Hamstring tendon strain treatment

The hamstring tendons connect the thigh muscles to the pelvis and lower leg. Treatment depends on whether pain followed a sudden injury, developed gradually, or is linked to sitting, running, or bending. Examination looks at tenderness, strength, hip and knee movement, walking, and sport-specific tasks. [Thigh Pain](/symptoms/thigh-pain/) can also come from nearby structures, so the label should be checked when progress is poor.

A clinician may recommend imaging when the injury is severe, the diagnosis is uncertain, or symptoms do not follow the expected pattern. Imaging is interpreted alongside the examination rather than used alone to decide activity.

Start by reducing the loads that provoke symptoms, such as sprinting, hills, deep bending, or prolonged sitting. Keep comfortable movement and change positions regularly. Pain relief medicines should be discussed with a pharmacist or clinician, especially if you have other conditions or take regular medicines.

Rehabilitation commonly progresses from tolerable contractions to bridges, hip control, controlled hinges, and heavier hamstring work. The therapist can adjust range, resistance, and frequency according to symptoms after exercise. [Exercise Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/exercise-therapy/) supports this progression. Later stages may include running drills and a [Return-to-Sport Programme](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/return-to-sport-programme/).

Arrange assessment for a pop, major bruising, a visible hollow, sudden weakness, difficulty walking, or pain that is not improving with sensible load reduction. Seek urgent care for severe worsening pain, numbness, a cold or discoloured foot, or calf swelling with chest or breathing symptoms. Repeated flare-ups during rehabilitation are a reason to modify the plan and reassess the diagnosis.

Ask which tendon region is involved, what activity is safe, how progress will be measured, and when running or stretching can return. Ask whether you need a physiotherapy referral or [Sports Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/sports-physiotherapy/). If symptoms continue despite a well-supervised plan, discuss whether [PRP Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/prp-injection/) is suitable and what its limitations are.