If you've pulled a hamstring playing softball, several treatment methods may help promote healing and provide pain relief. Talk to your doctor if you believe you've pulled your hamstring and follow his suggestions for therapy, if required. From first aid to short-term care, various methods can help shorten recovery time from your hamstring pull or tear and get you back in the game.
Definition
The hamstring muscle group is found on the rear or posterior portion of the thigh. Made up of three different muscles -- the biceps femoris, the semitendinosus and the semimembranosus -- the hamstring muscles enable you to lift your leg from the ground with your knee bent, and extend your leg forward or backward at hip level with rotation of the knee joint when your leg is flexed.
Symptoms
Among the most common symptoms of a pulled or torn hamstring is a sudden and severe pain focused in the back of the thigh. This usually occurs when engaged in running or sudden bursts of movement such as running bases in softball. You may also experience pain when placing pressure on the leg, or notice bruising and some swelling. In severe tears, you may also feel a gap between your hamstring muscles in the back of the thigh.
First Aid
Immediately focus on first aid if you believe you have experienced a hamstring injury. Short- or long-term treatments or therapy will depend on the severity of the hamstring pull or tear. First, employ the RICE treatment, which stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. Get off your leg and apply a cold compress or ice pack to the injured area. Wrap your thigh with an ACE or compression bandage and keep it elevated above hip level to reduce swelling. Swelling and pain may last several days, so take it easy and avoid large or sudden movements with your leg during this time.
Stretching
Talk to your doctor about the appropriate time to begin exercises or therapy for an injured or torn hamstring muscle; this depends on the severity of the injury. Slow stretching exercises may be suggested after swelling and pain have decreased, but follow your doctor's advice. The Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine suggests standing near a table and lifting, with help if necessary, the injured leg onto the table. Keep your knee bent but allow the hamstring muscles to stretch slightly by bending forward. Keep your toes pointed inward or toward the ceiling and don't stretch far enough to cause pain.
Strengthening
Slowly strengthen the healing hamstring by engaging in resistance band exercises. For example, tie one end of a resistance band to a closed doorknob. Sit in a chair about 3 to 4 feet from the door and tie the other end of the resistance band around the ankle of the injured leg. Slightly bend the knee of the injured leg so that your heel is 6 to 12 inches from the floor. Grasp your bent knee with your hands for support. Pull your heel toward your chair and hold for several seconds and then release. Repeat 10 times.
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