Hamstring Injury Treatment and Rehabilitation
Hamstring strains, common in various running activities, involve the muscles at the back of the thigh. These injuries can occur during activities that require sudden and forceful contraction of the hamstring muscles, like sprinting, leading to immediate pain in the thigh’s back. Sometimes, these injuries develop gradually, often due to a lack of proper flexibility training.
To diagnose a hamstring injury, doctors rely on the patient’s reported symptoms and a physical examination. In some cases, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may also be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for Hamstring Injuries
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Immediate Care: Applying ice and using a thigh sleeve for compression and support right after the injury is crucial. Pain relief can be provided through Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other pain relief medications. Crutches may be necessary if walking becomes painful.
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Rehabilitation: Once the pain starts to subside, it’s important to begin gently stretching the hamstrings. Strengthening exercises for both the hamstrings and quadriceps should only start when pain is no longer present. Running or jumping should be avoided until muscle strength and flexibility are fully restored. Recovery time varies; it might take days, weeks, or even months for a severe injury to heal completely.
Exercises for Strengthening Quadriceps and Hamstrings
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Start by lying on your back. Bend the hip and knee of the injured leg, grab the leg behind the knee, and gently pull it toward your chest.
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Slowly straighten the knee to extend the leg fully.
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Maintain this stretch for 30 seconds.
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Perform this stretch in a set of four repetitions, three times daily.
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Make sure to perform the stretch on both legs.
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Hamstring Injury Treatment and Rehabilitation
