HAMSTRING PULL

What is the "hamstring"? The hamstring is neither a muscle, ligament nor tendon. It is a group of three muscles that run down the back of the leg. They bend the leg at the knee and also extend the leg at the hip.

This group of muscles are important for power in sprinting. This same sprinting can cause the injury known as "a hamstring pull."

A hamstring pull is a type of muscle strain where muscle fibers are either partially or completely torn. An MRI or CAT scan can better define serious hamstring pulls.

The two major reasons a runner pulls the hamstring is inflexibility to the hamstring and improper warm-up.

The best way to prevent a hamstring pull is to gradually adapt your muscles to the stresses you are going to be placing on them. Gradually start a speed workout program. Don't start a speed workout at your ideal pace, work up to it.

Also,before starting your speed workouts, make sure you are adequately warmed-up. Run about two to three miles before starting the speed workouts.

STRETCH !!!

If you sustain an acute hamstring pull, ice the injury and take anti-inflammatories. For rehabilitation: gently stretch the hamstring, begin a strengthening program for the hamstring, avoid speedworkouts, shorten your stride during your normal runs, use moist heat on the affected area before a workout and ice after your workouts.

To help prevent a hamstring pull, start a strength training program. The program will also improve your all-round effectiveness as a runner and help prevent other injuries