What Is a Hamstring Strain? Comprehensive Information about Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Provided by Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine of Houston, TX
A hamstring strain is a common injury in which the muscles that run down the back of a leg are stretched or torn. Many people refer to this as “pulling a hamstring.”
Most hamstring injuries occur during physical activity. The three separate muscles that make up the hamstring (semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and biceps femoris) are strong and resilient, but stretching a muscle beyond its capacity can cause it to tear and potentially even separate from the bone. In some instances, a strained hamstring can pull a small piece of bone away with it. This is known as an avulsion fracture.
A minor hamstring strain may heal on its own. The RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) protocol can support the body’s natural healing process, which may take only a few weeks. A more severe injury, however, may require comprehensive treatment to repair the damaged muscle and restore stability to the leg.
Hamstring strain treatment
At Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine of Houston, TX, we offer a variety of clinical hamstring strain treatments. We offer conservative therapies – which we recommend in the vast majority of cases – as well as surgical treatments for more extensive injuries. Individuals with strained hamstrings can consult with our leg pain treatment specialists, who specialize in the newest and most effective techniques.
Our board-certified and double-board-certified orthopaedic specialists use comprehensive imaging studies to determine the extent of each patient’s injury and identify the best approach to treatment. We offer custom casts, braces, and physical therapy, as well as surgical hamstring repair. We also offer sport-specific training to help patients rehabilitate their injuries, strengthen their muscles, and safely return to physical activity.
If you need to have a hamstring strain diagnosed or professionally treated, you can easily request an appointment at any of our Houston, Texas, full-service orthopaedic centers. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.