Pain in your hamstring muscle or tendon can bring your workout to an abrupt halt. And if it doesn't, it should. Continuing to exercise with a hamstring strain -- the most common reason for pain while exercising -- can cause permanent damage, according to The Stretching Institute. Correct treatment during the first 72 hours can mean the difference between an injury that is merely a temporary annoyance, and one that becomes a reoccurring, debilitating condition. If you experience hamstring pain while exercising, stop the activity immediately.
Hamstring Strain Features
Hamstring injuries -- caused by a pulling action that stretches or rips the muscles, tendons or both -- are most likely to occur in sports that require sudden bursts of speed. Basketball players and sprinters are most at risk; football players, baseball players and dancers are also susceptible. Hamstring muscles are uniquely vulnerable to strain due to an imbalance between the powerful quadriceps muscles at the front of the upper leg and the hamstring muscles at the back; this disparity puts stress on the hamstrings and causes them to fatigue more quickly, making them vulnerable to injury. Stretching and strengthening exercises for the hamstring muscles and tendons can help reduce risk of injury.
Degrees of Hamstring Strain
Hamstring strains are categorized into three levels of varying severity. A first degree hamstring strain causes mild pain, limited swelling and stiffness, while a second-degree strain involves some tearing of the muscle fibers or tendons and causes throbbing, aching pain with substantial swelling, and some loss of function. A third degree strain involves a complete tear or rupture of one or more of the muscles and tendons, causing intense pain, massive swelling and instability. An avulsion -- in which the muscle separates from the bone completely -- sometimes occurs with a third degree strain, and is often heralded by a "popping" sound or sensation. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, most hamstring strains heal completely. In the case of severe strains or pulls, surgery may be required.
Hamstring Strain Treatment
You can treat a hamstring strain with the R.I.C.E. technique, consisting of rest, ice, compression and elevation. Using ice for 15 to 20 minutes every few hours for the first three days can reduce swelling, inflammation and pain. Apply an elastic compression bandage -- being careful not to wrap so tightly that you cut off circulation -- and elevate the leg at higher than heart level, if possible. If you have diabetes, vascular disease or impaired sensation in your leg, consult your doctor before bandaging the leg. To reduce pain and swelling, you can take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin, as long as you have no conditions that preclude their use. After the pain and swelling subsides, consult your doctor about an exercise regimen to improve range of motion in the leg, prevent stiffness, and restore flexibility and strength.
When to See a Doctor
Although you can treat minor hamstring strains yourself, certain symptoms call for a trip to the doctor. Consult a physician if you can't walk for more than four steps without considerable pain, if the injured leg feels wobbly and can't support your weight, if you experience numbness in the leg, or if you notice reddened skin or red streaks radiating from the injury site. You should also visit your doctor if you have injured the same muscles in the past.
