Expert Sports Medicine

Hamstring Tear: Get Back to Full Strength

Comprehensive treatment for hamstring tears and injuries. Dr. Daniel Feghhi provides personalized care to help athletes and active individuals return to peak performance.

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Board Certified
Fellowship Trained
15+ Years Experience
Gluteus maximus and hamstrings work together to extend the trunk from a flexed position
Understanding Hamstring Injuries

What Is a Hamstring Tear?

A hamstring tear is an injury to the group of muscles located at the back of the thigh. These muscles are essential for walking, running, jumping, and many other activities.

Grades of Hamstring Tears

Grade 1 (Mild): Minor muscle strain with minimal loss of strength. Grade 2 (Moderate): Partial tear causing significant pain and weakness. Grade 3 (Severe): Complete tear with major loss of function.

Common Causes

Hamstring tears commonly occur during activities that involve sudden acceleration, deceleration, or stretching. Poor flexibility, muscle imbalance, and inadequate warm-up increase the risk of injury.

Risk Factors

Athletes in sports like football, soccer, basketball, and track are at higher risk. Previous hamstring injury, older age, and fatigue also increase the likelihood of tears.

Anatomy of the Hamstrings

The hamstrings consist of three muscles: biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus. They span both the hip and knee joints, enabling hip extension and knee flexion.

Avulsion Injuries

A hamstring avulsion occurs when the tendon pulls away from the bone, often at the sit bones (ischial tuberosity). These injuries may require surgical fixation for optimal outcomes.

Recurrence Risk

Hamstring tears have a high recurrence rate, especially without proper rehabilitation. Complete rehabilitation and strengthening are essential to prevent future injuries.

Sports with High Hamstring Injury Rates

Football, soccer, basketball, track and field, baseball, and gymnastics are among the sports with the highest rates of hamstring injuries.

Recognition & Diagnosis

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Recognizing the signs of a hamstring tear is essential for timely treatment and optimal recovery.

Common Symptoms

Sudden Pain

Sharp pain in the back of the thigh, often described as a "popping" sensation at the time of injury.

Swelling & Bruising

Swelling and discoloration (bruising) may develop within hours or days after the injury.

Weakness

Difficulty with activities like walking, running, or climbing stairs due to loss of hamstring strength.

Limited Range of Motion

Difficulty bending the knee or straightening the leg due to pain and muscle tightness.

Limping

Changes in gait due to pain and weakness, often noticeable when walking or running.

Diagnostic Methods

Physical Examination

Dr. Feghhi will evaluate pain, weakness, range of motion, and palpate the hamstring for tenderness and gaps in the muscle.

X-Rays

Used to rule out fractures, especially in avulsion injuries where the tendon pulls a piece of bone away.

MRI Scan

MRI provides detailed images of the hamstring muscles and tendons to determine the location and severity of the tear.

Ultrasound

Dynamic ultrasound can visualize the muscle in real-time to assess the tear and guide treatment decisions.

Treatment Options

Treatment for Hamstring Tears

Dr. Feghhi offers comprehensive treatment options tailored to the severity and type of your hamstring injury.

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatments

RICE Protocol

Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation in the first 72 hours to reduce swelling and pain.

Medications

NSAIDs to manage pain and inflammation during the initial recovery phase.

Physical Therapy

Progressive exercises to strengthen the hamstrings and restore function.

Cortisone Injections

Anti-inflammatory injections to reduce pain and swelling if needed.

Surgical Treatments

Hamstring Repair

Surgical reattachment of the torn hamstring tendon to the bone for complete ruptures or large tears.

  • Restores function
  • High success rate
  • Advanced techniques

Avulsion Fixation

Surgical reattachment of an avulsed tendon to the ischial tuberosity (sit bone) using anchors or screws.

  • Stabilizes bone
  • Promotes healing
  • Customized approach

Tendon Reconstruction

For chronic injuries or failed repairs, tendon reconstruction using grafts may be recommended.

  • Restores strength
  • Joint preservation
  • Active lifestyle

Endoscopic Repair

Minimally invasive technique using small incisions and a camera to repair proximal hamstring tears.

  • Smaller incisions
  • Faster recovery
  • Less scarring

Muscle Strengthening

Comprehensive rehabilitation program focusing on eccentric strengthening to prevent recurrence.

  • Prevents recurrence
  • Builds resilience
  • Returns to sport

PRP Therapy

Platelet-rich plasma injections may be used to promote healing in partial tears or chronic conditions.

  • Natural healing
  • Minimally invasive
  • Accelerates recovery
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about hamstring tears.

How long does it take to recover from a hamstring tear?

Can I walk with a hamstring tear?

When can I return to sports after a hamstring tear?

How can I prevent hamstring tears?

Do hamstring tears require surgery?

What is the recurrence rate of hamstring tears?

Get Back to Full Strength

Don't let a hamstring tear keep you from doing what you love. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Daniel Feghhi and get personalized treatment to return to your active lifestyle.

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Our Locations

Visit Our New Jersey Offices

Dr. Feghhi sees patients at multiple convenient locations throughout New Jersey.

Dover

400 W Blackwell St
Dover, NJ 07801

(973) 328-1200

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East Brunswick

East Brunswick, NJ

(732) 333-8700

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Elizabeth

Elizabeth, NJ

(908) 400-5990

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Hackensack

Hackensack, NJ

(201) 968-0230

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Wayne

Wayne, NJ

(973) 987-3040

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