A hamstring injury, also known as a pulled hamstring, occurs when there is an excessive stretch or tear of the muscle fibers and related tissues in the hamstring area. This type of injury is common among athletes participating in sports that involve sprinting, sudden stops, and starts, such as soccer, basketball, football, and tennis. The injury typically causes a sudden, sharp pain in the back of the thigh, often accompanied by a "popping" or tearing sensation. It can happen during sudden, powerful movements like sprinting, lunging, or jumping that overstretch the tendons or muscles, or gradually during slower movements.
Hamstring injuries are graded based on severity, with grade 1 being a mild strain and grade 3 being a complete tear. Recurrence of hamstring injuries is common, with as many as one-third of active individuals experiencing a re-injury within 2 weeks of returning to activity. Factors such as not warming up properly before exercising, being out of shape, or overdoing physical activities can contribute to hamstring strains.
Preventive measures include being in good physical condition, regular stretching, and strengthening exercises to lessen the risk of a hamstring injury. It is important not to return to strenuous activities too quickly after an injury, as this could make the injury worse. However, avoiding exercise for too long can cause the hamstring muscles to shrink and scar tissue to form around the tear. Therefore, gentle hamstring stretches should be started after a few days, when the pain has started to subside.
