From the Guidelines
Left hamstring pain treatment should prioritize rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) for the first 48-72 hours after injury, along with gentle stretching and strengthening exercises, to promote healing and reduce the risk of further injury 1.
Initial Management
The initial management of left hamstring pain involves reducing pain and inflammation, which can be achieved through the RICE principle: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Rest prevents ongoing damage and reduces pain, while ice helps in reducing swelling and pain by blunting the inflammatory response 1.
Pain Management
For pain management, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can be effective in relieving tendinopathy pain and may offer additional benefits in acute inflammatory tendonitis due to their anti-inflammatory properties 1. Topical NSAIDs can also reduce tendon pain without the increased risk of gastrointestinal hemorrhage associated with systemic NSAIDs.
Rehabilitation
Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises should begin after the acute pain subsides. This includes hamstring stretches, bridges, and eventually hamstring curls. It's crucial to progress gradually to avoid reinjury. Physical therapy may be beneficial for moderate to severe cases, focusing on proper rehabilitation techniques and addressing any biomechanical issues 1.
Ongoing Care
Apply heat before exercise to increase blood flow and ice afterward to reduce inflammation. Most hamstring strains improve within 2-6 weeks depending on severity. If pain persists beyond 2 weeks, worsens significantly, or is accompanied by significant swelling or inability to bear weight, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider as this may indicate a more serious injury requiring additional treatment.
Key Considerations
- Rest and avoidance of activities that worsen pain are crucial in the initial phase.
- Eccentric exercise has been proven beneficial in some tendinopathies and may be helpful in hamstring tendinopathy.
- Stretching exercises are generally thought to be helpful and are widely accepted.
- Monitoring for signs of more serious injury or complications is essential for guiding the appropriate level of care.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Left Hamstring Pain
- The treatment for left hamstring pain can vary depending on the severity and location of the injury.
- Nonoperative measures such as activity modification and physical therapy are often used to manage hamstring injuries 2.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have been investigated as an adjunct to traditional rehabilitation programs, with some studies showing promising results 3, 4.
- However, the effectiveness of PRP injections in reducing recovery time and reinjury rates is still a topic of debate, with some studies showing conflicting evidence 5, 4.
Rehabilitation and Prevention
- Rehabilitation programs that incorporate neuromuscular control exercises and eccentric strength training may be effective in minimizing the risk of reinjury 6.
- Objective measures to assess musculotendon recovery and readiness to return to sport are also important in preventing premature return to play 6.
- A clinical guide for the rehabilitation of acute hamstring injuries, including specific criteria for treatment progression and return to sport, has been proposed 6.
Surgical Intervention
- Operative treatment of proximal hamstring injuries, including endoscopic or open approaches, is traditionally reserved for severe cases or those that do not improve with nonoperative management 2.
- Distal hamstring injuries may initially be managed nonoperatively, although surgical treatment may be necessary in some cases 2.