Do I Have A Hamstring Strain?

Do you experience pain in your hamstring and lower buttock when bending over, walking, or straightening the leg?

Do you experience tenderness in the hamstring?

Do you experience sudden and severe pain during exercise, along with a snapping or popping feeling?

Is your hamstring bruised?

Do you experience an inability to place weight on your leg?

Do you experience swelling of your hamstring within the first few hours after the injury?

Do you experience (partial or complete) weakness in your leg?

Do you have an inability to place weight on your leg?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have a hamstring strain. Hamstring strains are common and usually painful. The injury strikes all types of athletes, from football players and runners, to basketball players and soccer players. A hamstring consists of three muscles that run along the back of your thigh and that allow you to bend your leg at the knee. A hamstring strain occurs when one or more of these muscles gets overloaded. Luckily, in your case, there seem to be no reasons to worry. In case of doubt, it’s always better to see a physiotherapist.

Based on your answers, you are displaying one or more signs related to a hamstring strain. It may be important to visit a physiotherapist. A hamstring strain is common during activities that involve a lot of jumping, running, or sudden stopping and starting. Also, it is likely to experience a hamstring strain if you don’t warm up properly before exercising and if the muscles in your quadriceps are tight. Besides, if you have weak glutes, hamstrings can become overloaded and strained, as glutes and hamstrings work together.

Unfortunately, you are displaying various symptoms typically seen among individuals who have a hamstring strain. It is very important to visit your physiotherapist. Mild hamstring strains may not hurt much, but severe ones can be bad. Sometimes it’s even impossible to walk or stand. Your doctor or physical therapist will do a thorough exam and ask you specific questions about the injury. Luckily, minor hamstring strains heal on their own. To speed the healing, it’s important to rest, ice, and compress your leg. Also, when you are sitting, elevate your leg, and practice stretching and strengthening exercises. In case the muscle is torn, you may need surgery.