Hamstring Pain

Hamstring pain is a common issue affecting the muscles at the back of the thigh, which are crucial for walking, running, bending the knee, and extending the hip. Injuries to the hamstrings can range from mild strains to severe tears, and if untreated, they can significantly impact mobility, sports performance, and daily activities.

Hamstring Pain

Common Hamstring Conditions We Treat

Hamstring Strain

A stretch or tear of the hamstring muscles, often caused by sudden acceleration, deceleration, or overstretching during sports or physical activity.

Hamstring Tendinopathy

Degeneration or inflammation of the tendons where the hamstrings attach to the pelvis or knee, leading to chronic pain and reduced strength.

Avulsion Injuries

A more severe injury where the tendon pulls away from the bone, sometimes taking a fragment of bone with it. Common in adolescents and athletes.

Muscle Imbalance or Overuse

Repeated stress, poor conditioning, or improper biomechanics can lead to chronic hamstring tightness, trigger points, and recurrent pain.

Symptoms of Hamstring Pain

  • Sudden pain at the back of the thigh during activity

  • Swelling or bruising in acute injuries

  • Stiffness and tightness after activity or prolonged sitting

  • Difficulty walking, running, or bending the knee

  • Weakness in the back of the thigh

Diagnostic Assessment

  • Clinical examination to assess muscle strength, flexibility, and tenderness

  • Diagnostic ultrasound scan to confirm tears or tendinopathy

  • MRI in severe or complex cases

Accurate assessment helps guide treatment and prevent recurrent injuries.

Treatment Options for Hamstring Pain

Conservative Management

  • Rest and activity modification

  • Ice or heat therapy as advised

  • Anti-inflammatory medications (if appropriate)

Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation

  • Stretching and flexibility exercises

  • Progressive strengthening programs

  • Eccentric hamstring exercises to restore muscle function

  • Soft tissue mobilization and trigger point therapy

  • Gait and biomechanical correction

Injection Therapy

  • Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections for tendon inflammation

  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in selected chronic tendinopathy cases

Advanced Treatment

  • Shockwave therapy for chronic tendon injuries

  • Surgery in severe tendon tears or avulsion injuries

Why Early Treatment Matters

Prompt diagnosis and treatment of hamstring injuries prevent chronic pain, recurrent strains, and prolonged downtime from sports or daily activities. Early rehabilitation ensures safe recovery, restores strength and flexibility, and reduces the risk of future injuries.

Persistent hamstring pain should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional to develop a personalised treatment plan.