Chronic hamstring injury

Chronic hamstring injury is a hamstring condition that develops gradually and occurs primarily in athletes. We are happy to tell you more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of this condition. Read on below to learn more.

What is chronic hamstring injury?

When the hamstrings are subjected to prolonged overload, chronic hamstring injury can develop. It develops gradually, and the pain increases as a result.

Chronic hamstring injury develops much more gradually, after which the pain worsens. This type of hamstring injury occurs specifically during prolonged strain. When, for example, there are too few rest periods, the muscle becomes overloaded. Think especially of activities such as running.

What causes chronic hamstring injury?

Hamstring injuries can be categorized as either chronic or acute. Chronic injuries develop gradually. Due to prolonged (over)use of the muscle, tiny tears can occur in the muscle tissue. This significantly increases the risk of injury. This type of injury is most common in sports such as football, hockey, and track and field. However, not warming up the muscles properly, fatigue, missteps or slips, muscle imbalances, and poor stability can all certainly lead to hamstring injuries.

What symptoms can occur?

There is a difference between acute hamstring injury and non-acute hamstring injury. Acute injury occurs from sudden movements, such as sprinting or braking quickly. Chronic hamstring injury develops gradually. The pain increases over time. This may happen when you run frequently and your muscles get little rest. Chronic hamstring injury is often seen in people who participate in marathons and triathlons. The symptoms of chronic hamstring injury are more difficult to diagnose than acute ones. Below is a list of symptoms that may occur:

• Pain during or after running
• Cramping at the back of the thigh
• Loss of strength
• Pain when bending the knee

How is chronic hamstring injury diagnosed?

The diagnosis of hamstring injury is made by a doctor who will assess your symptoms based on a physical examination and a few questions. Based on your answers, the doctor can determine the severity of the injury and what treatment should be started. An X-ray and MRI scan may be recommended.

What treatments are available?

If you are diagnosed with a hamstring injury, it is important to stop exercising for a while. So make sure to rest and listen carefully to your body. You can apply ice to the hamstrings or use a compression bandage. If the pain doesn’t subside or is very severe, you may take pain relief. Your treating doctor can help you with exercises to strengthen the muscle and speed up the healing process.