What is a hamstring injury?
Hamstring injuries affect muscles or tendons at the back of the thigh and range in severity. A sudden pain during sprinting, sometimes with a pop or bruising, can indicate a strain or more significant injury. Pain referred from the back can also be felt in this area, so the history matters.
What an assessment may involve
Explain what you were doing when symptoms began, whether you could continue, and whether bruising or difficulty walking developed. Your clinician will consider the location and severity before testing strength or movement. Severe injuries may need imaging or specialist advice.
Care and rehabilitation
Rehabilitation can progress through suitable strength work and gradual exposure to the speed and movements required by your sport. Early aggressive massage or stretching may aggravate a recent injury. The plan should account for prior injuries and your actual training schedule.
When can I return to sport?
Comfortable walking does not show that the hamstring is ready for sprinting. Discuss running speed, repeated efforts, kicking and confidence with your clinician. Decisions should consider function and response, with clear steps for training before competition.
When to seek medical help
Seek prompt assessment for severe pain, substantial swelling or bruising, difficulty standing or walking, or symptoms that worsen rather than settle after an injury.
Related information
Further reading
General information from Muscle Joint Bone Epping. Your clinician will discuss how it applies to you.