Pulled hamstring: What you need to know about symptoms, treatment and recovery

A pulled hamstring is a common injury that can occur during physical activities like running, jumping, or sudden acceleration or deceleration movements.

It happens when one or more muscles at the back of the thigh are overstretched, causing tears or strains in the muscle fibers. In this article, we discuss the symptoms, treatment and recovery time for a pulled hamstring.

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Symptoms of pulled hamstring

The symptoms of a pulled hamstring can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Pain: A sudden, sharp pain in the back of the thigh, especially during activities like running or jumping

Swelling: Swelling and tenderness in the affected area, which can make it difficult to walk or move the leg

Bruising: Bruising around the hamstring area can also be a sign of a pulled hamstring.

Limited range of motion: A limited range of motion in the affected leg can make it difficult to move the leg forward or backward.

Muscle weakness: Muscle weakness in the affected leg, which can make it difficult to bear weight on that leg

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Treatment of pulled hamstring

Symptoms of a pulled hamstring can vary depending on the severity of the injury. (Cottonbro studio/Pexels)

Treatment will depend on the severity of the injury. Here are some treatment options:

Rest: Rest is the most important part of the treatment. You should avoid any activities that cause pain or discomfort in the affected area. You may need to use crutches or a cane to help you walk.

Ice: Putting ice on the area can help reduce pain and swelling. You can apply ice for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.

Compression: You can wrap the affected area with a compression bandage to help reduce swelling and provide support to the muscle.

Elevation: Elevating the affected leg can help reduce swelling and promote healing. You can prop up your leg on a pillow or cushion.

Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Physical therapy: Once the pain and swelling have subsided, you may need to start physical therapy to help regain strength and flexibility in the affected muscle. Your physical therapist may recommend exercises like hamstring stretches, calf stretches and leg lifts.

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Pulled hamstring recovery time

Applying ice to the affected area can reduce pain and swelling. (Vidal Balielo Jr./Pexels)

The recovery time depends on the severity of the injury. In general, mild to moderate hamstring strains can take several weeks to heal, while more severe strains can take several months.

Here are some general guidelines for recovery time based on the severity of the injury:

1. Grade 1 strain: It's a mild strain that involves some muscle fibers. Recovery time is typically 1-3 weeks.
2. Grade 2 strain: It's a moderate strain that involves more muscle fibers. Recovery time is typically 3-6 weeks.
3. Grade 3 strain: It's a severe strain that involves a complete tear of the muscle. Recovery time is typically 6-12 weeks.

It's important to note that recovery time can vary depending on several factors like age, overall health and adherence to treatment recommendations. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions and avoid activities that can aggravate the injury.

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Recovery from sprains is rest and patience (Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels)

A pulled hamstring can be a painful and frustrating injury, but with proper treatment and care, most people can recover fully.

If you experience symptoms of a pulled hamstring, like pain, swelling or muscle weakness, it's important to seek medical attention right away. Your doctor can diagnose the injury and recommend a treatment plan that's tailored to your specific needs.

Remember that the key to a successful recovery from a pulled hamstring is rest and patience. It's important to avoid any activities that can aggravate the injury. Give the body time to heal. With proper care and treatment, most people can return to their normal activities within a few weeks.