Hamstring Tears Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Overview

Hamstring injuries are the most frequently reported muscle injuries in athletes. These injuries affect the muscles located along the back (posterior) of the thigh and knee and are especially common in sports that require explosive movements such as sprinting, jumping, or rapid acceleration and deceleration.

The hamstring muscle group consists of three muscles that run from the pelvis down to the knee:

• Semitendinosus – helps bend the knee and extend the hip
• Semimembranosus – assists with knee flexion and hip extension
• Biceps femoris – plays a key role in knee flexion and rotational stability

Each of these muscles attaches at the hip (pelvis) and crosses the knee joint, making them vulnerable to injury. Hamstring injuries may occur near the hip, in the middle of the muscle belly, or behind the knee, significantly affecting athletic performance and everyday activities like walking or climbing stairs.

What causes Hamstring Tears?

Hamstring injuries often occur in athletes with tight or weak hamstring muscles. Sudden or repetitive stress on the muscle can exceed its ability to stretch, leading to a strain or tear.

1. How the Injury Occurs

• Explosive movements such as sprinting or jumping
• Sudden acceleration or deceleration
• Overstretching the muscle during kicking or reaching

2. Common Everyday Causes

• Slipping or losing balance
• Sudden movements without proper warm-up
• Muscle fatigue or poor flexibility

3. Sports Commonly Associated with Hamstring Injuries

Hamstring injuries are particularly common in sports that demand speed, agility, and repeated muscle loading, including:

• Basketball
• Football
• Soccer
• Track and field
• Rugby
• Baseball
• Softball
• Tennis

Athletes in these sports are at higher risk due to frequent sprinting, sudden stops, and rapid directional changes.

Symptoms

You may have a hamstring injury if you experience sudden pain in the back of the thigh, along with one or more of the following hamstring tear symptoms:

• A sudden popping or snapping sensation at the time of injury
• Pain behind the knee
• Pain in the buttocks or upper thigh near the hip
• Sharp or aching pain in the posterior thigh
• Swelling, bruising, or muscle weakness

These symptoms may indicate a partial or complete hamstring tear.

Initial Hamstring Strain Treatment at Home

If you suspect a hamstring strain, begin treatment immediately to reduce pain and inflammation:

• Rest: Avoid activities that cause pain; crutches may be needed for severe injuries
• Ice: Apply ice to the affected area several times a day
• Gentle stretching: Only as tolerated and after acute pain subsides

Non-operative treatment

Most hamstring injuries, including Grade I, Grade II, and many Grade III injuries, are treated without surgery using conservative hamstring strain treatment, such as:

• Rest and activity modification
• Ice and anti-inflammatory medications
• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Physical therapy guided by a licensed professional

Rehabilitation Exercises

A structured exercise program is critical for restoring strength, flexibility, and function.

(Refer to the PDF Exercise Program below.)

Hamstring Tear

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is rarely required for hamstring injuries. However, individuals with a severe Grade III tear, particularly those involving complete muscle detachment from the pelvis, may be candidates for surgical repair.

During surgery, the torn hamstring muscles are reattached to the bone using sutures or anchors through a small incision. Surgical intervention is typically reserved for injuries that fail to heal with conservative treatment or result in significant functional limitations.