Pulled hamstring symptoms

Pulled hamstring

Pulled hamstring is the term that is used in cases when muscle fibers and the tissues along the back of the thighs are too stretched or torn. It is also known as hamstring pulls, and it is one of the most common muscle injuries, particularly, among the people who are into exercising or running.

Hamstrings actually consist of the three muscles that are located at the back of the leg, but between the hip and the knee. These muscles are involved in activities such as Flexing the knee and extending the thigh, and when this group of muscles is overstretched, this condition occurs. It can be minor or serious, which also depends on the cause of the injury. Minor strains are the result of overused or overstretched muscles, while serious strains are results of some more serious injury, such as direct blow to that area.

Symptoms of pulled hamstring

When it comes to the symptoms of pulled hamstring, they depend on the seriousness of the condition, because there are three grades of the hamstring strain, and each grade has its own symptoms. For example, grade one is considered to be a mild stretch and it is characterized by the cramps and tightness when the muscles are contracted, though even slight pain may be felt, while grade two is actually a partial tear and it is recognized by the immediate and severe pain, which is also present with stretching and contracting the muscle. A few days later, a bruise will probably appear as a result of the internal muscle and tissue bleeding. Grade three is the most serious type of this kind of injury. The pain is both, burning and stabbing, and it does not allow a person to walk without it. Grade three hamstring strain usually stands for the cases in which the muscle is totally torn, and here it is possible that the lump will form at the place of an injury. Bruising is also unavoidable here, just like with cases in grade two.

Other symptoms that may follow pulled hamstring are swelling, stiffness, and tenderness. Even though many of these symptoms may indicate some other condition as well, it is highly recommended to visit the doctor if the person feels serious pain or swelling in the leg, or if the use of muscle is practically impossible. More or less, the treatment is the same for all types of the injury, and it consists of resting the hamstring and applying ice packs regularly. The use of compression bandage will help in decreasing the bleeding and swelling, and a few days later, the person will feel better.