A hamstring strain, or pulled muscle in the back of the thigh, can be a debilitating injury. Strained hamstrings heal slowly because of their location and the nature of large muscle tissue.
The thigh muscles can’t easily be elevated like other muscles to reduce swelling. The relatively large surface area that is strained or torn may defy pain relief efforts. Using a variety of home and medicinal treatments, however, should restore patients to health in one to three months.
Physical Stress Reduction
The NYU Langone Medical Center advises taking weight off the leg and resting, particularly during periods of strong inflammation shortly following the injury. Sports and strenuous activities are not only detrimental to healing, they will likely be impossible due to pain.
Bed rest for a day or so will offer pain relief and allow the body to begin the rejuvenation process. Thereafter, activity levels should stay within pain boundaries, which will change during the recovery period.
Pain Medications
Very mild hamstring strains may need only rest and ice pack treatments to bring pain relief. Patients with moderate tissue damage, however, will experience greater pain and inflammation.
Both of these conditions can be alleviated with over-the-counter drugs such as acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen, as the Cleveland Clinic notes. Severely pulled muscles may spasm or create a high level of pain, requiring doctor-administered cortisone shots to ease symptoms.
Compress Applications
While resting, cold or hot compresses should be applied several times per day, for additional treatment of pain and inflammation. The University of Buffalo Sports Medicine group prescribes 20-minute ice treatments for athletes with pulled muscles, for two to three days of the acute inflammatory stage.
When swelling diminishes, heat may be alternated with cold therapy for enduring pain relief. A heating pad or microwaved gel pack should be applied for 20 minutes, followed with a compress of ice or a chilled gel pack.
Use of Leg Supports
More severe hamstring strains can make walking difficult. Crutches or a cane will protect the muscles from undue stress. The NYU Langone Medical Center suggests simply shortening the stride if walking unaided, for a similar effect.
Gradual Return to Exercise
After a brief rest period, activity should be gently resumed, with stretches that focus on the pulled muscle area added to the daily routine. During a lengthy hamstring strain rehabilitation, patients should exercise within pain boundaries to prevent a relapse of tissue damage while increasing strength and fitness.
