Hamstring Strain

"The thigh and buttock are common sites for referred pain, i.e. there is nothing structurally wrong with either yet symptoms are present. Referred pain into these areas is usually as a result of lower back dysfunction. Treatment aimed at the lower back usually resolves symptoms experienced in the thighs and buttocks" James Grigg

The hamstring muscles are located at the back of the thigh and connect the pelvis to the shin bones (tibia and fibula). There are three hamstring muscles known as semitendinosis, semimembranosus and biceps femoris. The most common hamstring muscle to suffer injury is biceps femoris.

This particular muscle (biceps femoris) is split into two groups known as the long head and the short head. Each head is supplied by a different nerve. If the muscle is not receiving the correct impulses from the two different nerves at the same time, there is an increased risk of injury (for more information on trapped nerves click here)  This is one of the reasons many believe why the biceps femoris muscle is most often injured.

How is the hamstring injured?

Whilst sprinting, the hamstring muscles work extremely hard to decelerate the tibia (shin bones) as the knee extends. In addition, once the foot is on the ground the hamstrings act by extending the hip back, which in turn allows the other leg to move forwards. It is during this phase just before the foot strikes the ground that the hamstrings, most commonly the biceps femoris muscle, are most vulnerable and likely to suffer injury. At this time the hamstring muscles are maximally activated and are approaching their maximum length. This also puts the hamstrings muscles at greater vulnerability.

Other factors that can influence the likelihood of a hamstring injury are age, flexibility, hamstring strength, previous injury and nerve impingement.

"unfortunately the hamstring muscles are most commonly in a flexed position throughout our daily lives i.e. sitting down at work/driving etc. This can lead to the muscle becoming shorter and less elastic resulting in a greater risk of injury. The lower back also has huge potential to increase risk of hamstring injury through incorrect nerve stimulation " James Grigg

As with all muscle strains, hamstring strains can be classified into the following grades:

First degree muscle strain

- Some stretching of the muscle fibres
- Minimum pain or discomfort
- Minimal or no swelling
- Normal range of movement

Second degree muscle strain

-  Considerable proportion of muscle fibres torn
- Moderate to severe pain, sometime unable to weight bear initially
- Swelling and possible bruising
- Pain when contracting the muscle
- Pain with stretching the muscle 

Third degree muscle strain

- Total rupture of the muscle
- Severe swelling and bruising
- Unable to weight bear
- Severe pain when contracting the muscle
- Severe pain with stretching the muscle 

Treatment

Treatment of hamstring muscles should focus on correcting the underlying cause to injury or else re-occurrence is likely. The lower back and the patient's posture should also be assessed. Treatment should also focus on returning the muscle to its orginal length and exercises should be given to help improve coordination and muscle recruitment.

To receive the best treatment for your discomfort arrange an appointment today or if you have any questions please feel free to email