Hamstring tendinopathy is a painful condition that affects the hamstring tendon. This type of injury is common among athletes who involve themselves in sports that require leg bending or hip extension. Hamstring tendinopathy symptoms can significantly impact an individual’s life, making it challenging to engage in physical activities and, in some cases, resulting in long-term chronic pain. If you suspect that you may be experiencing hamstring tendinopathy symptoms, it is essential to seek the advice of a professional. In this blog, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of hamstring tendinopathy and how a physiotherapist or a chiropractor can help you.
Symptoms of Hamstring Tendinopathy: The most common symptom of hamstring tendinopathy is pain in the hamstring tendon region. The pain may be localized to the back of the thigh or throughout the hamstring muscle. It may also be felt deeper within the pelvis. Some individuals may experience stiffness or tenderness in the affected area, while others may feel a burning sensation or experience swelling. In severe cases, the pain can be felt when walking or standing.
Risk Factors of Hamstring Tendinopathy: Certain factors can increase the risk of developing hamstring tendinopathy, such as participating in sports that require repetitive leg bending or hip extensions, sudden increase in intensity or training volume, previous leg injury, and age. Individuals who participate in sports such as soccer, running, and jumping activities are more likely to develop hamstring tendinopathy.
Treatment of Hamstring Tendinopathy: If you are experiencing any hamstring tendinopathy symptoms, it is important to seek medical assistance from a professional, such as a physiotherapist or a chiropractor. The treatment plan will depend on the severity of the condition. Initially, RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) can help alleviate pain and inflammation. A physiotherapist can assess the affected area to develop and provide a tailored exercise program designed to promote recovery and prevent re-injury. Chiropractors can provide soft tissue techniques to reduce muscle tension and may use adjustments to help reduce any joint dysfunction or fixations in the hip, knee, and ankle.
Prevention: There are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of developing hamstring tendinopathy. Engage in proper warm-up and cool-down activities before and after exercising. Stretching exercises before and after workouts is essential to reducing risk factors, as is gradually increasing the intensity and volume of your training without overtaxing your muscles too quickly. Maintaining good flexibility and muscle strength will also help decrease the chances of sustaining muscle injuries.
When to Seek Treatment: If you experience pain in your hamstring tendon area consistently, even after icing and rest, it’s time to seek medical attention. The earlier you seek treatment, the faster you will recover. Seeking professional care from a physiotherapist or chiropractor can help reduce the chance of re-injuring the affected area.
Hamstring tendinopathy can be a painful and debilitating condition, but the symptoms can be managed and treated through proper care. If you suspect that you may be experiencing any hamstring tendinopathy symptoms, it is vital to seek the advice of a professional. With the help of physiotherapists and chiropractors, you can regain your strength, mobility, and return to the activities you enjoy. By taking necessary precautions, such as engaging in warm-up, stretching, and gradually increasing the intensity of your workout, you can reduce the risk of developing hamstring tendinopathy. Remember, early detection and treatment can result in faster recovery and reduced incidences of re-injury.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapist at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
