A hamstring contusion is a bruise in the muscles on the back of your thigh. It usually happens when something hits the back of your leg hard during sports like football hockey or rugby. The muscles can get sore swollen and bruised after the hit. A mild contusion may only hurt a little but a severe one can make it hard to walk run or move your leg.
Pain in the back of the thigh
Bruising on the back of the leg
Swelling in the thigh
Muscle tightness or stiffness
Weakness in the leg
Trouble walking running or jumping
Pain when bending forward
Pain going up stairs or hills
Tenderness when touching the area
Limping after the injury
Trouble stretching the leg normally
Severe pain after getting hit in the leg
Sudden pain in the back of your thigh after getting hit
Area may feel sore, tight, weak, or stiff
Painful to run, jump, kick, walk uphill, or bend forward
Bruising, swelling or tenderness in area of pain
Getting hit by another player
Falling onto your leg
Getting hit by a ball
Direct contact during sports
Did I get hit in the back of my thigh during sports or activity?
Does the back of my thigh hurt when I walk run jump or kick? , Is there bruising swelling or tenderness on my thigh?
Does my leg feel stiff or tight especially after resting?
Do I limp or have trouble using my leg normally?
Does it hurt when I bend forward or go upstairs?
Does the area feel weak or sore when touched?
Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.
1Rest your leg and avoid sports
2Use ice 15 to 20 minutes
3Keep your leg raised when resting
4Move gently if it does not hurt
5Avoid hard stretching right away
6Return to sports slowly when pain is gone
You cannot walk without limping badly
Your thigh becomes very swollen or bruised
The pain is severe even while resting
You cannot move your leg normally
Rest your leg and avoid contact sports
Use ice 15 to 20 minutes
Start gentle movement when pain improves
Return to sports slowly and carefully
For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice.