A hamstring muscle injury, or a pulled hamstring, is an injury to one or more of the muscles at the back of the thigh. The most common cause of a hamstring injury is the muscle being overstretched or strained, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Patients with tight and weak muscles are at the greatest risk of muscle injury. After an injury, a patient will likely experience pain, swelling, weakness and bruising in the back of the upper leg that may persist for weeks. Proper treatment of a hamstring injury can ensure optimum recovery.
Rest
A patient should take a break from strenuous activity to allow the muscle to heal, according to the Mayo Clinic. He should refrain from vigorous exercise that may cause a re-injury to the hamstring muscle. If walking is difficult, a patient should use a cane or crutches to prevent putting full weight on the injured hamstring. While rest is important, a patient should not completely refrain from using the leg. He should walk with the cane or crutches and perform light exercises and stretches as tolerated to prevent the muscle from becoming weak and stiff. He should see his doctor or physical therapist if he is not sure how much activity he is allowed to participate in.
Medication
Reducing pain an inflammation is important in treating a hamstring injury. The Mayo Clinic states that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be beneficial in healing an injured hamstring. Specifically, medications such ibuprofen and naproxen reduce chemical signals related to pain and inflammation. Controlling inflammation is important in allowing the body to heal a hamstring injury. Side effects of NSAIDs include bloody vomit, coughing up blood, bloody stools, clay-colored stools, stomach pain or heart problems. Patients with medical conditions that involve the kidney, heart, stomach or liver should avoid these medications.
Exercises
After pain and swelling is controlled with conservative treatments, a patient should ask his doctor about a prescription for physical therapy to help with healing a hamstring injury. A physical therapist will work with the patients to improve range of motion, prevent muscle stiffness, restore strength, improve flexibility and overall help the patient return to regular activity, the Mayo Clinic says. For physical therapy to be effective, a patient must make all scheduled appointment and fully complete the recommended home exercise program. After completion of physical therapy, a patient should continue exercises to prevent future injury.
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