When a hamstring pull is more than just a strain

Affecting both professional athletes and recreational players, hamstring issues account for a significant proportion of muscle injuries seen in sport. (Envato Elements pic)

PETALING JAYA: As football fans follow the action at the Fifa World Cup, many are returning to the pitch themselves, whether for friendly games, futsal matches, or training sessions.

Most players might worry about ankle sprains or knee injuries, but another common injury often starts with what feels like a simple pull at the back of the thigh.

According to consultant orthopaedic, trauma and sports surgeon Dr Aminudin Mohamed Shamsudin, hamstring injuries account for a significant proportion of muscle injuries seen in sport, affecting both professional athletes and recreational players.

The hamstrings are a group of muscles running along the back of the thigh. They help bend the knee, extend the hip, and generate the power needed for sprinting, kicking and sudden changes of direction.

“When these muscles are placed under extreme stress, the fibres can stretch beyond their limit, causing a strain, tear, or in severe cases, complete detachment from the bone,” said Aminudin.

Not all hamstring injuries are the same. Mild strains may cause temporary pain and discomfort, with recovery taking several weeks. More severe injuries can involve larger tears, significant bruising and a longer rehabilitation period.

In rare cases, the tendon can pull away from the bone – a condition known as an avulsion injury – requiring surgery.

Because symptoms can vary, persistent pain should not automatically be dismissed as a routine sports injury.

Some cases improve with rest and physiotherapy, while others may require imaging and specialist assessment to determine the extent of the damage.

A different risk for young athletes

Hamstring injuries are often associated with adult athletes, but children and teenagers can face a different problem altogether.

Dr Maria Shelynn Wong, a consultant orthopaedic, trauma and paediatric orthopaedic surgeon, noted that growing athletes remain vulnerable because parts of their skeleton are still developing.

Around the ages of 13 to 15, the area where the hamstring attaches to the pelvis is still maturing. During this stage, a sudden powerful movement can sometimes pull on the growth plate rather than the muscle itself.

This may result in an apophyseal avulsion fracture, where a small piece of bone is pulled away from the pelvis.

Although uncommon, the injury can easily be mistaken for a simple muscle strain. Young athletes may try to continue training, while parents and coaches assume the pain is part of normal sporting activity.

Hamstring injuries can happen to both young and old athletes, with potentially different outcomes and treatments required. (Envato Elements pic)

Warning signs include a sudden popping sensation, pain around the buttock or upper thigh, swelling, difficulty walking, trouble straightening the knee, or numbness and tingling down the leg.

When these symptoms occur, imaging such as X-rays or MRI scans may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.

Most cases can be managed without surgery, although more severe injuries may require an operation, particularly if the bone fragment has shifted significantly.

Why rushing back can backfire

Whether the injury involves an adult recreational player or a young athlete, specialists say the biggest mistake is often returning to sport too soon.

Pain may disappear before the hamstring has fully regained its strength, flexibility and ability to cope with explosive movements.

A proper rehabilitation programme focuses not only on pain relief but also on restoring strength, range of motion, core stability and sport-specific movement patterns.

“Surgery repairs the mechanical structure, but it does not automatically restore function,” Aminudin pointed out.

He said recovery typically involves progressive strengthening and conditioning to ensure the muscle can safely withstand the demands of sport again.

For younger athletes recovering from growth plate injuries, rehabilitation may take several months, depending on the severity of the injury and response to physiotherapy.

Ultimately, the experts advise athletes not to ignore persistent or recurring hamstring pain. What feels like a minor strain may sometimes involve a more significant tear or, in younger players, an injury to the developing skeleton.

Early assessment and appropriate rehabilitation can help reduce the risk of reinjury and support a safer return to the sport they enjoy.