[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Conditions](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/) › Hamstring Strain

[Conditions](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/) · [Lower limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/lower-limb/)

# Hamstring Strain

A hamstring strain is a tear or overstretch of the muscles at the back of the thigh, common in sprinting; it causes sudden pain in the back of the thigh.

Updated 2026-10-23

## Structures involved

Tap one to see what it is and open it in 3D.

- [Semitendinosus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/semitendinosus-muscle/)
- [Semimembranosus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/semimembranosus-muscle/)
- [Biceps femoris (long head)](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/long-head-of-biceps-femoris/)
- [Biceps femoris (short head)](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/short-head-of-biceps-femoris/)

## In histology

- [Muscle injury, repair and satellite cells](https://durgical.com/en/histology/muscle-injury-repair-and-satellite-cells/)

## Why it happens

- [Skeletal muscle: sarcomere and contraction](https://durgical.com/en/histology/skeletal-muscle-sarcomere-and-contraction/)

## What it is

Tear or overstretch of one or more of the hamstring muscles, common in sprinting and sudden acceleration.

## Symptoms and signs

- Sudden pain in the back of the thigh
- Bruising or swelling
- Pain with knee flexion or hip extension

## Diagnosis

**Clinical**
History and exam

**Imaging**
MRI or ultrasound for severe or proximal tears

## Treatment

**Rehabilitation**
Graduated loading and physical therapy; most resolve without surgery.

**Surgical**
Repair considered for complete proximal avulsions in active patients.

## Related conditions

- [Piriformis syndrome](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/piriformis-syndrome/)

Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

Sources: [Hamstring Injury](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558936/) (StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf), 2024).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/conditions/hamstring-strain/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/conditions/hamstring-strain/