• Sudden pain in the back of the thigh
• Sharp or pulling pain
• Tight feeling in the hamstring
• Muscle weakness
• Pain while sprinting
• Pain during running
• Pain when jumping
• Pain during quick direction changes
• Pain while stretching the leg
• Trouble running at full speed
• Swelling

• A Recurrent Hamstring Strain usually feels very similar to the first injury. You may suddenly feel a sharp pain or pulling feeling in the back of your thigh while sprinting
• jumping
• or changing direction. The muscle may quickly become tight
• sore
• or weak
• making it hard to keep playing. Some athletes notice that the pain returns in the exact same spot as the old injury. A more serious strain may also cause bruising
• swelling
• or a popping feeling

• Returning to sports too soon after a hamstring injury
• Sprinting before the muscle is fully healed
• Weak hamstring muscles
• Poor flexibility
• Not finishing physical therapy
• Sudden increases in training
• Muscle fatigue during games
• Not warming up before activity
• Previous hamstring injury

• Have I hurt this same hamstring before?
• Did the pain come back while running or sprinting?
• Does the pain feel like my old injury?
• Does sprinting or jumping make the pain worse?
• Is the back of my thigh tight or weak?
• Am I afraid to run at full speed because of the pain?
• Did I return to sports soon after my last injury?

Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.

1. 1Stop playing as soon as the pain returns to prevent a bigger tear
2. 2Put an ice pack on the back of your thigh for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day during the first two days
3. 3Rest from sprinting jumping and fast running until you can walk without pain
4. 4Wear a compression sleeve or compression shorts to help reduce swelling and support the muscle
5. 5Begin gentle range of motion exercises as soon as they feel comfortable to keep your leg from becoming stiff
6. 6Strengthen your hamstrings with bridges heel digs and hamstring curls if it doesnt hurt to do so
7. 7Improve your hip and core strength with band walks because strong hips help protect your hamstrings
8. 8Practice jogging before sprinting and complete sport specific drills before returning to games
9. 9Work with a physical therapist or athletic trainer if you have had more than one hamstring injury

• If the pain returns after an old hamstring injury
• If you heard or felt a pop
• If you cannot walk normally
• If you have a lot of swelling or bruising
• If your leg feels very weak
• If your symptoms keep coming back every time you play sports
• If you cannot return to running without pain

• Finish your full rehab program even if your leg feels better early
• Add hamstring exercises because they are one of the best ways to lower the chance of another hamstring injury
• Strengthen your butt and abs with bridges and planks and resistance band walks to reduce stress on your hamstrings
• Warm up with light jogging leg swings butt kicks and high knees before every practice
• Slowly increase your sprint speed instead of returning to full speed right away
• Practice cutting jumping and sprinting drills before playing in a game
• Stretch your hamstrings gently after activity once your provider says it is safe
• Do not return to competition until both legs are equally strong and you can sprint at full speed without pain or tightness