Often termed a ‘pulled hamstring,’ a hamstring strain involves a tear in one of the hamstring muscles at the back of the thigh. This tear triggers pain and hinders movement, with severity rankings from grades 1 to 3.
Hamstring strain symptoms
Symptoms of a hamstring strain typically include a sudden sharp pain at the back of the thigh, experienced during activities like sprinting or fast stretching movements such as high kicks.
We categorise hamstring strains into three grades according to their severity:
- Grade 1: Considered relatively mild, presenting as a twinge or tightness at the time of injury, with minimal or no swelling.
- Grade 2: More severe, characterized by a sudden sharp pain during the injury, accompanied by swelling. The inability to continue playing or training is common.
- Grade 3: The most severe grade, involving a tear of the majority or entire muscle.
What is a pulled hamstring?
A hamstring strain, also known as a pulled hamstring, refers to a tear in one or more of the hamstring muscles located at the back of the thigh.
The hamstring muscle group comprises three distinct muscles:
- Semitendinosus
- Semimembranosus
- Biceps femoris.
These muscles originate from the ischial tuberosity (lower part of the pelvic bone) and attach to the tibia (back of the shin bone). Their contraction facilitates knee flexion and assists in hip extension (backward leg movement).
Causes
Hamstring strains typically occur in two ways: sprinting-related or stretch-related, such as in martial arts, gymnastics, or dancing.
Sprint-related hamstring strains
During sprinting, the hamstring muscles undergo significant exertion, particularly during the rapid deceleration of the tibia (shin) just before the foot strike. It is at this juncture that the hamstring is most susceptible to tearing.
Sprint-related hamstring injuries typically manifest in the lower portion of the biceps femoris muscle, specifically at the muscle-tendon junction. While they may initially cause more discomfort, these injuries often exhibit faster recovery times.
Stretch-related hamstring strains
Stretch-related injuries primarily occur in the upper region of the back of the thigh, commonly affecting the tendon of the semimembranosus muscle.
These types of injuries tend to have longer healing times due to relatively poorer blood supply to the tendon.
Referred pain
Referred pain, which originates from areas like the lower back and hip, can manifest in the back of the leg. Particularly in cases of recurring hamstring strains, it’s crucial to consider these referred pain factors, as they can heighten the risk of suffering a hamstring strain.
