Hamstring injury
Hamstring muscle strain
A hamstring injury is a strain to the tendons or tear to the muscles at the back of the thigh
About hamstring injuries
Need to know
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Symptoms of a hamstring injury icon plus
A hamstring injury is always sudden and painful but has a wide range of severity. Tears to the muscle result in bleeding and subsequent bruising that spreads from the back of the thigh down below the knee and into the foot. The thigh will swell affecting a wider area of muscle pain and tightness. Muscle spasm is common and may be severe. Flexing the knee is often painful and with a severe hamstring strain the muscle tear may need surgery to repair it. -
Screening and diagnosis icon plus
Strains and tears to the hamstrings usually result when the muscle contracts powerfully against resistance. Your consultant will assess you in detail. This will ask you how the injury happened and give you a physical examination. Special tests may also be requested such as an MRI scan or ultrasound. -
Potential treatment options icon plus
Whatever the severity of the injury, immediate rest is vital to avoid further damage. The application of ice, compressive bandages and elevation of your leg will provide short term relief. Crutches may be necessary if walking is painful. The following treatments may be recommend by your consultant: - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) - Blood injections - Gentle exercise and regular stretching - Physiotherapy
Our orthopaedic consultants
Our orthopaedic locations
From diagnostics to complex surgery and straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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HCA UK City of London - 31 Old Broad Street
London
EC2N 1HT
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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Chelsea Outpatients
272 & 280 Kings Road
London SW3 5AW
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Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road
London
W1T 7HA
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344