Hamstring Injuries in athletes Introduction Hamstring injuries (HSI) are commonly encountered among athletes who participate in sports involving high speed sprinting such as track and field, American football and soccer.
Hamstring Injuries in athletes Hamstring injuries (HSI) are commonly encountered among athletes who participate in sports involving high speed sprinting such as track and field, American football and soccer. It occurs frequently in both elite and recreational athletes and account for 75% of all lower extremity strains in running sports. Moreover, nearly one third of these injuries recur within the first year following a return to sport, with subsequent injuries often being more severe than the original.
The purpose of this review is to discuss the epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis as well as management of hamstring injuries. We will also discuss the rehabilitation protocols and indication for surgical referral. These injuries are notoriously challenging and associated with significant missed playing time.
Epidemiology Most researchers agree that hamstring injuries comprise a substantial percentage of acute, sports-related musculoskeletal injuries. In a study investigating the epidemiology of hamstring injuries among student athletes in 25 types of NCAA championship sports over 5 seasons, the incidence during competition per 10,000 athlete exposures was highest for men’s indoor track (15.70), soccer (14.69) and football(10.67). Significant loss of training time is observed (>28 days) in Australian Football and Soccer respectively.
Furthermore a high recurrence rates have been observed in sports, most notably in American football (32%), rugby union (21%) and soccer (16%). Risk Factors HSI risk can categorized as modifiable and non-modifiable. Modifiable risk factors include: Inadequate warm-up, Increased training volume,Muscle fatigue, Hamstring inflexibility, Hamstring weakness (may be weakness relative to ipsilateral quadriceps or contralateral hamstring), Cross-pelvic posture (ie, lumbar lordosis with anterior pelvic tilt), Lumbar-pelvic weakness, and Poor biomechanics (eg, running or change of direction).
Non modifiable risk factors are age, previous hamstring injuries, African or aboriginal ethnicity. The strongest risk factor for hamstring injury is a history of previous hamstring injury. Literature reviews have identified risk factors that contribute to recurrent hamstring injuries, including a history of prior hamstring injury, persistent muscle weakness, muscle strength imbalances between the quadriceps and hamstrings, poor flexibility, hamstring muscle fatigue, and inadequate warm up.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to hamstring injuries in athletes, it is important to see a sports medicine physician. Early evaluation and treatment typically lead to better outcomes. Do not ignore pain or symptoms that are limiting your activity.
*This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.*
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