We all have a group of three muscles that run along the back of our thighs, which is known as hamstring. A hamstring strain occurs when one or more of these muscles get overloaded. It is a very painful injury where muscles might even start to tear.
In utmost cases, athletes of all sorts are more likely to get a hamstring strain during activities like:
- Running
- Sprinting
- Jumping
- Performing a fast stretching movement
However, a hamstring strain can also affect anyone who:
- Doesn't perform a proper warm up before exercising,
Has weak glutes. When the glutes are weak, hamstrings can easily become strained.
Also, adolescents going through a growth spurt and dancers are more prone to this injury.
If you feel a sudden and severe pain at the back of your thigh and lower buttock region along with weakness and swelling, seek the help of a doctor. Physical therapists or chiropractors, can diagnose and recommend a treatment plan for your hamstring strain.
Treatments for a Hamstring Strain
Fortunately, minor to moderate hamstring strains usually heal on their own. However, for a severe muscle injury, you need a full treatment and rehabilitation program. This is needed to properly heal the injury, besides preventing it from recurring.Moreover, you can follow the tips below to speed up the healing:
The leg should be rested. Keep your leg as immobile as possible and avoid putting weight on it. You may also use crutches if the pain is severe.
Place a cold pack on your leg to reduce pain and swelling. Continue periodic icing for 20 minutes every three to four hours for at least three days, or until the pain is gone.
Compress your leg. Use an elastic bandage or a compression stocking around the leg to keep down the swelling. But it shouldn't be too tight.
Elevate your leg as much as possible. Use as many pillows as needed to keep it elevated, in order to control the swelling and pain.
During the course of treatment, your doctor/physical therapist will also check for the strength and stability of hamstring muscles. Hence, practice stretching and strengthening exercises if your doctor recommends them. Because strengthening your hamstrings is one way to protect it against hamstring strain.
Last but not the least, in severe cases, you may need to go for Class IV K-Laser treatment for hamstring injuries. This laser treatment program provides a safe, effective and painless solution for hamstring pain and injuries. Patients not only respond exceptionally well, but also notice significant pain relief after just a few sittings.
You can call us at (714) 639-4640 for a free consultation to decide the best treatment for hamstring strain.
