Hamstring Pain
Around 1.2% of VIDA users experience hamstring pain. Hamstring pain is more common in athletes, with around 13% suffering from hamstring injuries.
Whether you're a professional athlete or you simply take part in sports for fun, hamstring pain is something many people experience. Living with hamstring pain can be challenging, but you are not alone. This article will help you learn more about your hamstrings, understand why they might be causing you discomfort and provide you with actionable steps to manage and prevent any pain.
Did you know?
The term "hamstring" comes from the old English words: "hamm," which means the bend behind your knee, and "string," which refers to a tendon or ligament.
How your hamstring works
You have three important muscles in your hamstring group. One is called the Biceps Femoris, which has two parts. The other two are the semitendinosus and semimembranosus.
The primary function of your hamstrings is to flex your knee joint and extend your hip, enabling many essential lower limb activities such as walking, running and climbing. Your hamstrings have an important stabilising function as well; they are inactive when your body weight is equally distributed between both lower limbs in a standing position.
Did you know?
Tight hamstrings can cause back pain. When they are tight, they pull on your pelvic bones (their attachment points). This action tends to tilt your pelvis backwards, decreasing the natural curve in your lower back and increasing intradiscal pressure, making it more susceptible to strains and disc injuries.
What to do and not do?
To relieve hamstring pain, consider applying an ice pack, resting, compressing and elevating your legs.
Avoid activities that may intensify your pain such as strenuous exercise and prolonged inactivity, as these can exacerbate your symptoms.
Things to do
Things to avoid
Common causes of
hamstring pain
Hamstring pain is most commonly due to muscle tears. However, other causes can also produce pain in the hamstring region, such as sciatica. You can explore the causes in more detail here.
Did you know?
Usain Bolt had his own dramatic hamstring injury in his final race at the IAAF World Championships. During his leg of the 4 x 100m relay, the Olympic champion tumbled and had to exit the track via wheelchair.
Recovery, prevention, &
duration of pain
To manage hamstring pain, suitable exercises, rest and lifestyle adjustments are crucial. Your VIDA Pain Coach program offers tailored exercises for hamstring pain relief and prevention. However, before beginning any new exercise routine, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalised guidance.
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The duration of hamstring pain can vary. Milder muscle strain can potentially improve within days or weeks, while in severe cases hamstring pain may persist for several weeks or months. Embracing a healthy lifestyle, which includes sufficient sleep, a balanced diet and stress management, plays a vital role in promoting hamstring pain recovery and reducing the likelihood of future problems. Prioritising your wellbeing and seeking professional advice can make a significant difference in effectively managing hamstring pain.
Knowing when to seek help
While some hamstring pain can be managed at home, if you suffer from severe pain, numbness in your lower limbs, or inability to bend or extend your knees or bear weight, you should seek immediate medical attention. Persistent pain, even if not severe, also warrants a check-up.