What Are the Different Kinds of Hamstring Injuries? 

You’ve probably heard people say they “pulled a hamstring,” but you may not know what that phrase exactly means. A hamstring injury is a tear in the muscles in the thigh and back of the knee. This condition can be very painful and even cause mobility issues, particularly if left untreated. While hamstring injury refers to general injuries to these muscles, it actually encompasses several conditions that all affect this region. The hamstrings can be injured in various ways, and healing can differ depending on the type of injury. 

Below, Integrated Health Solutions delves into the different kinds of hamstring injuries and how we can treat them using holistic care. If you need assistance, let us know how we can help you. 

Symptoms of a Hamstring Injury

Hamstring injuries are among the most common injuries among sports players and can occur when you least expect it. They occur by rapid movements to the hamstring muscle group, leading to the rupture of muscle fibers and soft tissues. Even seemingly minor injuries can lead to lasting pain. These injuries can happen due to activities like sports or simply lifting something improperly. Active individuals must be aware of the risk of injuries that can come with exercise. 

The hamstrings, which include three muscles, are involved in several important bodily movements, including bending the knee, twisting the knee, and tipping the pelvis when leaning backward. As a result, you may experience pain that becomes pronounced upon movement. 

Hamstring injuries are classified by severity:

• Grade I. If your case is relatively mild, it will manifest as a minor muscle strain that will likely heal within several days. Only a few of the fibers are ruptured, and it doesn’t influence the muscle’s strength or endurance. Pain may start several days following the injury and is often accompanied by stiffness. Each patient may experience different symptoms, but generally, they may have some swelling but still be able to bend the knee as usual.   

• Grade II. A hamstring injury of medium severity may be acute and include swelling, pain and slight function loss. The muscle is partially torn, which can take several weeks to heal. Pain is worsened when adding precision on the muscle or applying resistance when bending the knee. 

• Grade III. If more than half of the muscle fibers are torn, the patient may experience severe pain and swelling. The hamstring is completely torn, which may last for weeks or months. The muscle is very weak and cannot function as normal. 

Each type of hamstring injury has similar symptoms: the differentiating factor is their severity. A health specialist can classify the injury depending on how well you can use your muscle and how intense the pain is. Our chiropractic team then uses this information when creating a customized care plan to help you heal. 

Call Our Chiropractors Today

After a hamstring injury, you need immediate medical attention and to begin the long road to healing. Our team at Integrated Health Solutions can get you started off right. Call today for a consultation.