• Sudden sharp pain in the back of the thigh
• Pain near the back or outside of the knee
• Feeling or hearing a pop
• Bruising in the back of the leg
• Swelling in the hamstring
• Tightness or stiffness in the leg
• Weakness when bending the knee
• Trouble running sprinting or jumping
• Limping after the injury
• Trouble bending forward

• Sudden sharp pain in the back of the thigh or near the back of the knee.
• Feels like you got kicked in the leg even when nobody touched it
• The area quickly becomes tight, weak, swollen, or bruised
• Can hurt to run, bend forward, jump, or walk
• Popping sensation when the injury happened

• Sudden acceleration
• Overstretching the leg
• Not warming up properly
• Muscle fatigue
• Explosive running or cutting movements

• Did I feel a sudden sharp pain in the back of my thigh?
• Did I hear or feel a pop during activity?
• Is there bruising or swelling in my leg?
• Does my leg feel weak or unstable?
• Does it hurt to sprint jump or bend forward?
• Am I limping after the injury?
• Did the injury happen during a fast movement or sprint?

Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.

1. 1Rest your leg and avoid sports
2. 2Use ice 15 to 20 minutes
3. 3Move gently if pain allows
4. 4Avoid sprinting or jumping
5. 5Keep your leg raised when resting
6. 6Return to activity slowly

• If you heard a pop during the injury
• If walking becomes difficult
• If swelling or bruising is severe
• If your leg feels very weak
• If pain keeps getting worse

• Rest your leg and avoid explosive movements
• Use ice 15 to 20 minutes
• Start gentle movement slowly
• Return to sports only when pain is gone