Three muscles running the length of the back of the thigh comprise the hamstring muscles. The function of the hamstrings are to flex the knee and extend the hip backward. During activities such as football, which require explosive sprinting, cutting and blocking motions, hamstring injuries are not uncommon. Depending on the severity, an injury to to one or more of the hamstring muscles can be mildly to severely debilitating. Proper diagnosis and treatment is crucial to long-term recovery.
Mild Hamstring Strain
Sufferers of a grade 1, or mild, hamstring strain often described feeling a twinge in the muscle. The microscopic tears that occur generally do not result in any visible swelling or bruising. The athlete can generally walk and jog without pain, but any explosive movements will increase pain. A mild hamstring strain should be treated initially with ice and an elastic bandage to the area. Pain-free activity is allowed and encouraged such as jogging, swimming and cycling. The athlete should progress the speed of their activity gradually over the next week, and will probably be ready to return to full competition in one week.
Moderate Hamstring Strain
A grade 2, or moderate, hamstring strain involves the partial tearing of one or more of the hamstrings. A grade 2 strain will generally result in immediate cessation of activity and the athlete will be unwilling to fully straighten the leg, resulting in a limp. Some bruising may appear in the following 48 hours, with local pain and swelling. This injury should be treated initially with ice and compression from an elastic bandage, several times per day. The athlete should seek the advice of a sports medicine specialist to guide them through the appropriate rehabilitation. According to MayoClinic.com, a moderate hamstring strain can take up to six weeks to heal.
Severe Hamstring Strain
A grade 3, or severe, hamstring strain, is defined by MayoClinic.com as a complete rupture of the muscle fibers or a detachment of the muscle from the bone. The athlete will often describe feeling or hearing a pop, or feeling as if he has been kicked in the back of the thigh. This injury will result in immediate and severe pain. The athlete will require assistance to walk and swelling will occur immediately. A severe hamstring strain should be evaluated by a physician as some ruptures will require surgical repair. Severe hamstring strains can take months to properly heal, and rehabilitation with a sports medicine specialist is important to avoid complications and re-injury.
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