Medical Health Information

Definition of hamstrings

The hamstring muscles are located in the back of the thigh (upper leg) and consist of three muscles: biceps femoris, semitendinosus and semimembranosus. This muscle group is involved in flexing the leg at the knee, and the extension of the leg at the hip.


Definition of pulled muscle

Muscular elongation hamstring muscle is torn regards only few fibers; tearing (or breakdown) as it relates to a larger number of fibers. There are three levels of torn hamstrings, until complete rupture.

Risks and origins tears or pulled hamstring muscle

The elongation, or even torn hamstring muscle, usually occur during knee extension with a sudden contraction of the muscle. This injury is common in the context of a sports exercise and inadequate heating can promote it, 90% of muscle accidents involve the lower limbs, especially the elongation or tearing of the hamstring muscle.

Causes tears or pulled thigh

The hamstring muscles allow to walk, run or jump. That these actions are carried out correctly, there must be coordination and regional regulation of all the muscles, tendons and joint leading the movement.
Muscle injuries can occur in the event of default in this regulation. The elongation of the hamstrings occurs for example when the knee extends and the muscle is suddenly contracted. Powerful muscular contraction, with simultaneous stretching and high speed generates two opposing forces responsible for elongation or a tear. The elongation corresponds to muscle micro tears overflow elasticity fibers.
A direct impact on the muscle can also cause damage to the muscle.

Elongation - Prevention

How it does it manifest?

Elongation takes place during the year and is characterized by moderate pain behind the thigh. It is a feeling of stretching the muscle but the pain does not preclude further effort.
Tear Level 1 causes a severe pain in the muscle located in the back of the thigh muscle is sore to the touch, but not bruised.


Tear Level 2 also causes pain to exercise, with a contusion (bruise visible after several hours) where the muscle fibers are torn.

Finally, a tear Level 3 corresponds to a breakdown of muscle fibers. The pain is associated with a snap in the thigh causing them to stop the effort.

With what should we be confused?

Do not stretch the hamstrings to be confused with a simple curvature. Pain related to an elongation occurs during exercise, unlike the stiffness that occurs after exercise. Pain elongation disappears after exercise and reappears in subsequent years.

Will it possible prevention?

Prevention of muscle injury based on a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and fight against overweight, to avoid stress on the muscles.

Sports training should be progressive and depending on your physical condition. The equipment must be adapted to correct eg support possible defects with good shoes. Especially, the gradual heating of the muscles and tendons (10 minutes) is essential before and after physical activity: a stretching session, alternating tension and relaxation maintained, allow a better recovery.


Ideally, the advice of a professional trainer help perfect the technique, and to hunt movements or dangerous behavior.

Elongation - Consultation


When you consult?

At the onset of pain during physical exercise, it is imperative to stop the current activity not aggravate injuries. Must be cooled and compressed muscle.
The rest should be continued sporting several days, a medical consultation is needed to determine the extent of damage and consider physiotherapy.
In cases of severe elongation and complete tear of the muscle, immediate care, emergency, is required.

What is the doctor?

The doctor confirms the diagnosis stretching or tearing of the hamstring clinically (palpation, visual inspection). Clinical examination also eliminates another cause (tendon rupture, or avulsion fracture).
Ultrasound is complementary examination to specify the exact location and nature of the muscle injury.
Treatment depends on the severity of the infringement. The acute phase has a glaze (to relieve pain and reduce inflammation), rest, and compression of the muscle. Some analgesic or anti-inflammatory drugs are sometimes prescribed in this phase.
The rehabilitation period (a few days) includes physiotherapy / physical therapy.
Surgery as it relates to the complete muscle ruptures.

How to prepare my next visit?

Sporting activity and muscle load must be taken only when all pain has disappeared, and the strength and mobility have returned to normal. Premature resumption causes a significant risk of relapse. Similarly, do not rub or apply heat to the affected muscle. This can aggravate the pain, injuries and cause bleeding.