What is a hamstring strain?
The hamstring consists of three large muscles in the back of the thigh: the biceps femoris, the semitendinosus, and the semimembranosus. A person with a hamstring strain has stretching or tearing of the hamstring muscles in the back of the thigh. A hamstring strain is usually caused by an injury. Most hamstring strains are partial tears of the muscle. Severe hamstring injuries may cause a complete tear, called a hamstring rupture.

What are the symptoms of a hamstring strain?
Symptoms of a hamstring strain include leg pain located in the hamstring that worsens with movement. Other symptoms include thigh swelling, difficulty walking, leg stiffness, hamstring tenderness, and hamstring bruising.

How does the doctor treat a hamstring strain?
Treatment for a hamstring strain includes rest, cold compresses, crutches, elevation, and an elastic wrap. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed for pain. Other measures include physical therapy and muscle stretching exercises.