Proximal Hamstring Strain
What is it: General term used to describe injury to the hamstring muscle-tendon units (biceps femoris, semimembranosous, semitendonosous). Injury may be caused by forceful contraction, overuse or over stretching of the mucle tendon unit.
How does it present: Patients usually present with posterior thigh pain and may report a "pop" and/or sudden onset of posterior thigh pain during activity. Pain is located over the injured muscle and worsens with activity.
Common exam findings: Local tenderness at the site of the injured proximal hamstring. Pain is exacerbated by hamstring flexibility testing and resisted hip extension with the knee flexed to 90 degrees.
Tests and treatment: Radiographs of the pelvis are often not needed to make the diagnosis, but may be helpful to rule out associated avulsion fractures. Initial treatment may include rest, ice, compression, elevation, protected weight bearing and/or pain medication. Progressive stretching and strengthening or formal physical therapy can then be used to rehabilitate the injury.