Jakarta (ANTARA) – Hamstring injuries are one of the most common muscle injuries in the world of sports and are becoming a concern again after the increase in cases in professional athletes.
This injury occurs when the muscles in the back of the thigh are stretched or torn due to sudden movements or high-intensity activity.
Inflections in sports such as football, track and field, basketball and other high-intensity sports make athletes very vulnerable to experiencing this condition.
Prevention and proper treatment are essential to avoid long-term impacts on their performance.
What is a hamstring injury?
The hamstrings consist of three large muscles at the back of the thigh, viz semitendinosus, semimembranousAND hamstring. These three muscles work to bend your knees and move your hips in various activities.
Hamstring injuries occur when muscles are stretched or torn due to pressure that exceeds their normal capacity.
This condition often occurs when you make sudden movements or perform high-intensity physical activity.
Causes and risk factors
Some of the main causes include:
- Explosive physical activities such as sprinting, jumping and sudden changes in direction.
- Lack of warming up or stretching before exercise.
- Low muscle flexibility and imbalance of muscle strength, especially hamstring versus hamstring quadriceps.
- History of previous injuries, muscle strain and age factors.
Read also: Stephen Curry injures hamstring, will be out for at least a week
Symptoms are based on severity
Hamstring injuries are classified into three levels:
- Grade 1 (mild): mild effort with mild pain, some difficulty moving the leg.
- Grade 2 (moderate): tearing of part of the muscle, swelling, bruising, pain on pressure and decreased strength.
- Grade 3 (severe): Complete injury, accompanied by a “popping” sensation, extensive swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking.
Common symptoms include:
- Sudden sharp pain during activity.
- A “popping” sensation in the muscles, cramps, muscle stiffness, weakness and even spasms.
- Inflammation, bruising, and reduced ability to walk or stand.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis begins with a physical exam and injury history. The doctor may ask the patient to explain the manner and conditions of the injury when it occurred. To confirm the severity, images such as X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI are usually used.
Treatment and recovery
1. Initial treatment (non-surgical)
- RICE/PRICE Method – Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (with additional protection).
- The MEAT method – Movement, Exercise, Analgesia, Therapy, is used after the acute phase.
- Painkiller over the counter: ibuprofen, paracetamol, according to medical indications.
2. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
Partial paralysis in grades 2-3 requires gradual physiotherapy: light strengthening stretches such as Nordic hamstring exercise /functional performance.
3. Surgical treatment
Only needed for serious grade 3 injuries, such as a complete tendon rupture or large tear. Surgery followed by lengthy rehabilitation can take 3-6 months.
Read also: Wesley Fofana is expected to be out for a month with a hamstring injury
Prognosis and prevention
Recovery time:
- Grade 1: a few days to 2 weeks.
- Grade 2: 3–8 weeks or more.
- Grade 3: Can take months.
Prevention:
- Thorough warm-up and cool-down after exercise.
- Strength and flexibility exercises for the hamstrings, especially for active athletes or artists.
- Gradual increase in training intensity does not exceed 10% per week.
Therefore, hamstring injuries are a common condition but can become serious if not treated properly.
Correct diagnosis, appropriate treatment and gradual rehabilitation are the main keys to optimal recovery.
For athletes and the general public, understanding the causes and early symptoms is very important so that quick action can avoid worsening of the condition.
The return to activities must be carried out gradually and safely to avoid the risk of recurrence of injuries.
Read also: Undav is expected to be out until the end of the year due to a hamstring injury
Reporter: M. Hilal Eka Saputra Harahap
Publisher: Gilang Galiartha
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