Hamstring injury
Introduction
A hamstring injury is a strain or tear to the tendons or large muscles at the back of the thigh.
It's a common injuryinathletes and can occur in different severities. The three grades of hamstring injury are:
- grade 1 a mild muscle pull or Sprains
- grade 2 a partial muscle tear
- grade 3 a complete muscle tear
The length of time it takes to recover from a hamstring strain or tear will depend on how severe the injury is.
A minor muscle pull or strain (grade 1) may take a few days to heal, whereas it could take weeks or months to recover from a muscle tear (grade 2 or 3).
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 5 Dec 2016
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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