Diagnosis and Treatment of Hamstring Strains in Wake County
What is a Hamstring Strain?
Hamstring strains are among the most common sports injuries, which can leave athletes sidelined far longer than they’d like. The hamstring, comprised of three muscles running along the back of the thigh, is a vital muscle group for athletic performance. In the event of a hamstring strain, one or more of these muscles become overloaded, causing microscopic tears in the muscle fibers. Playing sports that involve lots of running, jumping, abrupt movements, and sudden changes in direction can put you at risk of a hamstring strain. If you suspect you’ve tweaked your hamstring during sports or other physical activity, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists. At Raleigh Orthopaedic, our doctors take great pride in crafting individualized treatment plans, dedicating their time to learning about you and gaining insight into your condition. For additional information about hamstring strains and related injuries, as well as how we can assist you, please reach out to your nearest Raleigh Orthopaedic location today!
What Causes Hamstring Strains?
Hamstring strains are often a result of sudden, intense movements such as sprinting, jumping, kicking, and awkward landings. These injuries frequently occur in sports like football, basketball, soccer, and track and field. Hamstring injuries can occur in athletes of all ages and skill levels, especially when the muscles aren’t properly warmed up. This leads to overstretching during sports-related activities and causes micro-tears. Additional factors that can contribute to the likelihood of experiencing a hamstring strain are fatigue and muscle weakness. When the hamstring lacks the necessary strength to support explosive movements, it becomes especially vulnerable to strains.
Symptoms of a Hamstring Strain
A hamstring strain can manifest in many ways, making this injury difficult to ignore. Most athletes who sustain a hamstring strain feel immediate discomfort. Symptoms of a hamstring strain include:
- Sudden or sharp pain
- A popping or snapping sensation
- Swelling and tenderness
- Bruising or discoloration
- Weakness and the inability to put weight on the injured leg
- Muscle spasms or cramping
- Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
How is a Hamstring Strain Diagnosed?
If you come to visit us at Raleigh Orthopaedic with a suspected hamstring strain, your sports medicine specialist will start by performing a physical examination of your leg. Your doctor will check for swelling or tenderness and also assess your range of motion. They may also perform specific tests to compare the strength of your injured leg to your uninjured one. For further assistance during diagnosis, doctors may use MRIs and other imaging tests to evaluate the severity of your injury and rule out any other issues. Once a diagnosis has been reached, our team at Raleigh Orthopaedic will create a personalized treatment plan designed to accelerate your recovery and restore your full strength, allowing you to safely return to your sport.
Treatment Options for Hamstring Strains at Raleigh Orthopaedic
With proper care and sufficient recovery time, most hamstring strains can be effectively treated. Athletes should never rush this process, as hamstring strains can easily be reaggravated if they aren’t fully healed. Immediately after the injury, athletes should follow the R.I.C.E method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) for at-home treatment. Taking over-the-counter pain medicines like Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also help to reduce initial pain and swelling. After a thorough diagnosis at Raleigh Orthopaedic, our proposed treatment plan will likely include physical therapy. With assistance from one of our physical therapists, patients will see improvements in strength, flexibility, and range of motion, allowing for a faster and more effective recovery.
For severe hamstring strains (Grade 3) surgical treatment may be necessary to effectively address and treat your symptoms. Persistent pain, major functional impairment, or failure to regain full range of motion after rehab may indicate the need for surgery. An arthroscopic hamstring repair is commonly used to address severe strains. During this minimally invasive procedure, surgeons insert a thin tube with a camera through the incision, allowing them to pull the hamstring back into place. Surgeons can remove scar tissue while promoting faster recovery time compared to other traditional procedures. Your specialist at Raleigh Orthopaedic will ensure you have all the information you need for a successful recovery while also answering any questions you have along the way.
How Long Does it Take to Recover from a Hamstring Strain?
Hamstring strains come in different severity levels, ranging from minor stretches to severe tears. To determine how long you can expect your recovery to take, doctors will assess the number of muscle fibers that are injured, which results in a specific grading for the injury.
- Minor Strain (Grade 1)
- Can take a few days to 2 weeks
- Adequate rest and self-care
- Moderate Strain (Grade 2)
- Can take 4-8 weeks
- Includes physical therapy
- Severe Strain (Grade 3)
- Can take 3 months or longer
- Includes physical therapy and surgical treatment if needed
If you attempt to return to your sport too early without proper recovery and rehab, there’s a high likelihood of re-injuring your hamstring. To gain better insight as to when you can expect a return to your regular activities, it’s important to discuss your progress or any concerns you may have with your doctor and physical therapist. By doing so, our team will be able to make adjustments and provide personalized treatment just for you, ensuring a smoother, more effective recovery period.
Can Hamstring Strains Be Prevented?
Preventing hamstring strains can be possible for those who take proper precautions and incorporate a combination of injury prevention strategies into their routine. First and foremost, always ensure that you warm up before any sports-related activities. You should use both stretches and dynamic exercises to prepare your muscles for strenuous activities. Gradually increase your level of intensity to avoid shocking your muscles that have been resting for an extended period. Also, make sure to stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to help support overall muscle health and performance.
In addition to these prevention methods, you may also consider working with a sports medicine physician or athletic trainer. In doing so, they will work with you to build better strength in your hamstring. They’ll also teach you techniques to help you avoid any unnecessary complications down the road.
Sports Medicine Specialists at Raleigh Orthopaedic
At Raleigh Orthopedic, we understand that when patients visit us with a hamstring strain, they require a personalized treatment plan for immediate relief and faster recovery. Our professionals have extensive knowledge and expertise in diagnosing and addressing orthopedic sports injuries. We collaborate with you to determine the most appropriate course of action tailored to your specific needs. To begin your journey towards recovery, meet our Wake County sports medicine doctors or contact a Raleigh Orthopedic Clinic near you.
Care and Treatment of Sports Injuries in NC at Raleigh Orthopaedic
At Raleigh Orthopaedic, we pride ourselves on being Wake County’s top orthopedic practice with a wealth of experience. Our goal is to assist patients of all ages in returning to their activities without pain or limitations. Our team specializes in providing comprehensive care for various areas of the body, including the hamstrings. If you are struggling with orthopedic discomfort or have sustained an injury while playing your favorite sport, we urge you to schedule an appointment with us today. You can easily book online or give us a call to receive the exceptional orthopedic care you deserve.