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Hamstring Pull
Anyone who watches sports knows that a "pulled hamstring" is a troublesome condition for athletes or sports where sprinting is involved. The "hamstring" is actually a group of three muscles that help to straighten (extend) the leg at the hip and bend (flex) the leg at the knee. The "pull" is a strain or tear in the muscles or tendons.
A hamstring strain or a pulled hamstring as it is sometimes called is a tear in one of the hamstrings muscles (Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus and Biceps femoris). It often results from an overload of the muscles or trying to move the muscles too fast. They range from a complete rupture of the muscle to small micro tears that the athlete will probably not notice at the time.
How Do Hamstring Strains Occur?
A hamstring strain can occur during an isolated athletic activity (acute) or result from persistent repetitive stress (chronic). Often an acute strain occurs as a result of a chronic condition which has rendered the muscle weak and vulnerable.
As in the case of the softball player, hamstring strains often occur while sprinting. They also can occur during jumping and other activities where quick starts and stops are required. High risk sports for hamstring strains are: soccer, football, baseball, basketball, and many track and field events.
Symptoms include:
- A sudden sharp pain at the back of the leg
- Muscles going into spasm
- Swelling and Bruising
Based on their severity strains are graded as 1, 2 or 3.
Grade 1:
- Might have tightness in the thigh
- May be able to walk properly
- Probably won't have much swelling
Grade 2:
- Probably cannot walk properly
- May get occasional sudden twinges of pain during activity
- May notice swelling
Grade 3:
- Unable to walk properly without the aid of crutches
- In severe pain
- Bad swelling appear immediately
Preventing hamstring strains
- Regular deep tissue sports massage can help prevent muscle strains by identifying tight knots and weak points in the muscle.
- Conditioning and strengthening the muscles not only the hamstring muscles but the lower back as well.