The hamstring is a group of three muscles along the back of the leg. The hamstring muscles extend from the buttocks to the back of the knee. They are responsible for flexion of the knee and extension of the hip. Because the hamstring muscles are used so often, they are easily injured. If you experience a hamstring injury, it is extremely important that you follow a strict treatment plan to avoid making the injury worse.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Immediately after a hamstring injury, follow the RICE method, which stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. The main goal of this treatment is to control the swelling, internal bleeding and pain associated with the hamstring injury. Allow the hamstring to rest for at least a few days after an injury. More severe injuries may require a longer rest period, such as a few weeks. During this rest period, avoid putting weight on the hamstring. Spend as much time as possible sitting or lying down. When you need to move around, consider using crutches to keep the weight off your leg. Apply an ice pack for 20 to 30 minute intervals every three or four hours. Compression will help keep the swelling down; to do this, wrap an elastic bandage securely around your hamstring. While resting, you will also need to keep the leg elevated above the heart. For best results, lie down and prop the leg up on pillows.

Rehabilitation

After your rest period, it is important that you begin to rehabilitate your hamstring. For best results, consult a physical therapist of athletic trainer for appropriate hamstring exercises. To begin your rehabilitation, consider swimming or using a stationary bike. These exercises will strengthen and condition the hamstring without putting too much weight on it. Then, move on to light walking and gentle stretches. After a few weeks of gentle exercise, you should be able to ease back into your normal exercise or fitness routine.

Surgical Treatment

If the hamstring injury is severe, you may need surgery to correct the injury. Sometimes, the hamstring tendon will completely pull away from the bone. When this happens, surgery will be necessary to reattach the tendon to the pelvis bone. On other occasions, the hamstring muscles may completely tear apart. Surgery will also be necessary in this case. After making an incision in the back of the thigh, the surgeon will reattach the torn ends and sew them together.

Source:

OrthoPod: Hamstring Injuries

Your Orthopaedic Connection: Hamstring Muscle Injuries

Runners Rescue: Hamstring Injury and Running