Overview
A hamstring injury is a strain or tear of the muscles at the back of the thigh, common in sprinting and kicking sports. Most are managed non-operatively, but high-grade tears, particularly where the tendon pulls off the pelvis (proximal avulsion), may benefit from surgical repair.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden pain at the back of the thigh
- Bruising and swelling
- Weakness and pain with running or bending the knee
- Tenderness, sometimes near the sitting bone
Causes & Risk Factors
- Sprinting, kicking, or sudden acceleration
- Inadequate warm-up or fatigue
- Prior hamstring injury
- A slip with the leg extended
Treatment Options
- Relative rest, ice, and a progressive rehabilitation program
- Eccentric hamstring strengthening
- Activity modification and gradual return to running
- Surgical repair for high-grade or proximal avulsion tears
Recovery & What to Expect
Most strains recover with a graded rehabilitation program over weeks. Proximal avulsion repairs follow a protected protocol, with return to sport over several months.
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for a medical evaluation. Treatment recommendations depend on your individual diagnosis and goals. Kevin O'Donnell, MD serves Coral Gables, Miami, Brickell, Pinecrest, Coconut Grove.