Hamstring injury
How do I know if I've injured my hamstring?
Mild hamstring strains (grade 1) will usuallycause sudden pain and tenderness the back ofyour thigh. It may be painful to move your leg, but the strength of the muscle shouldn't be affected.
Partial hamstring tears (grade 2) are usually more painful and tender. There may also be some swelling and bruising at the back of your thigh and you may have lost some strength in your leg.
Severe hamstring tears (grade 3) will usually be very painful,tender, swollen and bruised. There may have been a "popping" sensation at the time of the injury and you'll be unable to use the affected leg.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about hamstring injuries, including the different types, how they're treated and how long it takes to recover.
The hamstrings
The hamstrings are tendons (strong bands of tissue) at the back of the thighs that attachthe large thigh muscle to the bone. The term 'hamstring' also refers to the group of three muscles that run al
What causes hamstring injuries?
A hamstringinjury can occur if any of the tendons or muscles are stretched beyond their limit. They often occur during sudden, explosive movements, such as sprinting, lunging or jumping.But theycan a
How do I know if I've injured my hamstring?
Mild hamstring strains (grade 1) will usuallycause sudden pain and tenderness the back ofyour thigh. It may be painful to move your leg, but the strength of the muscle shouldn't be affected. Partial
When to see your GP
Most hamstring injuries can be cared for at home using the techniques outlined below. Consider seeing your GP if you have any concerns about your injury, particularly if you think it's a severe injur
Rest and recovery
Recovering from a hamstring injury may take days, weeks or months, depending on how severe the strain or tear is. A completelytorn hamstring (grade 3) may take several months to heal and you'll be un
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