The hamstring which is located below the gluteus maximus and attached to the tibia this muscle is comprised of three muscles biceps femoris, semitendinosus and semimembranosus.
During physical exercises like running, football, basketball and even skating may stretch the hamstring too far causing a hamstring sprain in severe cases the muscle may begin to tear.
- The symptoms of a hamstring strain a sudden pain and snapping or popping feeling may be felt. Tenderness and bruising also will occur in severe cases the patient may find it painful and difficult to walk.Hamstring treatment is simple and is the same routine for most muscle injuries: Rest, rest is always important to allow the injury to heal.
- Stretching may help the healing process however patients are advised not to stretch to much as it can have an opposite affect slowing down the healing process.
- Ice, Ice is always used to reduce inflammation this should be applied in the first forty-eight hours.
- Anti-inflammatory medication is a simple torn calf treatment it can be used to help reduce pain and swelling.
- Physical therapy to allow the leg to regain its normal function through gentle exercise.
To avoid hamstring treatment it is advised that you warm up properly before exercise, it is also advised that you strengthen the quadriceps to support the hamstring.