Hamstring Sprain | Medtick
Medtick

Hamstring Sprain

What is it?

Hamstrings are along the back of your thigh, on upper leg.

  • Hamstring muscle strains are graded (1,2,3) according on how bad the strain is.

Diagnosis test

Consider:

Cause

  • Lack of warm up
  • Twisting and/or turning suddenly and/or jumping and or lunging
  • Picking up pace suddenly (sprinting) when running
  • Jerk movement of leg
  • Injury before to hamstring
  • Slower movement that stretches one’s hamstring muscle

Hamstring  Grade Symptoms

Grade 1

  • Tightness in back of the thigh but  able to walk normally?
  • Discomfort in legs and unable to operate at full speed?
  • Bend the knee against resistance is unlikely to reproduce much pain?

Grade 2 

  • Gait (posture movement)will be affected and they will most likely be limping?
  • Sudden twinges of pain in upper part of leg?
  • Swelling and pain will be reproduced when pressing in on the hamstring muscle as well as trying to bend the knee against resistance?

Grade 3

  • Severe injury involving a tear to half or all of the muscle?
  • Severe sudden pain?
  • Weakness in the muscle?
  • Sudden swelling?
  • Bruising will usually appear within 24 hours?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:

  • Severe swelling
  • Can’t put weight on it
  • If feel tearing sensation
  • Limited movement

General tips

  1. Rest – stop the exercise or activities that caused the injury until you feel better
  2. Ice – put an ice pack (you could use a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel) on the injury for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
  3. Compress – wrap a bandage around the injury to support it
  4. Elevate – if possible, keep the injured area raised on a pillow when sitting or lying down

To help prevent swelling during the first 2 to 3 days, try to avoid:

  • Heat, such as hot baths and heat packs
  • Alcohol
  • Massages

When you can move the injured area without pain stopping you, try to keep moving it so the tendon doesn’t become stiff.

Do

  • Warm up before exercising and stretch afterwards
  • Wear suitable shoes for exercise
  • Take regular breaks from repetitive exercises

Don’t

  • Over-exercise tired muscles
  • Start a new sport without some training or practice
  • Stick to the same repetitive exercises

NHS.UK

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Hamstring Sprain in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

  • Medical News Today

    Medical news and health news headlines posted throughout the day, every day.

  • Medscape (Professional level)

    Latest medical news and expert commentary in your specialty as well as disease information.

  • Healthline

    Medical Information and health advice you can trust

  • EveryDay Health

    Wellness inspired. Wellness enabled.

  • Pharmaceutical Journal (Professional level)

    The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.

  • NHS

    Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help (British National Health Service).

  • WebMD

    Better Information. Better Health.

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Pushing the Standards of care.

  • Mayo Clinic

    No.1 Hospital in the Nation (America)

  • Drugs.com

    Know more. Be sure.

  • National Organisation of Rare Diseases

    NORD is dedicated to supporting education, elevating care, advancing research, and driving policy for rare diseases.

  • Verywell Health

    Know more. Fell better.

  • Nathnac

    Travel health guidance for health professionals advising travellers and for travellers going overseas from the UK.

  • DR Axe

    Health and fitness news. Recipes, Natural Remedies

  • Better health - NHS

    Healthy changes start with little changes. Whether you want to lose weight, drink less alcohol, get active or quit smoking, you have access to lots of free tools and support through Better Health. You can also find simple ways to lift your mood with Every Mind Matters.

    There has never been a better time to kickstart your health. Let’s do this!

Diet, Exercise and Body Manipulations

The Physical Therapy Advisor

Primary Care Sports Medicine

Aspetar

Medtick

© Medtick - 2026. All Rights Reserved.