What is hamstring muscle injury?

26 January 2026

This refers to a strain, pull, or muscle tear caused by an excessive stretch of one of the hamstring muscles that originate in the pelvis and run down the back of the thigh, from the hip to the lower part of the kneecap (patella). These muscles allow us to straighten the leg and flex the knee.

The hamstring muscles are three:

  • Semitendinosus
  • Semimembranosus
  • Biceps femoris

These muscles can tear due to overload. Although these types of injuries are most common in high-performance athletes, everyone is exposed to suffering them if they do not perform stretching exercises before working out.

Potential Risks for Experiencing a Hamstring Muscle Injury include:

  • Muscle weakness.
  • Asymmetrically developed muscles.
  • Muscle fatigue.
  • Previous hamstring injuries.
  • Participation in a sport or activity that involves extreme stretching.
  • Muscle tension/tightness.

Signs and symptoms Hamstring Muscle Injury

  • Discoloration of the back of the leg below the knee.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Tearing sensation.
  • Sudden, sharp, and stabbing pain.
  • Bruising (Hematomas).
  • Swelling.
  • Tenderness.

If you suffered a hamstring muscle injury, it is very important that you allow it to heal completely before resuming your exercise routines, as they can be reinjured.

Diagnosis and treatment Hamstring Muscle Injury

After the doctor analyzes your symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical examination and request the following studies:

  • Ultrasounds
  • X-rays
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

The treatment to follow will depend on the intensity of the symptoms and the severity of the injury, but it generally includes:

  • Pain relievers (Analgesics)
  • Anti-inflammatories
  • Cold compresses
  • Rest with the leg elevated
  • Bandaging or wrapping the injured area
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation

In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a hamstring tendon or muscle.

At the Center for Orthopedics and Traumatology, we seek to improve the lives of patients restricted or immobilized by musculoskeletal disorders or injuries. We specialize in the care of the locomotor system by integrating the latest medical, biological, and technological advances, in strict adherence to the highest international standards of patient care.

Related centers and departments Hamstring Muscle Injury

Orthopedics and Traumatology Center
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Sources:

  • cun.es
  • aaro.org
  • tmcaz.com
  • orthoinfo.aaos.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • mayoclinic.org
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • Hernández-Guízar G, Rangel-Gutiérrez F, Rivera-De CE, et al. Comparación de resultados funcionales después de la reconstrucción del ligamento cruzado anterior con autoinjerto de isquiotibiales: técnica de portal transtibial vs anteromedial. Ortho-tips. 2022;18(2):112-120. doi:10.35366/105500.
  • Domínguez-Gasca LG, Domínguez-Carrillo LG. Ruptura total de isquiotibiales mediales. Acta Med. 2011;9(4):204-210.
  • Rodríguez-Pozos E, Medina-Pontaza O, Quintela-Núñez del Prado H, et al. Evaluación de la intervención educativa en residentes de ortopedia y traumatología para la toma, medición y preparación del injerto de isquiotibiales . Acta Ortop Mex. 2019 Mar-Abr;33(2):102-106.

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    The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.