Hamstring Muscle Strain

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The term 'pulled muscle' comes from the description of how the injury takes place. Usually the muscle is forcibly stretched beyond its limits and the muscle tissue becomes torn. A tear in a muscle is referred to as a strain and depending on its severity it is classified as a first, second or third degree strain.

With a grade one strain there is a sensation of cramp or tightness, and a slight feeling of pain when the muscles are stretched or contracted. A grade two strain produces more immediate and severe pain; the hamstring is sore to touch and there there will be bruising below the injury site after a few days. With a grade three strain the athlete is unable to move without pain, and there may be a bulge of soft tissue through the muscle layer.

The immediate treatment of any muscle injury consists of the RICE protocol - rest, ice and compression and elevation (never apply ice directly to the skin). Depending upon the severity of the injury, the leg must be rested from sporting activity for between 3 weeks and 3 months.


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