Hamstring Compartment Syndrome
Region: Hamstring
Hamstring Compartment Syndrome is an injury where pressure builds up inside the muscles in the back of the thigh. This pressure can reduce blood flow and cause severe pain swelling and muscle tightness.
What is Hamstring Compartment Syndrome?
Hamstring Compartment Syndrome is an injury where pressure builds up inside the muscles in the back of the thigh. This pressure can reduce blood flow and cause severe pain swelling and muscle tightness.
Symptoms
  • Severe pain in the back of the thigh
  • Tightness or pressure in the hamstring
  • Swelling in the thigh
  • Bruising in the back of the leg
  • Weakness in the leg
  • Trouble walking or running
  • Pain when stretching the leg
  • Burning or tingling feelings
  • Numbness in the leg
  • Muscle stiffness
What does Hamstring Compartment Syndrome feel like?
  • Hamstring compartment syndrome usually feels like severe pain and tightness in the back of the thigh that gets worse quickly. The leg may feel swollen hard or very painful to move. Some people notice numbness tingling weakness or a burning feeling in the leg. Walking running or stretching the leg may become extremely painful.
What are the common causes of Hamstring Compartment Syndrome
  • Severe hamstring injuries
  • Direct hits to the thigh
  • Falling hard
  • Muscle bleeding after trauma
Self check
  • Does the back of my thigh feel very tight or swollen?
  • Is the pain much worse than a normal pulled muscle?
  • Does it hurt badly when I move or stretch my leg?
  • Does my leg feel weak numb or tingly?
  • Is walking or running very difficult?
  • Did the pain start after a hard hit or serious injury?
Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.
What to do now
  • Stop sports and rest your leg
  • Use ice 15 to 20 minutes
  • Keep your leg raised while resting
  • Avoid hard stretching
  • Move gently only if pain is mild,See a doctor if symptoms get worse
Red flags
  • Severe pain that keeps getting worse
  • Numbness or loss of feeling in the leg
  • Trouble walking or moving the leg normally
  • The thigh feels very swollen hard or tight
Recovery tips
  • Rest your leg and avoid sports
  • Use ice 15 to 20 minutes
  • Follow doctor or physical therapy instructions
  • Return to activity slowly after pain is gone
Educational only. Not a medical diagnosis.