Lecture Notes: Hamstring Injury - Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Definition: Hamstring injury involves straining or pulling one of the hamstring muscles, a group of three muscles along the back of the thigh.
Common in Sports: Occurs frequently in sports requiring sprinting with sudden stops/starts (e.g., soccer, basketball, football, tennis), and in activities like running and dancing.
Treatment: Self-care with rest, ice, and pain medication usually suffices; surgery is rare.

Main Symptoms:
- Sudden, sharp pain in the back of the thigh.
- Possible "popping" or tearing sensation.
Secondary Symptoms:
- Swelling and tenderness within hours.
- Bruising or skin discoloration on the back of the leg.
- Muscle weakness or inability to bear weight on the injured leg.
When to See a Doctor:
- If unable to bear weight on the leg or walk more than four steps without significant pain.

Muscle Structure: Hamstring muscles run from hip to below the knee, enabling leg extension and knee bending.
Injury Mechanism: Overstretching or overloading these muscles can lead to injury.

Sports: Sprinting or running activities increase risk; activities with extreme stretching like dancing also contribute.
Previous Injuries: Past hamstring injuries increase the likelihood of recurrence, especially if returning to activities prematurely.
Muscle Condition:
- Tired or weak muscles are susceptible to injury.
- Poor flexibility might prevent muscles from enduring the forces of activities.
Muscle Imbalance: If quadriceps (front thigh muscles) are stronger than hamstrings, risk increases.
Age: Older individuals face higher injury risks.

Physical Condition: Maintain good physical fitness and regularly perform stretching and strengthening exercises.
Preparation for Activity: Be in shape before engaging in demanding sports or activities.
Professional Guidance: Recommend consulting healthcare providers for suitable exercises, especially if in a physically demanding job.

Related Articles and Procedures: MRI, Ultrasound, X-ray for diagnostic purposes.
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