What is meant by hamstring strain?

A hamstring strain, sometimes called a pulled hamstring, happens when one or more of these muscles gets stretched too far and starts to tear. Hamstring strains can be mild, with little pain and a short recovery time. Or, they can be severe and need surgery and crutches for weeks.

What does a high hamstring strain feel like?

Other possible symptoms of a hamstring strain are: Sudden and severe pain during exercise, along with a snapping or popping feeling. Pain in the back of the thigh and lower buttock when walking, straightening the leg, or bending over. Tenderness.

How long does a strained hamstring take to heal?

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).

Do hamstring injuries ever heal?

Hamstring Injuries Heal Slowly It is not uncommon to deal with the symptoms associated with a hamstring injury for many months. Some studies indicate that the healing time can commonly extend beyond the one year mark. Hamstring injuries take a long time to heal due to function of the muscle.

Why are hamstrings so hard to heal?

Hamstring injuries take a long time to heal due to function of the muscle. Their involvement in motions at the hip and knee cause the muscle to be under a great deal of stress and strain during most activity.

What does a hamstring strain feel like?

Other possible symptoms of a hamstring strain are: Sudden and severe pain during exercise, along with a snapping or popping feeling. Pain in the back of the thigh and lower buttock when walking, straightening the leg, or bending over. Tenderness. Bruising.

What is the recovery time for a hamstring strain?

Recovery time. The recovery time for a grade 1 hamstring strain will take 1-2 weeks, a grade 2 strain will likely take 4-5 weeks, and a complete rupture can take 3 months.

How is a hamstring strain diagnosed?

A hamstring strain might be diagnosed on the sidelines by a trainer or when you see a physical therapist. Often, you’ll also see the doctor for a hamstring strain. The doctor will examine your leg and ask you questions about how the injury happened and how much pain you have.

How can I prevent a hamstring strain?

ANSWER. Here are some tips for preventing a hamstring injury: Warm up before and stretch after physical activity. Boost the intensity of your physical activity slowly — no more than a 10% increase a week. Stop exercising if you feel pain in the back of your thigh.