A hamstring strain is a common leg injury involving a tear in one or more of the hamstring muscles. A hamstring strain can range from mild to very severe involving a complete tear of the hamstring muscle.
You have four hamstring muscles: semimembranosus and semitendinosus (medially) and biceps femoris - short and long heads (laterally).
What are the Symptoms of a Hamstring Strain?
Mild hamstring strains may feel more like a tightness or low grade ache in your hamstring. Severe hamstring strains can be extremely painful, making it impossible to walk or even stand.
Other possible symptoms of a hamstring strain are:
- Sudden and severe pain during exercise, along with a snapping or popping feeling.
- Pain in the back of the thigh and lower buttock when walking, straightening the leg, or bending over.
- Hamstring tenderness.
- Bruising.
Grade 1 Hamstring Strain: With a grade 1 hamstring strain you may have tightness in back of the thigh but will be able to walk normally. You will be aware of some hamstring discomfort and unable to run at full speed. There will be mild swelling and spasm. Bend your knee against resistance is unlikely to reproduce much pain.
Grade 2 Hamstring Strain: With a grade 2 hamstring strain your walking pattern will be affected and you will most likely be limping. Sudden twinges of hamstring pain during activity will be present. You may notice some hamstring muscle swelling and your hamstring will be tender to palpate. It will also be painful for you to bend your knee against resistance.
Grade 3 Hamstring Strain: A grade 3 hamstring strain is a severe injury involving a tear to half or all of the hamstring muscle. You may need crutches to walk and will feel severe pain and weakness in the muscle. Swelling will be noticeable immediately and bruising will usually appear within 24 hours.
Beware of Referred Hamstring Pain!
Due to your sciatic nerve passing through the hamstring muscle group, a lower back injury or some other injury that pinches the sciatic nerve can replicate the symptoms. It is therefore Visit your physiotherapist for correct diagnosis and treatment.
Reference: http://physioworks.com.au/injuries-conditions-1/hamstring-strains-amp-injuries
Picture:https://healthjade.com/hamstring-injury/
