Thigh injury
Hamstring strain
A 'hamstring strain' or 'pulled hamstring' occurs when you tear one of the hamstring muscles that run down the back of the leg. It is a common injury in all sports, particularly where sprinting is involved. A hamstring strain can range in severity from a mild micro-tear in the hamstring that you won't notice until after the event, to a complete rupture of the hamstring muscle.
What are the symptoms?
- Sharp pain in the back of the leg
- Bruising and swelling
- Muscles spasms
How should it be treated?
Treatment for hamstring strain depends largely on the severity of the injury. For a slight injury, it may be enough to slow down your training for a week. More serious injuries may require a long-term rehabilitation programme.
As with any injury, if it is very painful you should visit your doctor for a diagnosis and advice about treatment. This is likely to include some of the following:
- RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and crutches may be necessary for more serious strains. Don't apply ice directly to the skin, always use an ice pack wrapped in soft material
- you can wear a compression bandage if you feel it helps to reduce the pain
- after the acute phase, deep sports massage on the muscle may be used
- ultrasound and electrical stimulation techniques are sometimes used
- a rehabilitation programme suggested by your doctor to strengthen the hamstrings and prevent repeat injury
- an operation may be needed for complete hamstring rupture.
- a key part of treatment is to improve poor training techniques and to increase flexibility
Quadriceps contusion
A contusion is common in contact sports such as rugby, where it is caused by a direct blow. The injury used to be known as a 'Charley Horse.' It occurs when the muscle is crushed against the bone. The injury varies in severity, but more serious injuries should be treated with respect, since ongoing problems may be caused by mistreatment.
Two types of contusion injury can occur:
Intramuscular contusion - this is when the muscle is torn within its protective sheath. Bleeding within the muscle is limited, but the fluid collected in the wound cannot escape because it is contained within the sheath. This injury can take days or weeks to heal.
Intermuscular contusion - this is when the sheath surrounding the muscle is torn along with the muscle. Bleeding can last longer with this sort of injury but, because the fluid can escape from the sheath, it is easier for the bruising to come out and healing to occur.
What are the symptoms?
- Pain after a knock to the leg
- You might get swelling or bruising (see below)
- Restricted movement is not uncommon
- If the swelling has not gone after two or three days then an intramuscular injury is most likely
- If the bleeding has spread and caused bruising after a couple of days you probably have an intermuscular injury
How should it be treated?
- You should use RICE (Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevation) for the injury. Don't apply ice directly to the skin, always use an ice pack wrapped in soft material. Use a compression bandage or crutches until the pain has gone
- Visit your doctor or sports injury specialist to obtain an exercise programme to rehabilitate the injury
- Sports massage techniques may help to speed up recovery
- An operation may be needed for more severe injuries
Sources
The following sources were used to write this feature
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