Hamstring Injuries Can Be Mild, Moderate, Or Severe

February 22, 2012
Posted in BC Edition, Alberta Edition, Ontario Edition, Development

BY DR. PHIL CONWAY /

Hamstring injuries can be fairly minor or exceptionally devastating and tender.

The Hamstrings are a group of three muscles that extend from the Ischium (the sit bone) on the back of the upper leg, to insert on the back of the lower leg bones near the knee.

These muscles work together and are responsible for flexing the knee and extending the thigh. Most often, the Hamstrings, can be injured due to:

being over-stretched or over accelerated; for example, over-striding or quick acceleration during skating
being overloaded; this occurs when there is too much weight or force applied during extension or flexion actions
direct blunt trauma
improper warm-up
having weak and non-flexible Hamstrings

The end result is a Hamstring injury in the form of a slight pull, a strain or a tear, and if left untreated can be a career-ending event.

Hamstring injuries can be graded as Mild, Moderate or Severe, and have the following signs and symptoms:

Mild

Very little pain.
Muscles are weak and tired.
Mild irritation upon activity.
Usually take 5 to 7 days to recover.

Moderate

Pain is more prominent and occurs with muscle activity and movement.
Some noted swelling with localized painful and reddened area(s).
The Hamstring fatigues quickly and feels heavy.
Walking can be difficult.
May take up to a month to recover.

Severe

Pain is extreme and severe.
Large red swollen area which may have a tear defect in it.
May have heard and felt a ‘pop.’
Bruising which can be extensive due to internal bleeding.
Not able to move or bear weight.
Needs immediate medical attention.
May take 2 to 4 months to recover.

Treatment of a Hamstring injury may vary according to the severity of the injury.

Consulting with a healthcare provider who is familiar with hockey injuries is essential in order to get the correct diagnosis and to initiate the correct treatment.

Treatment protocols may include:

Use of crutches until you can weight-bear
Ultrasound
Laser
Active Release
Graston
Kinesiological tape / SpiderTech tape
Medications to reduce the swelling and inflammation
Shockwave therapy
Surgical intervention
Proper rehabilitation

Prevention is a key and a proper warm-up is essential.

Having strong and flexible Hamstrings by engaging in a home-based or gym-based strengthening program will help also prevent injury.

Dr. Phil Conway BPE DC FCCRS(C) is a Board Certified Rehabilitation Specialist. He is the Director of the Calgary Hockey Injuries Clinic, The Back and Sports Injury Clinic, and the Calgary Runner’s Clinic. Visit our Website: www.hockeyinjuriesclinic.com

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