1. Black and Blue
A hamstring contusion, or bruise, signals an injury to the back of the thigh. The biceps femoris, semimembranosus and semitendinosus make up the hamstring muscles. You use them to bend your knee back and whenever you extend your hip. Athletes and other very active people are more prone to suffer hamstring contusions.
2. Exercise With Care
Getting hit in the hamstring is the most likely cause of a contusion, but overworking the muscle also can injure it. Certain factors make you more susceptible to hamstring contusions, such as a previous hamstring injury, exercising without an adequate warmup, overstretching or not stretching enough, muscle fatigue and weak, stiff or tight hamstring muscles. Symptoms of a contusion include bruising, swelling and pain, which may or may not affect movement.
3. What's Your Grade
Hamstring contusions are separated into three categories. Grade 1 is a mild strain with fewer torn muscle fibers. Swelling is minimal. Your leg feels tight, but it doesn't interfere with walking or physical activity. Grade 2 contusions are moderate strains, which noticeably weaken the hamstring. Pain affects walking and other activities. You will also experience swelling and a limited range of movement. The hamstring is totally torn in a Grade 3 contusion. This is extremely painful and requires a crutch or other aid for walking. Swelling is immediate and contracting the muscle may cause it to bulge.
4. R.I.C.E.
Apply the RICE (rest-ice-compression-elevation) principle to heal your injury. Rest the muscle. Apply ice for 20-minute intervals a few times a day. Compress the injury, wrapping the muscle to reduce swelling, and elevate your leg so that it's above your heart. Your doctor can order a round of tests to confirm the diagnosis. An x-ray of your hip, thigh and leg will reveal any broken bones. Ultrasound allows the doctor to view images of your hamstring muscles and tissues. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography scans (CT or Cat Scan) show pictures of the area to verify injuries and torn muscles. Treatment varies according to the degree of injury. Your doctor can prescribe medication for the pain and swelling. Surgery is needed in extreme cases, followed by physical therapy. Follow your doctor's orders for recovery.
5. Flex That Muscle
Exercise caution when you resume your normal routine. Increase your hamstring muscle's flexibility by warming up and stretching before exercising, then cool down and stretch afterwards. Don't overdo it. Rest when you get tired and pay attention to your body.
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