Hamstring Injury
Hamstring
muscles allow you to flex your knees and bend your legs.
What to look for
All your movements rely on
these muscles. The muscles actually run along the back of the thigh to the knee.
Anyone can pull a
hamstring muscle, however, if you are a professional athlete, a dancer or work in another
physical occupation you are more prone.
It is important with this
type of injury to stop when you feel the pain and rest. If you keep working the injured
muscle, problems can develop and your recovery will be hampered.
Causes
A pulled hamstring is
invariably the result of overburdening or tearing the muscle fibres. You can simply
stretch the muscle too far and this can be mended easily or the muscle belt can be torn
which is more serious. When the muscle becomes separated from the connective tendons, it
is a much more serious injury.
It is always best to see a
doctor to be assured the damage is minimal.
Traditional Treatment
Like other strains, a
hamstring pull generally heals itself.
The established recovery
procedure for muscle strain is RICE:
Rest,
Ice,
Compression, and
Elevation.
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Your doctor may also
recommend a pain killer.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Massage - by a
trained therapist will help to relax and tone your muscles.
Aromatherapy -
For
tension in your hamstrings try this blend of essential oils - 3 drops of peppermint, 3 drops of marjoram in 15 gm of base cream or 15 ml massage
oil. Apply this to the effected area - massaging gently.
Homeopathy - Arnica is the homeopath's first-aid remedy for muscle
injuries. It can be taken orally and applied as a salve to the painful area. Rhus toxicodendron and Ruta are also remedies for muscle strains.
Dietary Considerations
Good natural sources of vitamin C, essential for tissue building, are citrus
fruits and potatoes. Potassium and calcium for bones are found in bananas, leafy greens,
and low-fat dairy products.
To help your muscles operate
at their best, drink plenty of water or a sports beverage before and after every workout.
Prevention
The best way to avoid muscle
strains is to keep your body in good condition and avoid pushing yourself too hard at work
or play.
Always warm up before
starting any sports or physical activity.
When to seek further
professional advice
you feel pain shooting down
the back of your leg when you cough.
you have chills or fever as
well as the muscle pain.
your leg hurts when you
walk and stops hurting when you are at rest.
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