Hamstring Tendinopathy
What is it?
Hamstring tendinopathy is inflammation of the tendon as a result of repeatedly overloading the tendon. The tendon gets irritated and inflamed through overuse creating a gradual onset of symptoms. This differs to a tendon strain or tear which comes on suddenly as a result of overstretching the tendon often during an explosive movement. Tendons are a fibrous structure which attach muscles to bone. The proximal hamstring tendons attach to the pelvis and the distal hamstring tendons to the knee and lower leg.
What are the symptoms?
– Pain felt high up the back of the thigh close to the buttock
– Pain on touch or palpation
– Pain on hamstring stretch
– Sometimes dull ache pain at rest
– Sharp pain when dynamically moving is sometimes described
– Discomfort in carrying out everyday activities and usual exercise routine
– Hamstring weakness
– Stiffness
Who does it affect?
– Adolescent athletes yet to complete all growth phases
– People at higher risk if had previous hamstring injury
– People with inadequately conditioned hamstrings for the activities/exercise/sport they are carrying out
– Common in sports persons, runners, footballers, tennis players, squash players, rugby etc.
How is it diagnosed?
– A detailed history, examination and assessment will be carried out by your practitioner to diagnose the condition and discuss appropriate individualized management.
How is it treated?
Treatment will consist of manual therapy, mobilisation techniques, soft tissue release, and appropriate loading and strength and conditioning. At Blackberry Clinics our physiotherapists will assess and rehabilitate your condition. If the injury is resistant to physiotherapy or other manual therapy treatment intervention then referrals can be made to Blackberry Clinic Sport and Exercise Medicine Doctors or Musculoskeletal Medicine doctors to discuss alternative assessment and treatment such as imaging or injection therapies. Our doctors are trained in musculoskeletal ultrasound diagnosis and can examine the tendon using this to assess tendon damage. If necessary they will refer you for an MRI.
Get in touch
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms contact your nearest Blackberry Clinic for assessment and treatment with either our Sport and Exercise Medicine doctors, physiotherapists, osteopaths or chiropractors.
