Numbness and pain due to a hamstring injury can leave you dependent on others and unable to participate in activities that you enjoy. Hamstring injuries range in severity, and knowing the extent of the damage allows you to treat it properly. Seek medical care if you feel you have a hamstring injury to determine an appropriate treatment plan.
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Hamstring Muscles
The three hamstring muscles include the semitendinosus, semimembranosus and biceps femoris muscles. These muscles start at the bottom of the pelvis, cross the knee and extend to the lower leg. Hamstring muscle fibers join with the tough, connective tissue of the hamstring tendons. They meet where the tendons and bones attach. The hamstring muscle group allows for knee bending and extension of the leg straight back.
Hamstring Injuries
A hamstring injury can make your hamstrings feel numb and sore. This type of injury may be due to a pulled, partially torn or completely torn hamstring. Hamstring strains are categorized according to their severity. A grade one strain usually heals quickly and is superficial. A grade two strain is a partial tear and takes longer to heal. The most painful and complicating hamstring injury is a fully torn hamstring, which is categorized as a grade three injury. This type of injury can take months to heal and may require surgical repair. A torn hamstring refers to the tendon tearing completely away from the bone. An avulsion injury is when a hamstring tear results in the bone being pulled away with the tendon.
Causes
A hamstring injury occurs when the muscle is stretched more than it is capable of stretching or suddenly has excess weight placed on it. This type of injury occurs when the muscle lengthens or shortens as it contracts. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, this length change occurs during sprinting when the hamstring muscles contract as the back leg is straightened and the toes are used to push off and move forward. The hamstring muscles are lengthened at this point in the stride, are loaded with body weight and have the force needed for forward motion.
When to Seek Medical Care
According to MayoClinic.com, soreness or sharp pain in the back of your thigh during an activity is common among hamstring injuries. You may experience a popping or tearing feeling when a hamstring injury occurs, as well as notice swelling within a few hours of the injury occurring. Discoloration or bruising at the back of your leg is another sign you may have obtained a hamstring injury. If you feel numbness in any part of a hamstring injury, you need to seek medical care immediately, as it may be a sign that a severe hamstring injury has occurred. You should seek medical help if you can't bear weight on the injured leg or if pain prevents you from walking more than four steps.
