist
HAMSTRING STRAIN
Definition:
A
hamstring strain involves a tear in on or more of the 4 hamstring muscles. It can be mild - Gr 1 (where you just feel a
tightness), moderate – Gr 2 or severe – Gr 3 (when there is a complete tear). You
have four hamstring muscles: semimembranosus and semitendinosus (medially) and
biceps femoris - short and long heads (laterally).
Causes:
·
Sudden
onset, usually as a result of a quick motion that occurs with running.
·
Lack of
ability of the hamstring to absorb shock and rebound and also lack of eccentric
strength during the ground contact phase of running. Eccentric strength is the ability of a
contracted muscle to slowly lengthen.
·
Poor
running mechanics (overstriding or poor pelvic control)
·
Improper
warm-up
·
Inappropriate
training loads eg. doing high-speed workouts at the end of a long session (it
should be done early – as close to warm-up as possible).
Symptoms:
·
Tightness
or low-grade ache (mild strain).
·
Sudden
severe pain during exercise with a popping feeling (severe strain).
·
Pain,
tenderness and bruising at the back of the thigh.
Treatment
options:
·
Rest, ice,
compression, elevation
·
Ultrasound,
massage, K-tape
·
Rehabilitation
·
Many
patients with a mild hamstring strain feel better within a few days of the
injury. However, if not well
rehabilitated, there is an extremely high hamstring re-injury rate.