Anyone have experience with hamstring injuries? Hurt mine running a couple of days ago. It's swollen and actually bruised today. Bruising started just above the knee on the back of my leg and has moved even below the knee.

 

Plan on seeing the doctor tomorrow. Hurts to walk...our pretty much do anything. What kind of recovery time should I expect?

Hamstring injuries suck. It's not the recovery time that gets you, it's the mental aspect. I hurt mine a few years ago playing softball. I still always have that feeling of it can go at anytime, so I don't run as hard as I used to. It will probably take a few weeks to a month where it shouldnt bother you if it's not too bad.

Hamstring injuries are no fun.

 

I've never had bruising or swelling because of a pulled hamstring. But, I can tell you the recovery time is longer than most injuries. It's a big muscle and every time you take a step you'll feel the twinge. Rest it as much as possible.

I pulled mine a few years ago while sleeping on the couch with my daughter. I woke up to a burning sensation in the back of my leg as I fell asleep with it propped up on the armrest while watching a movie. It occurred in April, and I wasn't 100% until about January/February. After a couple months of not healing, I went to the doctor. There wasn't any structural damage, so the doctor told me only rest would heal it. I was coaching 2 baseball teams at the time, which then turned into coaching fall soccer, and then finally indoor, so I never had time to fully rest it until those winter months where I had minimal activity with the indoor teams. If you can afford to do so, don't do anything so it has time to heal. I didn't, and it took forever to do so.

I partially tore both hamstrings at the same time. Worst pain I have ever dealt with.... More than a dislocated ankle and broken bones. Turned black and blue from my cheeks to the back of my knees. Took me 6 months before I could even pick my feet up to climb stairs. I feel for ya. Most that have bad hammys also have bad backs. Stretch the back and hammys every chance you get.

I partially tore both hamstrings at the same time. Worst pain I have ever dealt with.... More than a dislocated ankle and broken bones. Turned black and blue from my cheeks to the back of my knees. Took me 6 months before I could even pick my feet up to climb stairs. I feel for ya. Most that have bad hammys also have bad backs. Stretch the back and hammys every chance you get.

For a bad back the best thing you can do is really strengthen the core.

I partially tore both hamstrings at the same time. Worst pain I have ever dealt with.... More than a dislocated ankle and broken bones. Turned black and blue from my cheeks to the back of my knees. Took me 6 months before I could even pick my feet up to climb stairs. I feel for ya. Most that have bad hammys also have bad backs. Stretch the back and hammys every chance you get.

 

Just don't stretch the muscle for the first 2 weeks or so after the injury. Stretching at that point can cause further tearing. It's like picking at a scab. HYou'll likely be able to do strengthening exercises before stretching exercises. The best thing to do is ease back into things slowly. Try to avoid sudden movement. If you have access to a pool, walking in a pool is great work. Take things right up to the point where it feels like it is going to hurt. Each day, you should be able to push things just a little further. If you find something hurts, don't do it. Continue using ice to control pain and swelling. Overall, you're looking at anywhere from 3 weeks to up to 60 days depending on how severe the tear was. Once you are healed, focus on building strength in your hammy. Still legged deadlifts, Roman chair situps (contract the hams to pull yourself up, not using your lower back)

I've had a hammy go. Vey painful. Came across an interesting tip on preventing ham pulls. Run backwards.

Doctor says she thinks it's a tear. Gotta get an mri and see an ortho dr. Ugh...this sucks

Bruising generally means there is a tear.

It is awful, just awful. I partially tore my from my hip girdle going into my JR. year of college. Breaking down the scar tissue after you let it heal for awhile is the worst part.

Bruising generally means there is a tear.

 

It's bruised down near the back of my knee and near the top of the hamstring too.

Dang dude. That's rough. I hope it isn't as bad as it seems.

Dang dude. That's rough. I hope it isn't as bad as it seems.

 

Thanks me to. Find out tomorrow hopefully

Pulled mine trying to surf behind a wakesetter a couple of weeks ago. Felt the 'pop'. thought for sure it would bruise, never did. I move at about 80% now, but when I drive my truck it hurts like heck. Feels like I'm sitting on a rock.