Understanding and Preventing Hamstring Pain

There are a lot of “strings” that keep our bodies together. Ligaments, tendons, bones and the like help us all stay in shape, literally. For nearly every sport, a very special string, the hamstring, is critical for our daily performance as players and humans in general. Here’s everything you should know about hamstrings as well as some of the causes and signs of hamstring injury.

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The Basics

The hamstrings can be referred to as the muscles at the back of the thigh, but also the tendons that connect those muscles to the thighbone. When most people complain about hamstring problems, the muscles are usually the main culprits of pain.

The hamstrings don’t only support the movement of the knee and hip. They’re also integral sources of power and force to help when running, jumping and more.

Causes

Oftentimes in high-octane activities and sports, hamstring muscles can become severely strained due to rapid movement, an unexpected heavy load occurs, there is a disproportion of strength in the muscles, or the hamstring can simply become fatigued.

The term “pulled hamstring” is often used to describe the muscle tissues that are pulled due to any of the reasons mentioned above. They can also be slightly torn or completely shredded.

Symptoms

Usually, when one pulls a hamstring, the injury is felt immediately. The area can become tender to the touch, weight can be unbearable to contain, tightness can follow and the person can quickly become unable to play sports.

Often, taking the time to rest and keep your leg elevated and compressed will help get the hamstring back to normal. In order to get back into playing shape, a complete physical therapy regimen is recommended to rebuild strength and flexibility.

Treat Your Pain at Total Pain Care

Contrary to popular belief, light activities like walking actually use very little of the hamstring muscles. The most important way to avoid hamstring injury is to keep the muscles conditioned all year long.

When a severe hamstring pull or tear occurs, count on the experts at Total Pain Care to help you recover the strength and range of motion you need to stay active. With convenient locations throughout New Jersey, our board-certified physicians and staff will work hard to help manage and take control of your pain today. Contact Total Pain Care online for more information and a free consultation.

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  1. Ronald Amaya, PA-C is a Physician Assistant. He attended Weill Cornell Medical College and received his physician assistant degree in NYC. He has 18 years of experience in cardiothoracic surgery and over 8 years in pain management. Dr. Amaya is NCCPA board-certified in medicine and surgery.

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  2. Paulette Scott, MD is a pain management specialist. Dr. Scott is also the pain management representative at East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, Boston. She fulfilled her physical medicine and rehabilitation residency at Long Island Jewish Medical Center and completed her fellowship in pain management at Harvard Square Clinic. Dr. Scott is board-certified in physical medicine, rehabilitation, and pain management.

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  4. David D. Ford, MD is the Director of Pain Management. Dr. Ford earned a medical degree and completed his residencies in both surgery and anesthesiology. He joined the staff of Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Watertown in 1990. He is board-certified in both anesthesiology and pain management. Dr. Ford specializes in painful disorders of the spine and sports-related injuries. He has initiated the use of advanced interventional techniques for the successful treatment of these and other conditions.

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