Hamstring strain
I felt a sharp pain in the back of my thigh while sprinting. What now?
A common sprinting and kicking injury. Structured, progressive rehabilitation and clear return-to-sport criteria lower the risk of it happening again.
What it feels like
A sudden sharp pain or pulling sensation in the back of the thigh during sprinting, kicking or a fast stretch, followed by pain walking or bending forward and sometimes bruising.
What is actually happening
The hamstring muscles or their tendons are strained, most often during the late swing phase of sprinting when the muscle is lengthening under high load. A previous hamstring strain is one of the strongest risk factors for another, which is why complete rehabilitation matters.
When to see a doctor first
See a doctor promptly if you felt a pop high up near the sitting bone, have large bruising, a visible gap or major weakness bending the knee. These can be signs of a tendon avulsion, which may need a surgical opinion soon after the injury.
How it is assessed
Assessment covers how it happened, where it is tender, pain-free range of motion, and strength testing, which together help estimate the severity and guide the plan.
How it is treated
Clinical guidelines support progressive rehabilitation that includes agility and trunk stabilisation exercises and eccentric strengthening (lengthening under load), built up over the course of recovery, together with a graded running and sprinting progression. Return to sport is based on criteria, such as full pain-free strength and range and pain-free sprinting, rather than on time alone. The Nordic hamstring exercise is commonly used to help reduce the risk of future strains.
What to do first
Avoid stretching hard or sprinting on it, keep walking within comfort, and have it assessed so that rehabilitation starts early and is progressed properly.
Where this is assessed
- The Runner's Academy St. Clair West · Mon/Wed/Fri · 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM Book at Runner's Academy
- Athlete's Care Sports Medicine Centres Yonge & Eglinton · Mon/Wed/Fri · 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Book at Athlete's Care
- Push Pounds Sports Medicine Downtown Toronto · Tue/Thu · 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM Call Push Pounds to book
References
This page is based on the following clinical practice guidelines and research.
- Martin RL, Cibulka MT, Bolgla LA, et al. Hamstring Strain Injury in Athletes. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2022;52(3):CPG1-CPG44.
- Heiderscheit BC, Sherry MA, Silder A, et al. Hamstring strain injuries: recommendations for diagnosis, rehabilitation, and injury prevention. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2010;40(2):67-81.