Hamstring Tendinitis

The Hamstring tendon is a soft tissue that connects the muscles of the hamstring to the outer side of the knee. Inflammation of this tendon as a result of excessive strain or force being exerted on the tendon results in hamstring tendonitis.

Excessive use is one of the most common causes of hamstring tendonitis most especially in patients who engage in sports activities such as running and jumping. Hamstring tendonitis is also common in sports that involve contact such as football as a result of rapid change in speeds suffered during running.

Although the occurrence is due to excessive use, but it can also occur if the tendon becomes suddenly overstretched for example when warm-up exercises have been omitted or if they are not sufficient for the level of the activity, this makes the patient to overstrain the hamstring whilst performing sporting activities such as running, kicking, jumping or skipping movements.

People who just started exercising or who have improved their level of physical fitness may also suffer from this injury because they may lack the strength and flexibility to attain their new level of activity.

What are the Causes of Hamstring Tendinitis?

As mentioned above the major causes of hamstring tendinitis is recurring stress on the tendons. This recurring stress may be exacerbated by motion dysfunction or inadequate biomechanics. Activities such as running, jumping, and kicking have been found to be the common causes of the stress.

Below are the lists of factors that increase the risk of developing hamstring tendinitis.

1. Running. Individuals who participate in both short and long distance running are at higher risk of developing hamstring tendinitis.

2. Jump and kicking. Same as runners, people who jump or kick regularly, such as dancers or track athletes, can develop hamstring tendinitis.

3. Previous history of hamstring tendon tears. The risk of developing hamstring tendinitis can be increased by history of partial or complete thickness tendon tear.

4. History of another lower extremity injury. A previous injury to the second lower limb or injuries to other muscles or tendons of the same lower limb have been found to increase the risk of hamstring tendinitis.

5. Lack of flexibility and muscle weakness. One of the major risk factors hamstring tendinitis includes muscle weakness, lack of flexibility, insufficient warm-up and muscle fatigue.

6. Old Age. As you get older, muscles and tendons can lose strength and elasticity, which can increase the risk of hamstring tendonitis. Hamstring tendinitis has been found to be prevalent among middle-aged and older athletes.

7. Muscle imbalance. Muscle instability that occurs between the hamstring and the quadriceps has been shown to increase the occurrence of hamstring tendinitis.

What are the Symptoms of Hamstring Tendinitis?

Below are the most common symptoms of hamstring tendinitis:

• Sharp, burning pain
• Muscle and joint weakness
• Aching or dull throbbing
• Muscle and joint stiffness
• Swelling or inflammation

The symptoms of hamstring tendinitis become exacerbated by further exercise or use and often worse after long periods of inactivity, such as sleeping or sitting.

Symptoms often get worse in the first few hours immediately after the injury and then progressively lessen. The tight or inflamed hamstring tendons usually results in radiating pain in the following parts of the body:

• Knee
• Thigh
• Buttock
• Lower back

Hamstring Tendinitis Treatment

Treatment for Hamstring Tendinitis requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in your hamstring. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids in your hamstring to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.

Products recommended for symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:

Ice Substitute Poultice

Bruise Relief Liniment

Muscle Therapy Massage Oil

Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:

Pain Relief Liniment

Muscle Therapy Massage Oil