Hamstring tear - Worrying.

Hi, I'm hoping someone can help me... :-(

I play sport on a regular basis, however I pulled my hamstring playing football last year. I sprinted for a ball late in the game, and felt a pop. I had to leave the game instantly. At first I thought it was a usual muscle pull, so I rested, iced it, kept it elevated, and let it try and heal. After a weeks rest, I realised that it wasn't an ordinary tear. I went to the hospital, and was given some physio. Things seemed ok after a few weeks so I started to train again. Things seems fine as I warmed up and ran about, however once again my hamstring pulled after stretching for a ball...

Now, after months of staying away from any strain on my leg, I feel a difference in the back of my leg. If I run my fingers along the back of both my legs, I can feel a "gap" on the leg I hurt! It's as though there is some muscle missing!!

My fear is that a muscle in the back of my leg was torn completely and healed in the wrong place??

I'm no expert, but it's just what I'm worried about.

I've played tennis, and can get through games, but any sport that involves suddenly extending my leg rapidly results in a pain and a feeling of pulling my hamstring again.

What could have happened? and what can I do to solve the problem and start playing sport again?

Is it possible for a muscle to tear and heal in the wrong place?? How can this be fixed?

Thanks!

Yes it sounds like you have ruptured your hamstring muscle or avulsed the attachment of the muscle. This usually happens high up the muscle at the ischial tuberosity ie the bone that you sit on. This can be diagnosed by MRI.

Avulsions can be surgically repaired but this should be done in the first few months. For those who have repairs they need to totally rest for 6 weeks and go easy for 6 month and take a further 6 months to restore strength and are usually very painful.

So letting it heal itself is not such a bad option. You may not get a better outcome by pursuing surgery ( but obviously take your advice from a reputable sports physician!) just accepting the slight weakness and tightness around the scar tissue. Adapt your sport technique and keep trying to strengthen your hamstring.

I have seen one person who didn't get the repair and although she still get frequent symptoms she just ignores them and just carries on doing sport aerobics at national level. The other one has had the surgery and is still not yet able to do any sport (Repaired about 4 months ago) still getting lots of symptoms because the scar tissue wrapped around the sciatic nerve.....