The hamstrings are a group of three muscles located at the back of your upper leg that play a vital role in movement. They allow you to bend your knee, extend your hip, and stabilize your lower body during walking, running, or jumping. When one or more of these muscles is overstretched or torn, it results in a hamstring strain.
Hamstring strains are among the most common sports injuries, especially in activities involving sprinting or sudden acceleration. However, they can also occur in anyone who performs quick movements, slips unexpectedly, or has tight, fatigued muscles.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide precise diagnosis and individualized treatment plans to help patients across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas recover from hamstring injuries and return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.
The hamstring group includes three muscles:
- Biceps femoris (outer hamstring)
- Semitendinosus (middle)
- Semimembranosus (inner)
These muscles connect to the ischial tuberosity (pelvic bone) at the top and the tibia and fibula below the knee via strong tendons. A strain occurs when the muscle fibers or tendons are stretched beyond their limits, leading to small microtears or, in severe cases, complete rupture.
Hamstring strains are classified by severity:
- Grade 1: Mild overstretching with minimal tearing and tightness.
- Grade 2: Partial muscle tear causing moderate pain, swelling, and weakness.
- Grade 3: Severe or complete tear of the muscle or tendon, often requiring surgical repair.
Prompt treatment ensures the best chance of full recovery and prevents chronic stiffness or reinjury.
Causes and Risk Factors
Hamstring strains usually occur during sudden or forceful movements, especially when the muscle is contracted and stretched at the same time.
Common causes include:
- Improper warm-up: Tight or cold muscles are more likely to tear.
- Muscle fatigue: Weakened or overused muscles lose flexibility and control.
- Poor flexibility: Tight hamstrings or hip flexors increase strain during movement.
- Muscle imbalance: Strong quadriceps and weak hamstrings can pull the leg out of alignment.
- Inadequate recovery: Returning to activity too soon after a previous strain.
Risk factors include:
- Athletic participation in sprinting or kicking sports
- Previous hamstring injuries
- Poor posture or pelvic alignment
- Weak gluteal or core muscles
- Age-related muscle stiffness
Hamstring strain symptoms can range from mild discomfort to sudden, severe pain.
Common symptoms include:
- Sharp pain or a “popping” sensation at the back of the thigh
- Swelling or bruising that develops within hours
- Muscle tightness or spasms
- Difficulty walking or bending the knee
- Tenderness or visible indentation at the injury site
Severe tears may cause a noticeable gap or lump in the muscle and significant bruising down the leg.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, conducts a detailed evaluation to determine the strain’s severity and the most effective treatment plan.
Diagnostic steps include:
- Medical history: Discussion of activity level, injury mechanism, and prior muscle issues.
- Physical examination: Checking tenderness, swelling, and range of motion.
- Strength testing: Determines muscle involvement and function loss.
Imaging tests:
- Ultrasound: Detects soft-tissue tears and inflammation.
- MRI: Confirms the extent of the injury and helps distinguish between strain and tendon rupture.
This comprehensive diagnostic approach allows Dr. Burke to differentiate between mild strains that can heal conservatively and more severe injuries that require advanced treatment.
Treatment for hamstring strains focuses on reducing pain and inflammation, promoting healing, and restoring muscle strength and flexibility.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- RICE protocol: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation to reduce swelling and pain.
- Activity modification: Avoiding running, jumping, or bending until symptoms improve.
- Anti-inflammatory medication: Helps reduce inflammation and pain.
- Bracing or wrapping: Supports the muscle and minimizes re-injury during recovery.
- Custom rehabilitation program that includes stretching, strengthening, and gradual load-bearing exercises to rebuild flexibility and prevent recurrence.
Surgical Treatments
Surgery may be required for severe or complete tears that cannot heal on their own.
Procedures may include:
- Hamstring Tendon Repair: Reattaches the torn tendon to the bone.
- Reconstructive Surgery : Used in complex or chronic injuries where tissue repair is needed for proper function.
Early intervention ensures optimal healing and long-term strength recovery.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery depends on the severity of the strain and adherence to rehabilitation.
Typical recovery timelines:
- Grade 1: 2–3 weeks
- Grade 2: 4–8 weeks
- Grade 3: 3–6 months (including surgical recovery)
Rehabilitation goals:
- Restore full muscle length and flexibility
- Strengthen hamstrings, glutes, and core for balanced movement
- Improve posture and gait mechanics
- Prevent future strains through education and proper conditioning
Dr. Burke’s team tailors each rehabilitation plan to the patient’s fitness level, goals, and injury severity, ensuring a complete and confident return to activity.
Long-Term Outlook and Prevention
With proper care, most patients fully recover from hamstring strains without lasting issues. However, ignoring symptoms or rushing back to activity can lead to chronic weakness, scar tissue, or repeated injuries.
Prevention tips:
- Warm up before sports or exercise
- Stretch hamstrings and hip flexors regularly
- Increase activity intensity gradually
- Avoid overtraining and allow adequate rest between workouts
- Maintain hydration and nutrition to support muscle health
Prevention and consistent strengthening are key to reducing recurrence and maintaining long-term flexibility and performance.
You should see an orthopedic specialist if:
- You feel a sudden sharp pain or pop in the back of your thigh
- Swelling or bruising develops rapidly
- You have trouble walking or bending your knee
- You suspect a severe tear or complete loss of strength
Prompt medical evaluation ensures faster recovery and prevents chronic complications.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If pain or tightness in the back of your upper leg is limiting your movement, professional evaluation can help you heal properly and regain strength.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we combine advanced diagnostics, conservative treatments, and surgical expertise to restore muscle function and prevent reinjury.
We proudly serve Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, providing comprehensive orthopedic care to help you move freely again.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in muscle and tendon injuries.
