A pulled hamstring can bring your activities to a sudden halt. Whether you are an athlete or just going about your daily routine, this painful injury requires proper medical attention for a full recovery. Finding the right doctor for pulled hamstring treatment is crucial to getting back on track.

Let us explore how orthopedic doctors diagnose and treat pulled hamstrings. With the right care, you will be on your way to resuming your normal activities quickly and safely.

What Is a Pulled Hamstring

A pulled hamstring happens when one or more of your hamstring muscles tear. Your hamstring group includes three muscles: the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus that work together to power your leg movements.

Most hamstring injuries occur during activities that require sudden movements. Running, jumping, and kicking are common causes. Poor flexibility and muscle weakness can increase your risk of injury.

Understanding Hamstring Injury Grades

Orthopedic doctors classify pulled hamstrings into three grades based on severity:

  • Grade 1 (Mild): Small tears in the muscle fibers cause mild pain and tenderness. You can still walk normally, but you may feel some discomfort.
  • Grade 2 (Moderate): Partial tearing of muscle fibers causes moderate pain and swelling. Walking becomes difficult, and you may notice bruising.
  • Grade 3 (Severe): Complete muscle rupture causes severe pain and significant swelling. You cannot walk without help, and bruising is extensive.

Each grade requires different treatment approaches. An orthopedic doctor for pulled hamstring injuries will determine your specific grade during examination.

How Orthopedic Doctors Diagnose Pulled Hamstrings

When you visit an orthopedic doctor for a pulled hamstring, they use a systematic approach to diagnose your injury. The process begins with gathering information about your symptoms and injury.

Medical History Assessment

Your doctor will ask detailed questions about your hamstring injury. They want to understand:

  • When and how the injury happened.
  • What activities you were doing.
  • Your pain levels and location.
  • Any previous hamstring injuries.
  • Current medications you take.

This information helps your doctor understand the injury pattern and potential complications.

Physical Examination Process

During your physical exam, the orthopedic doctor will carefully assess your hamstring muscles. They check for several key signs:

  • Visual Inspection: Your doctor looks for bruising, swelling, and muscle deformity. The pattern of bruising can indicate where the tear occurred.
  • Palpation: Gentle touching helps identify tender areas and muscle gaps. This tells your orthopedic doctor which specific muscles are injured.
  • Range of Motion Testing: Your doctor will have you move your leg in different directions. This shows how much the injury limits your movement.
  • Strength Testing: Simple resistance tests reveal how much strength you have lost. This helps determine the severity of your injury.

Diagnostic Imaging When Needed

Most pulled hamstrings do not require imaging studies. However, your orthopedic doctor may order tests if they suspect a severe injury or complications.

  • X-Rays: These rule out bone fractures or other bone problems. They are especially important if you fell or had direct trauma to your leg.
  • MRI Scans: Magnetic resonance imaging shows detailed pictures of your muscles and tendons. This test can reveal the exact location and extent of muscle tears.
  • Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create pictures of your muscles. It can show muscle tears and internal bleeding.

Your doctor will explain why any imaging is necessary and what the results mean for your treatment.

Treatment Options for Pulled Hamstrings

Treatment for pulled hamstrings depends on the severity of your injury. Orthopedic doctors use proven methods to help your muscles heal properly and prevent future injuries.

The RICE Method

Most hamstring injuries heal with conservative care focused on pain relief and recovery. Key steps for recovery:

  • Rest and modify activities to avoid pain.
  • Use ice for swelling during the first 48-72 hours, then switch to heat for stiffness.
  • Apply compression and elevate the injured area to reduce inflammation.

Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help, but always consult your doctor. Gradually resume normal activities as healing progresses.

The MEAT Method

Another approach to aid recovery is the MEAT method, which focuses on maintaining activity alongside targeted treatment:

  • Movement: Engage in gentle, pain-free movement to prevent stiffness and maintain blood flow.
  • Exercise: As you heal, incorporate light stretching and strengthening exercises to restore muscle function.
  • Analgesics: Use pain-relief medications, as necessary, to manage discomfort.
  • Therapy: Continue with appropriate therapies, like physiotherapy or massages, to support recovery.

By combining the conservative approaches with the MEAT method, you can achieve a faster and more effective recovery from a pulled hamstring. Always consult your doctor for a pulled hamstring for personalized advice.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Physical therapy is key to recovering from a hamstring injury. A physical therapist works with your doctor to create a personalized recovery plan, which may include exercises and therapeutic techniques like soft tissue massage, electrical stimulation, and heat and ice therapy.

Surgical Intervention

Surgery is rarely needed for grade 1 and 2 pulled hamstrings. Your doctor for a pulled hamstring might consider surgery if:

  • You have a complete muscle rupture (grade 3).
  • Conservative treatment fails after several months.
  • You have recurring injuries despite proper treatment.

During surgery, the torn muscle is repaired by reattaching it to the bone or stitching the muscle fibers back together.

Orthopedic Doctors for Pulled Hamstring Treatment in Cary, Holly Springs, and Morrisville, NC

If you are dealing with hamstring pain or suspect a pulled hamstring, do not wait to seek professional help.

At Cary Orthopaedics, our highly experienced and board-certified orthopedic doctors specialize in sports medicine and muscle injuries. We provide comprehensive care for sports and orthopedic injuries from initial diagnosis through complete recovery. Our team uses the latest diagnostic techniques and evidence-based treatments to help you return to your active lifestyle.

Since 1982, Cary Orthopaedics has delivered excellence in orthopedic care throughout the Triangle region.

For more information, contact us at 919.467.4992. To schedule your appointment, call our office today at 919.573.4825. Our new orthopaedic physicians, Dr. Adam Almaguer and Dr. Paul Andrews, are seeing new patients.

We look forward to serving you!