• Deep pain in the buttock (especially near the "sit bone")
• Pain in the back of the thigh
• Tingling sensations down the leg
• "Pins and needles" down the leg
• Numbness in the back of he thigh, calf, or foot
• Burning pain that travels down the leg
• Tightness in the hamstring muscles
• Pain that gets worse during running or sprinting
• Pain when sitting for long periods
• Weakness in the affected leg
• Reduced flexibility or difficulty stretching the hamstring
• Symptoms that feel similar to sciatica

• Deep ache or sharp pain in your butt or in the back of your thigh
• Some peolpe feel tingling, burning, or numbness that travels down their leg because the sciatic nerve is being irritates
• Pain often gets worse during exersice, especially with activities such as running, sprinting, or stretching
• Sitting for expended periods of time can make the leg feel tight, weak, or uncomfortable to move

• Previous hamstring injury that leaves scar tissue behind
• Repeated sprinting or running that puts stress on the hamstring
• Overuse of the hamstring muscles from frequent training or competition
• Scar tissue or adhesions that form near the sciatic nerve
• Chronic inflammation near the top if the hamstring muscles
• Poor flexibility in the hamstrings and surrounding muscles
• Muscle imbalances that place extra strain on the hamstrings
• Activities that involve repetitive hip bending such as rowing or cycling
• Returning to sports too soon after a hamstring injury
• Improper rehabilitation after a hamstring sprain

• Do I feel pain deep in my buttock or near my sit bone?
• Does the pain travel down the back of my thigh or leg?
• Do I experience tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation in my leg?
• Does sitting for a long time make the pain worse?
• Does running, sprinting, or exercising increase my symptoms?
• Have I had a hamstring injury in the past?
• Does stretching my hamstring cause pain or discomfort?
• Does my leg feel unusually tight or weak?
• Do my symptoms feel similar to sciatica?
• Have my sumptoms lasted for weeks or months without improving?
• Does the pain return whenever I try to return to sports?
• Do I notive discomfort when bending forward or lifting my leg?

Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.

1. 1Tell a parent, coach, athletic trainer, or healthcare provider about your symptoms.
2. 2Stop activities that make the pain worse, especially sprinting or intense exercise.
3. 3Rest the injured area and avoid overusing the hamstring.
4. 4Apply ice to help reduce pain and inflammation.
5. 5Avoid sitting for long periods if it increases your symptoms.
6. 6Follow any rehabilitation or stretching program reccomended by a healthcare professional.
7. 7Pay attention to any tingling, numbness, or weakness in your leg and report these symptoms to a doctor.
8. 8Do not ignore ongoing pain, especailly if it lasts for several weeks.
9. 9Gradually return to sports only when your symptoms improve.

• Severe pain that suddenly appears and does not improve with rest.
• Significant weakness in the leg that makes it diffidult to walk, rin, or climb stairs.
• Perristent numbness or tingling that spreads down the leg.
• Loss of sensation in part of the leg or foot.
• Pain that continues to worsen over time instead of improving.
• Symptoms that interfere with daily activities, such as sitting, walking, or sleeping.
• Loss of bowel or bladder control.
• Severe lower back pain along with leg symptoms, which may indicate a spinal nerve problem rather than hamstring syndrome.
• A noticeable deformity, bruising, or swelling after an injury.

• Rest from activities that cause pain.
• Avoid sitting for long periods.
• Apply ice to paintful areas for 15-20 minutes at a time to help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Do gentle stretching only if it does not increase pain.
• Follow a physical therapy program.
• Practice good posture to reduce stress on the sciatic nerve.
• Stay consistent with rehabilitation exercises.