A sudden stop, sprint or abrupt turn while playing sports or during a vigorous activity can lead to injury. Treat such injuries as soon as possible to help reduce pain, bleeding and swelling. Administer first aid treatment immediately for a suspected hamstring pull or tendon injury. Following application of first aid, call your doctor or sports therapist for a full evaluation of the injury.
Description
The hamstring group of muscles is composed of three muscles. The biceps femoris, the semitendinosus and the semimembranosus muscles attach to the back of your lower pelvis and your knee joint with thick connective tendons near the area where the muscles connect to the bones. A common point of injury in a hamstring tendon tear is at the head of the hamstring muscles where they connect to the ischial tuberosity of the lower pelvic girdle.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a pulled or injured hamstring muscle or tendon injury include sharp and stabbing pain in the back of your leg. Pain during attempts to straighten your leg can also occur. Signs of swelling and bruising are often evident in the area of the injury. Severe muscle and tendon pulls or tears can result in a palpable gap in muscle tissues that can be felt with your fingers at the point of separation. Walking can be difficult and painful.
RICE Treatment
RICE stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. Immediately after the injury, get off your leg. Place an ice pack on the injury site and if possible, wrap the thigh area with an elastic bandage. Wrapping and securing an ice pack onto the back of your thigh might also provide relief, but don't leave the ice pack in place for more than 20 minutes at a time to avoid skin irritation. The compression wrapping helps reduce bleeding and swelling of injured tissues.
Elevate
Elevation is the fourth step in the RICE treatment method. Elevate your leg so that your foot is at a level higher than your heart. Sit in a recliner chair with your leg up or lying on a couch with your leg elevated. Elevation reduces accumulation of fluids in the injured tissues. Follow the RICE treatment therapy for 24 to 48 hours after your injury. Contact your doctor or sports therapist for an evaluation of your injury as soon as possible.
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