Hamstring Strain Health Video

Most common muscle strain in legs. The hamstring is a group of tendons connected to the knee. Learn more about the cause and prevention of a hamstring strain in this medical treatment video.

Take Action

Stay stretched during workout
Don't over exert during workout
Ice immediately
Use anti-inflammatories

About this Author

Prior to joining Memorial Hermann, Dr. Adickes completed his sports medicine fellowship under the tutelage of Dr. Richard Steadman of the Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Vail, Colo. Dr. Adickes completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. In 2000, he earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School in Boston, Mass.Dr. Adickes' career in medicine follows a remarkable decade-long career in the National Football League, during which he was a member of the 1991 Super Bowl Championship Washington Redskins Team. An alumnus of Baylor University, Dr. Adickes was inducted into the Baylor Sports Hall of Fame in 1998. Dr. Adickes serves as team physician for the Houston Rockets, U.S. Ski Team, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and St. Thomas University.

DR. MARK ADDICKES: Hi, I'm going to talk to you about hamstring strains. Easily the most common muscle injury in the lower extremity. First of all, prevention. I mean everybody does their strengthening. A lot of people do cardiovascular work, but everyone forgets to stretch. If you stay stretched out and you work on flexibility on a regular basis, hamstring strains can be avoided. The other thing is not to push yourself too hard until you're conditioned. As long as you're conditioned and you're stretched out, hopefully, you won't ever need to treat a hamstring strain. When they do happen, ice initially and then once the acute pain and inflammation is gone then you can do some anti-inflammatories and begin stretching. Just don't begin stretching too soon, allow some healing to take place first.