Hamstring Strain

Hamstring strains are among the most common noncontact sports injuries. At Breakthrough Regenerative Orthopedics in Boulder, Colorado, sports medicine specialists offer various minimally invasive, nonsurgical treatments for hamstring strains, including physical therapy, activity changes, and ultrasound-guided injections. Call Breakthrough Regenerative Orthopedics today to schedule treatment for a hamstring strain, or book your appointment online.

My upper leg hurts. Could it be a hamstring strain?

It’s likely. A hamstring strain occurs when you tear or overextend one of your hamstrings –– a group of three muscles in the back of your thigh. Anyone can suffer a hamstring strain, but they’re most common in runners, dancers, and athletes.

Most hamstring strains are mild and improve with rest and ice. But if your symptoms continue longer than a few days or affect your daily routine, contact Breakthrough Regenerative Orthopedics.

What are the symptoms of a hamstring strain?

Hamstring strain symptoms include:

• Sharp pain in the back of your thigh
• Popping or tearing sensation at the moment of the injury
• Swelling and tenderness
• Bruising at the back of your leg

Depending on how severe the strain is, you might have difficulty standing up or putting weight on your affected leg.

What causes a hamstring strain?

The hamstrings are three muscles in the back of your thigh. They run from the top of your hips to the area just above your knees. Your hamstrings allow you to pivot and bend your knees but are vulnerable to wear-and-tear. If you don’t warm up before exercise or overload them, you’re more likely to injure them.

How does a sports medicine specialist diagnose a hamstring strain?

Your Breakthrough Regenerative Orthopedics provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes an exam. They check the back of your legs for bruising, redness, and swelling and gently press on your thigh and the surrounding skin to identify sensitive spots.

Next, they ask you to move your legs into different positions. This assesses your strength and flexibility and helps your provider pinpoint the source of your pain. If they suspect an underlying health problem, like arthritis or a fracture, they order X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI.

How is a hamstring strain treated?

Breakthrough Regenerative Orthopedics treats hamstring strains by taking a conservative and nonsurgical approach. They could suggest:

• Ice and rest
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or prescribe a mild narcotic
• Compression bandages
• Rest and elevation
• Physical therapy
• Cycling
• Walking
• Swimming
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to repair the hamstring
• Prolotherapy
• Ultrasound-guided injections

It could take several weeks or months to achieve lasting relief, depending on where and how severe the strain is.

Call Breakthrough Regenerative Orthopedics today to schedule a hamstring strain appointment, or book your visit online.