Pulled hamstrings seem random because we are unaware of the continuous tearing, stretching of our fiber muscles and tendons. It is so insidious until a common piercing spasm is felt in the back of the leg that active people experience, when suddenly sprinting, lifting, squatting, jumping, dancing, even kicking sports that appear harmless.
All degree of hamstring strains should be initialized with RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation), this is the threshold of hamstring remedies. The ice and compression reduces bleeding within the muscle tissue, and the elevation quickly abates the pain.
Fortunately there are only three grades of tears:
- GRADE ONE – is sensation of a cramp or tightness, a slight pain when muscles are stretched or contracted
- GRADE TWO – this more severe pain is familiarized with an elastic pinging sensation, which is more intense stretching and contraction occurring
- GRADE THREE – this acute gradient is a direct piercing pain or a burning sensation, and walking is hindered surprisingly no pain is felt
Regardless of the muscle pull the first five days treat a muscle with elevation and apply an ice pack for 20 minutes every two hours. Lower grades worsen if not rested sufficiently, so for GRADE ONE avoid sports about three weeks and GRADE TWO is usually four to six weeks for a comforting recovery. For your information, outright ruptures necessitates surgery and rehabilitation is conventionally three months.
Also essential treatment for pulled muscles for the first two grades of strain are gradual flexibility, balance, and muscle tone not only benefiting pulled hamstrings but also bone-joint-and muscle injuries. Although all damage is unpreventable, hamstring tears are consequential to tight muscles and inflexibility, so warm and stretched muscles lessen a tear. Keep it in mind.
Less severe hamstring strains may be treated at home and the recommendations that are given are conventional therapies. Adhere that a GRADE THREE injury requires a doctor’s visit for evaluation and any medication.
