A hamstring injury feels like a sharp pain in the back of the thigh. After such an injury, you may also feel pain in the knee without being able to fully extend. Treatment depends upon the severity. Due to the pain and limited ability to use the muscle, a third degree strain usually results in a visit to a physician for treatment. Less severe strains may be treated at home.
These general treatment steps are commonly recommended for mild or moderate hamstring injuries.
•After an injury it's important to rest the injured muscle, sometimes for up to two or three weeks before you can return to sports after your injury.
•Rest, Ice and Compression. Elevate the leg if possible.
•An anti-inflammatory can be helpful to reduce pain and inflammation.
•A stretching program can be started as soon as the pain and swelling subsides.
•A strengthening program should be used to rebuild the strength of the injured muscle in order to prevent re-injury. Make sure you increase this gradually.
•A thigh wrap
can be applied to provide support as the muscle heals. Preventing Hamstring Injuries
•Warm up thoroughly. This is probably the most important muscle to warm-up and stretch before a workout.
•Stretching after the workout may be helpful.
Thigh/Hamstring Supports
