Hamstring issues!!!

[kcpmeo22]

I would like to know if anyone here has torn, pulled, or strained their hamstring before...or know what the symptons are of each. I am currently on a cycle (3 weeks in) and last night I did something to my hamstring. Out of nowhere it knotted up and relaxed (while I was playing soccer) and I felt nothing right off hand, but the more time passed I started to get a throbing pain. I think I have done this b4 but I was not sure which one it was then either (torn, pulled, or strained). Right now I have issues straightening my leg and there is still pain there, mostly higher up right under the glutes. I am not sure what else you may need to know but I can divulge as much info as needed. It is not swollen where it hurts (right under the glutes), but it may be a lil swollen lower, I can't really tell. I did ice it all night (and kept it elevated). I also have been taking Motrin and Aleve (anti-inflammatories). I really want to know the healing time of what I have and anything I can do to expedite tthis process. Thanks to all and K for all who help.


KC

 

[MikeMartial]

KC,
Been there a few times myself, and it's a frustrating injury. By the sounds of it, I think you have a pulled hamstring. Unless there's any sign of a contusion, chances are it's not torn. Regardless, it's injured, and it will take time to heal.

You've already done the best treatment by icing, elevating, and using some NSAIDs. My only other suggestion would be to see a physio, and they would have access to an ultrasound machine. I pulled my left ham twice, quite badly, back in Dec. The second time around I saw a physio, and the ultrasound therapy sped up my healing quite a bit.

BTW, all three ham pulls (2 left, 1 right) have been at the same spot as yours---high at the insertion point, where the hamstring tendon connects with the ischium. I'm not involved in any heavy lifting; my injuries happened during tae kwon do. It's also a common injury in soccer, as you found out.

I'd say: Keep RICEing, using NSAIDs, see a physio, and after at LEAST 48 hours or more, start adding periods of heat with light stretching. Also, when using the cold pack, make sure your leg is in the extended position (not "stretched", but just extended. Don't try and stretch until after the 48 hrs)

Good luck!

 

[kcpmeo22]

Mike,

Thanks alot buddy! That eases my mind a bit. I have only had this injury twice now but it is becoming a complete pain!!! Given I do the ultrasound what would be my recovery time?? What about if I don't do the ultrasound? I am thinking of going to my old college where I played soccer to get the ultrasound for free if I can b/c I am tight on money at the present, but I am not sure how that will fly. Thanks again for all the help!!!!

 

[bigstve12]

rally not much more you can do. When your healed fully, stretch that thing. Strengthen it too, the stronger a muscle is the harder ir is to strain it. good luck

 

[Diddlysquat]

Hi there, had the same problem a few years ago and it took about 3 weeks but that was without doing anything... so hopefully you will heal more quickly as you have been doing RICE. Talking about it later with a friend, he suggested stretching the hamstring about 5 or 6 times a day, just putting your foot up on a chair and stretching out the hamstring. Did this and still do, it really helps. Have had no problems since. He thought that it was not a problem of strength but one of tightness, apparently really tight hams often go hand in hand with low back weakness/ pain so that might be something to think about. Anyway, wishing you a speedy recovery!

 

[MikeMartial]

Talking about it later with a friend, he suggested stretching the hamstring about 5 or 6 times a day, just putting your foot up on a chair and stretching out the hamstring.

Very sound advice. Even just 10 minutes multiple times a day can make a huge difference.

In this link here, I came up with a possible reason for *my* hamstring pulls. Don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing creatine. I've used it with great success in bodybuilding. But combine creatine, dehydration, and a dynamic sport, and it spelled bad news for me.

 

[kcpmeo22]

Thanks again you guys! Come to think of it... I never suffered any sports injury b4 I started BB! And for the longest time, Creatine was the only thing I used! I am currently running V12 by Sans right now as far as creatine goes. Maybe that diagnosis is more accurate than you think!!! I wasn't running hard or fast when it happened. No pivot or plat either. My pace was a lite jog. I am going to up my water to 2 gallons a day while on creatine. I will keep you all informed! Thanks again for all the help. I think it is awesome that I can aome to one place and get all the answers I need from specialist and well informed peers on just about everything!!! Thanks all! Hopefully I can be of help to you all someday!