Health Answers

In the first part of this two-part series I mentioned that hamstring injuries are one of the main types of injuries sustained by sports people.

Sometimes you will hear runners asking how soon after their hamstrain injury will they be able to run again.  This is confusing because although this type of injury is a strain, the correct name for it is not in fact a hamstrain, but a hamstring.

How soon you can take up running again following a hamstring injury will all depend on how severe the injury is.  These kinds of strains are rated as first, second or third degree injuries.  Minor tears will occur at first degree level which will heal fairly quickly by using ice and resting the leg.

Second degree strains to the hamstring muscle is when moderate tears and pain generally cover a larger area of the muscle than a first degree tear.  The muscle is rigid and weak and some bruising may occur.

A third degree tear will show much bruising and the muscle is likely to ball up.  This tightening of the muscle can be felt by the hand.  However, these type of third degree strains are less common than first and second degree injuries.

Following a hamstring injury athletes should follow a rehabilitation program of rest, compression, elevation, ice and gentle strengthening and stretching exercises. Running after the hamstring injury can recommence as soon as the leg is completely healed.

If first degree injuries are not cared for in the proper manner and not allowed to heal before running starts again, second and third degree tears are much more likely to occur. Therefore,  it is important to make sure your injury is properly healed or you may find yourself sidelined for even longer than you expected with the initial injury.

Time away from the sport because of injury always makes athletes disappointed but they will be well rewarded with stronger and faster legs when they follow a rehabilitation program to heal their injuries, and strengthen and stretch their muscles.

Share This