Hamstring Tendonitis of the Hip Symptoms & Treatment Options

Overview

The hamstrings are a group of strong muscles and tendons located at the back of the upper leg. This group includes three main muscles: the semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and biceps femoris, which are essential for movements such as running, jumping, and walking. 

Tendons connect these muscles to the hip bone, the femur (thigh bone), and the top of the lower leg bones. In certain sports or activities, the hamstring tendons can become irritated or inflamed, leading to a condition known as hamstring tendinitis..

What causes Hamstring Tendonitis of the Hip?

Hamstring tendinitis occurs when the tendons at the back of your upper leg become irritated or inflamed. This condition often causes pain in the back of the  thigh, stiffness, and difficulty with movements such as running, jumping, or walking. It is usually the result of overuse, sudden movements, or inadequate warm-up and stretching before activity. Older athletes or those participating in high-intensity sports are more prone to developing this condition.

How the Injury Occurs:
Hamstring tendinitis  typically develops when the hamstring tendons are repeatedly stressed, stretched, or overloaded. This can lead to microscopic tears in the tendon fibers, causing inflammation, tenderness, and discomfort in the upper thigh or hip area.

Common Everyday Causes:
This condition can occur not only during sports but also in daily activities that involve sudden sprinting, abrupt stops, or heavy lifting without proper technique.

Hamstring Tendinopathy is Common in These Sports:

• Track and Cross-Country Running: Sudden acceleration or long-distance running can strain the hamstrings.
  
• Soccer and Football: Quick sprints, kicks, and sudden stops put high stress on the tendons.
  
• Tennis and Baseball: Rapid running, cutting, and pivoting movements can contribute to tendon overload.
  
• Basketball: Jumping, sprinting, and sudden changes in direction often stress the hamstring tendons.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of hamstring tendinitis is pain, particularly near the points where the hamstring tendons attach to the hip, pelvis, or upper leg bones. This pain may develop gradually or appear suddenly after intense activity. People often notice stiffness, tenderness, or a dull ache in the back of the thigh, which can worsen with running, jumping, or bending the leg. Other signs can include swelling, a feeling of weakness in the leg, and difficulty fully extending or sitting for long periods. Symptoms are usually more noticeable during sports or exercises that require sprinting, sudden stops, or repetitive leg movements.

Common Signs Include:

• Pain in Specific Areas: Discomfort may appear in the buttocks, along the back of the thigh, or near the knee. Pain in the buttocks is often a key indicator of proximal hamstring tendinopathy.
  
• Activity-Related Pain: Movements that engage the hamstrings, like running, jumping, or bending can intensify the pain.
  
• Muscle Weakness: Inflammation of the hip and surrounding muscles may cause temporary weakness in the hamstrings, making it harder to perform normal athletic movements.

Non-operative treatment

Most cases of hamstring tendonitis of the hip are treated without surgery. Conservative approaches focus on reducing pain, improving flexibility, and gradually restoring strength and function. Typical treatments may include:

• Rest and Activity Modification: Take a break from sports or high-impact activities and avoid walking long distances until symptoms improve. Limiting activities that aggravate the tendon allows the area to heal. 
• Cold Therapy (Ice): Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation. Ice packs are usually recommended for 15–20 minutes at a time, several times a day. 
• Stretching Exercises: Gentle stretching, as recommended by your doctor or physical therapist, can improve flexibility and relieve tension in the muscles and tendons. 
• Physical Therapy: Working with a licensed therapist or Athletic Trainer helps strengthen the surrounding muscles, improve mobility, and support a gradual return to activity. Therapy often begins while you are resting from sports and continues as you slowly increase your activity level. 

Healthcare professionals can  provide a structured exercise program to target the hamstring tendons safely. These exercises help reduce pain, restore movement, and prevent future injuries

Try these exercises to help address your condition:

Below is a PDF of the Exercise Program

Hamstring Tendonitis