Hamstring Injury Grades

A hamstring strain or a pulled hamstring as it is sometimes called is a tear in one of the hamstrings muscles (Semitendinosis, Semimembrinosis and Biceps femoris). It often results from an overload of the muscles or trying to move the muscles too fast. If you have taken an impact in the back of the leg it must be treated as a contusion. Otherwise read on.

Strains are common in all sports especially ones where sprinting is involved. They range from a complete rupture of the muscle to small micro tears that the athlete will probably not notice at the time.

Symptoms include: A sudden sharp pain at the back of the leg Muscles going into spasm Swelling and bruising If the rupture is very bad you may feel a gap in the muscle Strains are graded 1, 2 or 3 depending on severity. A grade 1 might consist of small micro tears in the muscle. A grade 2 would be a partial tear in the muscle and grade 3 is a severe or complete rupture of the muscle

Grade 1:
What does it feel like? Might have tightness in the thigh May be able to walk properly Probably won't have much swelling Lying on front and trying to bend the knee against resistance probably won't produce much pain
What can the athlete do?Use a compression bandage or heat retainer until you feel no pain See a sports injury professional who can advise on rehabilitation and strengthening
What can a Sports Injury Specialist or Doctor do?Use sports massage techniques to speed up recovery (very important) Use ultrasound and electrical stimulation Prescribe a rehabilitation programme Recovery time?About 2 to 4 weeks depending on severity and if middle of muscle or at tendon joint

Grade 2:
What does it feel like? Probably cannot walk properly May get occasional sudden twinges of pain during activity May notice swelling Pressing in causes pain Bending the knee against resistance causes pain Might be unable to fully straighten the knee
What can the athlete do?Ice, compress, elevate, use crutches for 3 to 5 days See a sports injury specialist who can advise on rehabilitation
What can a Sports Injury Specialist or Doctor do?Use sports massage techniques to speed up recovery (very important) Use ultrasound and electrical stimulation Prescribe a rehabilitation programme including stretching and strengthening exercises
Recovery time?About 3 to 6 weeks depending on severity and if middle of muscle or at tendon joint

Grade 3:
What does it feel like? Unable to walk properly without the aid of crutches In severe pain Bad swelling appear immediately A static contraction will be painful and might produce a bulge in the muscle Expect to be out of competition for 3 to twelve weeks or more
What can the athlete do?Seek medical attention immediately R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate.) Use crutches See a sports injury professional who can advise on rehabilitation and prevention
What can a Sports Injury Specialist or Doctor do?Use sports massage techniques to speed up recovery (very important) Use ultrasound and electrical stimulation Prescribe a rehabilitation programme and monitor it Operate if needed Recovery time?At least 6 weeks depending on severity and if middle of muscle or at tendon joint