A hamstring contusion occurs when a direct impact strikes the back of the thigh, crushing the muscle against the bone.
Symptoms of a hamstring contusion
Post-forceful impact to the back of the thigh, symptoms may include:
- Pain at the injury site
- Swelling or bruising
- Restricted movement
Accurate diagnosis is critical to prevent further injury or permanent disability.
Condition Assessment (2-3 days post-injury):
- Persistent swelling may indicate an intramuscular injury.
- Presence of bruising could suggest an intermuscular injury.
- Improvement in muscle contraction points to an intermuscular injury.
- Look for muscle deformity or gap.
Contusion Severity Grades:
- Grade 1: Presents as leg tightness, but walking is possible, possibly with a limp. Swelling is minimal, and full motion range is retained.
- Grade 2: Interferes with proper walking and incites sudden pain during activity. The injury is tender and possibly swollen. Hamstring contraction against resistance causes pain and limits movement range.
- Grade 3: Requires crutches for mobility. Pain is severe, with immediate swelling. Muscle contraction results in pain, and a bulge or gap in the muscle might be noticeable.
Avoid heat application and massage in the early stages to prevent Myositis Ossificans, a condition causing bone formation within the muscle.
What is a contusion?
Contusions, often more damaging than expected, result from direct muscle impact or trauma, which can crush the muscle against the bone.
Proper handling is critical to avoid myositis ossificans, a complication from improper or aggressive treatment. Contusions are classified as either intramuscular or intermuscular, each affecting recovery time differently.
Intramuscular hamstring contusion
This type of contusion results from damage within the muscle sheath, which remains intact. Early bleeding cessation occurs due to pressure within the muscle, yet fluid cannot escape, leading to pain and significant function loss. Recovery can take days or weeks, with bruising not always evident initially.
Intermuscular hamstring contusion
In these injuries, both the muscle and its surrounding sheath are damaged, leading to prolonged initial bleeding, especially without cold therapy and compression. Recovery is typically quicker than intramuscular contusions due to the outflow of blood and fluids from the injury site. Bruising is more commonly visible with this type of injury.
Treatment for a hamstring contusion
Immediate Response:
Immediate rest and cold therapy are advised. Apply ice with compression for 10-15 minutes hourly during the first 24-48 hours.
Recovery and Rehabilitation:
Post-acute stage, sports massage and electrotherapy by a trained therapist can speed recovery. A thorough rehab program with stretching and strengthening exercises can help prevent future injuries.
Severe Contusions:
For severe Grade 3 contusions, expect a 3-12 week recovery period, possibly affecting competition participation. In extreme cases, surgery may be required.
