According to MayoClinic.com, tendinitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, which is a thick fibrous tissue that attaches muscles to bones. As muscles contract, they pull on tendons, which pulls on the bone and causes movement of the joint. The hamstring tendons are located behind the knee and in the hip. With repetitive use a hamstring tendon may become aggravated, and become painful and inflamed. This condition is treated conservatively. However, surgery may be needed for severe cases of hamstring tendinitis.
Rest
Medline Plus, of the National Institutes of Health, states that the goal of treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation associated with hamstring tendinitis. Furthermore, Medline Plus states that resting or immobilizing the injured hamstring will allow the tendon to recover. A doctor may recommend a brace or splint, however, this is rarely needed. A patient should rest his hamstring above the level of his heart to allow gravity to remove swelling and excess fluid from the injured hamstring. Furthermore, he should apply an ice pack or a pack of frozen vegetables to the aggravated tendon to reduce pain and inflammation. The ice pack should be applied to the skin over a paper towel to prevent frostbite. A patient should keep the ice pack on the affected tendon for 20 minutes, then remove for 20 minutes. This cycle should be repeated as often as possible throughout the day.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
According to Medline Plus, a patient may consider taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications are effective in reducing pain and inflammation related to hamstring tendinitis. NSAIDs, such as Aleve, Advil or Motrin, work by reducing chemical signals along the affected tendon that cause pain and inflammation. These medications should be taken under a doctor's supervision because of their potential for serious complications that include stomach, liver, kidney or heart damage.
Surgery
In severe cases of hamstring tendinitis, surgery may be necessary, states Medline Plus. If conservative treatments have not been successful, a surgeon may recommend removing the inflammatory tissue around the affected tendon. The surgeon will likely have to take an MRI of the hamstring to determine which tissue is inflamed and needs to be removed. Risks of surgery include infection, bleeding, tissue damage and blood clots. Thus, a patient should thoroughly discuss the risks and benefits of surgery before proceeding.
