Soccer, football and marathon training are in full swing and we are seeing an infux of patients with an injury to the hamstring.
What is the Hamstring?
The hamstring is a group of muscles located on the back of the thigh. The hamstring muscles allow the leg to bend and extend.
Injuries to the Hamstring
Hamstring injuries can occur in a number of ways. Common examples include:
- muscle fatigue
- direct hit to the thigh
- insufficient warm-up or conditioning
- insufficient rest and recovery of a previous hamstring injury
To aid in the recovery of a hamstring injury remember RICE - rest, ice, compression and elevation.
Here are two MRI images of the hamstring - a normal (non injured) hamstring and an injured hamstring.
To stay in the game remember to take time to allow the injury to heal.
